Rijk Zwaan strives to improve India’s food supply
“The majority of vegetable production in India is open field cultivation”, Ravindra Savant, Product Development Manager at Rijk Zwaan India explains. “Less than 1% of the crops are being grown in a greenhouse. However, one hectare of protected cultivation yields more than five hectares of open field. Also, it opens up opportunities to grow higher quality vegetables. With the population growing as well as the number of health related issues, it’s crucial to bring more healthy vegetables to the market.”
Economic stability
Rijk Zwaan India is making slow but steady progress in transforming growing practices. “Converting to cultivation in net houses or poly houses is challenging for the growers, but they are convinced by the opportunities”, Savant states. “By growing high quality products in a greenhouse, their yield increases significantly leading to more economic stability and better social circumstances. We have made some great steps forward with growers in for example the gherkin, sweet pepper and mini cucumber market. This success inspires other growers to take the step as well.”
Education
To help growers truly deliver up to their potential, Rijk Zwaan offers intense guidance. “We provide them with technical advice on matters such as soil improvement and the use of fertilizers and crop protection. We focus on sharing best practices and educating the workers.” Apart from extending technical services to its growers, the company also provides information on marketing of the produce by bringing various parties in the chain together and organizing linking activities: “This way we can create a lasting positive impact on the Indian agricultural sector and contribute to a better food supply.”
For more information:
Rijk Zwaan
info@rijkzwaan.com
www.rijkzwaan.com