Bonsucro, the global sugarcane platform, is set to hold a training programme in New Delhi next week. The three-day programme from 24th June to 26th June 2019 is designed to provide Indian sugarcane mills with the expertise required to implement Bonsucro’s sustainability standards in their operations.
The training, which has seen a lot of take-up from both certified and non-certified mills since ticket sales began, will include gap assessments at two mills and a focus on the Bonsucro Smallholder Standard and its Chain of Custody Standard.
In conversation with ChiniMandi.com, Bonsucro’s Regional Coordinator for India Ritu Baruah shared her views on the technical programme scheduled. She said, “Ultimately we are looking to strengthen the capacity of mills and farms so that they are able to take the next step in terms of sustainable sugarcane, whether they have already begun their Bonsucro journey and are looking to scale-up, or they are just starting out.
“As sustainability in sugarcane production and processing becomes increasingly important around the world, sugarcane mills and farms in India are becoming more and more interested in demonstrating their commitment to responsible environmental and social management. Bonsucro’s standards, tools and certification system provide mills and farms a dedicated, globally recognized framework for measuring, managing and demonstrating their performance.” she added.
There are currently four Bonsucro-certified mills in India, belonging to EID Parry, Olam and Baramati Agro, and in total there are 233 Indian members of the platform. India is a focus country for Bonsucro, and in additional to training, the organization is supporting research and development in sugarcane mills and farms, in order to help shine a light on the latest affordable, sustainable practices. Prominent buyers are also engaged with Bonsucro. For example, as part of its commitment to the Bonsucro Buyer Accelerator Group, PepsiCo has invested in building capacity of farmers and mills. The funding was directed to projects delivered by implementing partners on specific environmental and social issues identified as priorities at five key mills and the farms supplying their sugarcane.
