Lay's Launches Project To Empower Women Farmers And Raise Awareness About Their Achievements

New Delhi, March 9, 2024: PepsiCo India’s brand Lay's has launched a project which aims at empowering women farmers in India.

Launched on the occasion of International Women's Day 2024 on Friday in Uttar Pradesh in partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), project “Farm Equal’ goes beyond simply boosting agricultural yields.

Recognising the unique challenges and needs of women in agriculture, Project Farm Equal takes a multi-pronged approach to empower them. It involves the development of women-first tools, ensuring efficiency and comfort in their work. Additionally, dedicated programs assist women in navigating legal and loan systems, providing essential knowledge and support as well as providing information and support on accessing government social support programs. Moreover, comprehensive technical and financial training programs enhance the capabilities of women farmers, enabling informed decisions about their farms and financial matters.

Project Farm Equal recognises the remarkable contributions of women farmers, many of whom have not only provided relentless support but have also risen to leadership roles in managing farms. Project Farm Equal serves as both a tribute to their indomitable spirit and a catalyst for further empowerment.

Sharing her thoughts on the initiative, Saumya Rathor, Category Lead, Potato Chips, PepsiCo India said, "Project Farm Equal is a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable women who are the backbone of Indian Agriculture. We take utmost pride in celebrating their spirit and contributions. This initiative aims to inspire and empower women farmers, creating a transformative impact and contributing to an equitable future.”

Anukool Joshi, Agro Director at PepsiCo India said "At PepsiCo India, we understand that empowering women farmers is not just about equity; it's about driving meaningful change within the agricultural landscape. This initiative is a crucial step in our journey to ensure that women have equal access to resources, training, and opportunities, enabling them to achieve their full potential as agri-preneurs. Project Farm Equal is a testament to our steadfast commitment to not only recognize but also amplify the invaluable contributions of women in the agriculture supply chain. By focusing on creating an environment that supports their growth and access, we are taking concrete steps towards fostering a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural ecosystem."

"Although women represent more than 40 percent of the global agriculture workforce, women face unequal access to training, technology, finance, and land. In India, USAID and PepsiCo are partnering to strengthen economic pathways for women working in India’s agricultural sector, and demonstrating how elevating women in agriculture can lead to greater growth, profitability, and sustainability. As the United States and India partners to advance global development objectives, USAID is proud to support this partnership to enhance women’s economic empowerment, and elevate models for global application," said Veena Reddy, Mission Director, at USAID/India.

Project Farm Equal marks a significant step towards fostering gender equality, sustainability, and community development in Indian agriculture.