Bridgestone India to help 1,00,000 smallholder rubber growers in the districts of Idukki and Kottayam in Kerala. In collaboration with the Netherlands-based NGO Solidaridad, the firm has started “UNNATI – a Sustainable Natural Rubber Initiative”. The principal aim of this project is to enable constructive changes within the rubber sector by guaranteeing a natural rubber supply chain which can help produce good tyres and raising the standard of life for producers.
Commencing on October 1, 2022, the project aims to improve the standard of living for 5,000 smallholder rubber growers. Over 4.5 years, it also intends to increase the capacity of 95,000 farmers in rubber growing practices for tyre industry. This all-inclusive program includes components like capacity building, community development, research and development, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Bridgestone’s choice is a reflection of its commitment to community development, sustainable sourcing, and improving the lives of the local rubber growers for tires. The managing director of Bridgestone India, Stefano Sanchini, expressed excitement about the collaboration with smallholder farmers. He highlighted learning from one another, improved quality in rubber production, and noteworthy contributions to regional economic development.
Additionally, in terms of several important areas such as field preparation, fertilizer management, pest and disease control, latex harvesting technique, wastewater treatment, and occupational health and safety, “Project Unnati” conforms to the Rubber Board of India’s criteria.
The project will be carried out under the direction of the Solidaridad Regional Expertise Centre (SREC). The Solidaridad Country Manager for India SREC, Monica Khanna, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Bridgestone India. She emphasized the common goal of having a long-lasting, beneficial effect on Kerala’s rubber growers who can work in tyre industry.
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