PepsiCo is contributing to the economy in Myanmar with an agriculture program that is helping meet the company’s need for potato supplies in Southeast Asia, as well as providing economic opportunities for local farmers.
PepsiCo identified Myanmar as a potential hub for growing potatoes, thanks to its rich, fertile lands and favorable climate. The company undertook a comprehensive approach to partnering with farmers, training them on sustainable agriculture practices, and guiding them on investments in infrastructure, such as the drip irrigation technology that conserves water usage and minimizes the use of fertilizers and chemicals, as well as improved potato storage facilities.
When PepsiCo began the local sustainable agriculture program in 2014 through its partner in Myanmar, 38 farmer partners produced 700 tons of potatoes that year.
By the end of 2017, the company projects there will be 144 farmers producing 3,300 tons of potatoes annually, reflecting improvements in average yields in tons per acre over the last three growing seasons.
Bassim Rizk, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain, PepsiCo Asia Pacific:
“When we first started agricultural operations in Myanmar, we saw a great opportunity to bring new farming expertise to the country.”
“Now, our teams of experts have transferred knowledge and innovation in farming practices to our farmer partners, with the ultimate goal of increasing farm productivity and enhancing crop yields and quality.”
“These efforts deliver maximum benefits to both PepsiCo and to our farmers in line with our Performance with Purpose work to expand sustainable agricultural practices and spur economic development and prosperity in communities around the world near where we work.”
PepsiCo re-entered Myanmar in 2012 and in 2014 teamed up with LOTTE-MGS to locally manufacture its core carbonated soft drink portfolio, including Pepsi, Mirinda and 7UP, as well as Sting energy drink.
source: potatopro.com
