Syngenta India's I-CLEAN initiative the Barora Haat Bazaar in Varanasi was inaugurated yesterday by Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister for Agriculture, Uttar Pradesh. This revamped marketplace is set to serve as a model of rural transformation, offering improved infrastructure and amenities to support local vendors, farmers, and the community. fXin 13 December 2024 | The Park | New Delhi THIRD EDITION Capturing Value Through Collaboration, Innovation & Disruption REGISTER NOW. Shahi congratulated Syngenta for its unique initiative which will prove beneficial for the farmers for Uttar Pradesh. I-CLEAN (Inculcating Cleanliness, Learning, Education, Awareness, and New Habits) is the flagship CSR initiative of Syngenta India Limited, aimed at fostering hygiene, dignity, and economic growth in rural areas. Since its inception in 2014, the initiative has developed 24 Rural Haats across Bihar, Karnataka, and December 13, 2024 Agrochem Summit 2024 Telangana, positively impacting over 4 lakh people.

The Barora Haat project marks the debut of I-CLEAN in Uttar Pradesh, executed in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the NGO Haritika. The transformation includes the construction of eight new sheds with raised platforms, toilet blocks, paved flooring, solar lighting, bore wells, and repairs to existing shops. These enhancements address critical issues such as waterlogging, sanitation, and safety, particularly for women, while also providing a more conducive environment for vendors to conduct business. 18 existing shops have been also renovated in the Barora Haat Bazaar. Women vendors and self-help groups would also be befitted from this project in Barora as the infrastructure is equipped with separate toilet blocks for women. With the new transformation, overall environment within the haat provides a safer place to do business for women.

Speaking on the occasion, Shahi praised I-CLEAN, stating, "The revamped Barora Haat is a shining example of how public-private collaboration can bring meaningful change to rural communities. This initiative will improve livelihoods, provide a better and safe place of work and address health and hygiene in the market area". Susheel Kumar, Managing Director and Country Head, Syngenta India, added, "We are happy to see Barora Haat come to life as a hub of economic activity. By providing essential infrastructure and amenities, we aim to empower rural communities, especially farmers, with opportunities for growth and prosperity. Dr KC Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India, emphasized the broader impact of the I-CLEAN initiative, saying, "Barora Haat exemplifies our commitment to transforming rural markets into safe, hygienic, and efficient spaces. The success of such projects reinforces the importance of infrastructure in enabling economic growth and community well-being. We are dedicated towards rural prosperity and have completed 24 I-CLEAN projects in Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana in the past."

Source: ICN Bureau