New Delhi: Syngenta Global CEO, Jeff Rowe, today commended India’s remarkable advancements in agriculture. Rowe expressed his “great optimism” that with India’s progressive policies, innovation, and embrace of technology, the country is on track to becoming a global agricultural powerhouse. He made these remarks while launching Syngenta India’s I RISE programme, which aims to train over one lakh rural youth for various agriculture-related livelihood opportunities.
At the I RISE launch, Dr Sahdev Singh, Director DMI, Ministry of Agriculture & Family Welfare; Dr Shailesh Mishra, Director Extension, Ministry of Agriculture & Family Welfare; Dr. RC Agrawal, Deputy Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research; Dr TS Riar, Additional Director of Communication, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhina; Dr. Indra Mani, Vice Chancellor, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, Maharashtra; Rajendra Jog, Country Director, Syngenta Foundation India and I-RISE Pilot Trainees were present at the launch.
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Rowe explained that Inculcating Rural India Skill Enhancement (I RISE), which supports as many as eight Sustainable Development Goals, “will become a safety net for rural prosperity in India, focusing on training and engaging rural youth in agriculture. It is designed to curb youth migration from villages and address the growing challenge of dwindling skilled farm personnel.”
Rowe also highlighted government initiatives aimed at empowering youth and driving growth. “From Start-Up India to Stand Up India, Skill India, and the National Skill Development Mission, the Government has been focusing on providing new avenues for work and entrepreneurship. He added, “Our endeavour is designed to support this agenda by crafting a unique programme for rural youth, strengthening the agriculture ecosystem.”
Under Syngenta I RISE, rural youth under 35, with at least a class 10 education and farming exposure, undergo a 30-day classroom training followed by a two-month internship. Afterwards, they can pursue advanced training or seek employment in the agricultural supply chain, micro-business or farming activities. The programme is built on the 3Es approach: Educate youth in agriculture through training and mentorship; Engage them through employment and entrepreneurship opportunities; and Elevate their livelihood income.
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This programme is being implemented through Syngenta Foundation India; Choudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM), Government of India; State Agriculture Universities; and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
According to Susheel Kumar, Country Head and Managing Director, Syngenta India, “India’s large young population holds immense potential to transform the country into a global powerhouse and a skill hub. With more than 65 per cent of the population under 35, this young workforce can further propel India’s development and economic growth. Keeping this in mind, we have designed the I RISE programme to engage rural youth in agriculture and provide them with appropriate skills to explore dignified and sustainable income-earning opportunities.”
Susheel further said, “Having engaged with farmers and rural youth through various innovative programmes, this initiative represents another significant step in improving the quality of life for smallholder farmers and rural youth. It also aligns with our commitment to addressing the challenges posed by climate change.”
