In India, hunger and malnutrition are a cause for concern. With such a large population, it is a country with one of the highest levels of food production yet also one of the worst food crises. About 224.3 million people are experiencing food insecurity, inevitably leading to a higher risk of diseases such as malnutrition and anemia.

While India’s mortality rate from hunger and disease is statistically declining, the country still records the highest number of deaths from these causes.

The Influence of Smallholder Farmers 

Although smallholder farmers account for a large share of India’s food production, numerous challenges restrict their ability to maximize output. There is very little support for improving farming practices among smallholder farmers in India. They have very little access to the necessities for growing crops: quality seeds, fertilizers and irrigation. 

Many of India’s smallholder farmers are living in poverty, earning less than $2.15 a day. Regardless, they still face pressure to feed those in poverty while also navigating their own obstacles. In response, Unilever is creating partnerships, prioritizing investment in smallholder farmers and creating a lasting impact. 

Tea Farmers in India

Tea farmers face various obstacles across India. A decline in tea prices has led to financial instability for workers and their livelihoods. Small tea growers depend on Bought Leaf Factories (BLFs) to sell their leaves immediately after plucking. These BLFs, which account for 54% of total tea production, prioritize quantity over quality. 

Much of the tea is sold while still of low quality. As a result, the price at which tea is purchased also decreases. To address this, since 2013, Unilever has supported smallholder tea farmers in India in producing high-quality, climate-resilient crops. 

This is critical as stronger crop yields that withstand climate impacts lead to higher tea sales, increasing income and improving financial stability for smallholder farmers in India. The organization helps between 7,000 and 10,000 Indian tea farmers each year.

Coffee Farming in India

Coffee has been a major part of India’s agricultural industry since the 1600s. However, the coffee farming industry in India is facing diseases and pests that are affecting coffee yields. With additional days of heat harming crop development, yields have declined and bean quality has decreased.

As coffee production is important to India’s economic value and overall financial stability, Unilever is teaching smallholder farmers in India regenerative agriculture practices. These include using natural fertilizers, conserving water and intercropping. Unilever is also investing in changing social norms by improving women’s livelihoods, offering them field-facilitator positions and creating livelihood programs. By 2027, Unilever aspires to support 50,000 coffee farmers.

Final Remarks

As a sustainable company, Unilever plans to create stable, long-lasting farms in India, leading to long-term improvements in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and reducing overall poverty. Smallholder farmers will receive higher incomes, creating a more stable living environment. 

– Freya Bryers 

Freya is based in Surrey, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project. 

Photo: Flickr