Cadbury India to promote Cocoa Research in Tamil Nadu, inks partnership with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Cadbury India Ltd. today announced an extensive cocoa research project in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to help promote cocoa cultivation in the state.
The research project is part of the Cadbury Cocoa Partnership established to help secure the economic, social and environmental sustainability of cocoa farmers and their communities in India and other cocoa growing areas.
The cocoa research project will focus on:
1. Improving cocoa farmer incomes: by helping farmers increase their yields through superior planting material, disease resistant varieties and produce top quality beans
2. Introducing location specific practices: by understanding the impact of geographical variations in the region and developing location specific best cocoa growing practices for local farmer communities
3. Working in Partnerships: developing practices and research material to support the Tamil Nadu government’s efforts in promoting cocoa as an intercrop in coconut to augment the income of farmers.
Speaking on behalf of Cadbury India, K. P Magudapathy, Associate Vice President – Cocoa Operations said, “Through this research project in Tamil Nadu, Cadbury is looking to partner the state government by supporting cocoa farmers and help develop cocoa production in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable way”.
This partnership is a testimony of our long-term commitment to holistically support the development of sustainable cocoa growing communities in Tamil Nadu. In 2007, Cadbury had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tamil Nadu Government’s Department of Horticulture to enhance the cocoa cultivation in the state through National Horticulture Mission. Cadbury has extended buy-back guarantee, minimum support price and technical advice for the benefit of the farmers.
