ENVIRONMENTAL RESPECT 2O16


ASIA PACIFIC WINNERS IND I A


AKSHATHA AGRO VET AGENCIES ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP HELPS COMPANY EARN RESPECT


and the role crop protection chemicals play in enhancing production and productivity. “It is also important that we use them responsibly and wisely for a sustainable agriculture and to mitigate food security challenges,” says Akshatha Agro’s P.S. Krishnaiah Setty. “We’ve inculcated stewardship as a core value for our business.” A big part of that approach has been the Bengaluru,


A


India-company’s association with DuPont, a relationship that began when DuPont began doing business in India nearly 24 years ago. Akshatha Agro sells through retailers, not growers,


but that doesn’t mean the company’s environmental stewardship approach hasn’t earned the growers’ re- spect. “Through our dedicated efforts for protecting the environment, we have established our image and good will with several key stakeholders including the farming community,” Setty says. “They now look forward to our support or guidance on various aspects of agriculture including crop protection. This has helped us strengthen


KSHATHA AGRO VET AGENCIES recognizes it is imperative growers produce more from limited resources to feed the ever growing population


the bond with our customers. It is an investment itself for a sustainable business for us as well. Serving our own community gives a feeling of self-satisfaction and pride for us.” Akshatha Ago conducts what it calls Stewardship


Days for farmers that involve key stakeholders, including agriculture department officials, twice a year. The company works closely with the Department of Agriculture and most recently had the Joint Director of Agriculture, the District Health officer, and many other key officials participate. “We educated farmers on using crop protection


products responsibly and on the issue of counterfeits,” Setty says. “As a moral obligation we got a signed declaration from all retailers that they will encourage re- sponsible and safe use of crop protection products and at the same time provide product on invoice to farmers.” — Dan Jacobs


Material handling (above) must be done by properly trained and protected employees. (At right) Akshatha Agro team members work directly with growers to en- sure products are applied properly.


12


ENVIRONMENTAL RESPECT


July 2016


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24