Bengaluru, January 18, 2024: The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF), India’s largest non-profit organization focused on child nutrition and education, recently observed 'Suggi Habba' in the agricultural heartland of Karnataka. In an event recognizing the harvest season and honoring local farmers, TAPF celebrated its deep-rooted collaboration with farmers, a crucial element supporting its mid-day meal program.
Central to the celebration was TAPF's direct sourcing from local farmers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring fair compensation for farmers. This partnership not only sustains the agricultural community but also contributes to TAPF's mission of nourishing schoolchildren through the mid-day meal program.
Key Elements of the Celebration and Farmer Collaboration:
Direct Sourcing from Farmers by TAPF:
-Timeline and Impact: Commencing direct sourcing 1.5 years ago, TAPF ensures fair payments, eliminating middlemen and providing stability for farmers.
-Benefits for Farmers: Direct sourcing guarantees daily fair compensation and future crop orders, nurturing a sustainable relationship.
Criteria for Selecting Farmers:
-Selection Process: Criteria include quality, quantity alignment with TAPF's needs, and market price feasibility.
- Key Factors: Focus on quality standards and timely fulfillment at market-approved prices.
Ensuring Fresh and Nutritious Vegetables:
- Quality Assurance: TAPF maintains strict quality control from procurement to food delivery.
- SQMS: Farmers undergo audits for quality and food safety compliance; engaged suppliers are rigorously vetted.
Promotion of Chemical-Free Vegetables:
- GAP: Farmers encouraged to adopt Good Agricultural Practices, cultivating chemical-free vegetables.
Growth in Sourcing and Farmer Collaboration:
- Expansion and Impact: TAPF's sourcing has substantially grown, from 200-500 kg to 16-18 Metric Tons in the Chikkaballapur cluster alone, indicating a significant increase in farmer collaborations.
Reasons for Direct Procurement from Farmers:
- Strategic Decision: The shift aimed to eliminate middlemen, ensure a supply of fresh, high-quality vegetables, and engage farmers directly in TAPF's farm-to-fork initiative.
This initiative reflects The Akshaya Patra Foundation's commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering community participation. It symbolizes TAPF's collective effort in promoting healthy eating habits and advancing sustainable practices towards a brighter, more nourishing future. The Foundation feeds over 2.1 million children in 29,000 schools through its 72 kitchens across 16 states and 2 UTs of India, making it the world's largest NGO-run school feeding program.
