CMC and New Holland Agriculture Partner to Push for Sustainable Practices
CMC, a major player in the agriculture sector, has embarked on a transformative partnership with New Holland Agriculture to drive sustainable agriculture practices in East Africa.
The collaborative initiative encompasses a multi-faceted project aimed at bolstering agricultural practices, with a keen focus on safety gear distribution.
This endeavour is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12, 8, and 3, reflecting CMC’s and New Holland Agriculture unwavering commitment to responsible production, economic growth, and improved well-being.
With safety being paramount in agricultural activities, the Safety Gear Distribution aspect stands as a cornerstone of the project. This component is dedicated to safeguarding the health and lives of farmers and workers involved in pesticide and herbicide spraying, which is crucial for crop protection and yield enhancement.
Spraying, while essential, involves handling chemicals that can pose health risks if not managed properly. The free Safe Spraying Gear Distribution initiative ensures that farmers have access to high-quality protective gear, including gloves, overalls, goggles, gumboots and respiratory masks. This gear acts as a vital shield, guarding against direct contact with potentially harmful substances and reducing the risk of skin irritation, respiratory issues, and other health complications.
Partnering with Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA), a project of the World Food Programme, underscores the collaborative effort to bring this project to fruition. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both CMC and New Holland Agriculture, along with the distribution network provided by FtMA, the Safety Gear Distribution initiative aims to positively impact the lives of countless farmers across East Africa. FtMA organises farmers into centres referred to as Farmer Service Centres (FSC’) for demand and supply aggregation as well as training on climate smart agriculture in which safe spraying is one of the many important topics.
In partnership with AAK (Agro-Chemicals Association of Kenya), FtMA have been conducting trainings to farmers across the Country on safe chemical handling and disposal. FtMA, have also been training safe spraying specialists (Spray Service Providers), who can safely offer spraying services to farmers.
CMC and New Holland Agriculture will be distributing 200 full kits free to the top performing SSP’s (highest acreage served) across the Country. This is due to the fact that they serve many farmers meaning the kits will have more reach and impact.
CNH Industrial EMEA President, Mr. Carlo Alberto Sisto, launched the kits distribution program officially last month during a visit to Kenya.
Through this initiative, CMC and New Holland Agriculture are not only enhancing safety and well-being but also fostering sustainability at every step. The project aligns closely with SDG 12 by promoting responsible consumption and production, SDG 8 by bolstering decent work and economic growth, and SDG 3 by prioritizing good health and well-being.
“We are thrilled to be part of this transformative project that directly addresses the safety and sustainability needs of East African farmers. By providing access to proper safety gear, we are not only protecting lives but also contributing to a more resilient and thriving agricultural sector,” stated Peter Njeru, Head of Marketing and CRM at CMC Motors East Africa.
The partnership between CMC and New Holland Agriculture, coupled with the collaboration with FtMA, embodies a harmonious blend of innovation, expertise, and dedication to creating positive change in the agriculture sector. This project exemplifies CMC’s steadfast commitment to creating a safer, more sustainable, and prosperous future for East Africa.
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