For the benefit of smallholders, Syngenta Pakistan Limited has established “Aaghaz” centres in rural communities.
Based on a franchise model and located in remote rural communities, these centres will enable farmers to obtain the company’s best-in-class products and technical advising services without having to travel far.
Estimates indicate that farmers frequently must travel up to 23 kilometres to obtain agricultural materials and services. This disadvantages farmers, particularly small ones, because travelling great distances requires additional time and money.
Aaghaz centres solve this important difficulty faced by small farmers and will not only increase the competitiveness of smallholders while boosting food security in the country through improved agricultural productivity, but they will also generate micro-entrepreneurial opportunities for the rural population.
At the opening ceremony of the first “Aaghaz” centre in Bhowana tehsil, Punjab, company regional and country leadership teams, local farmers, and other community members were present. Pamela Gonzalez (Head of Asia Group) stated, “Syngenta is here to serve our farmers in Pakistan and assist them in increasing their crop yields and the profitability of their businesses.” This new Aaghaz model brings us closer to many farmers and their communities, allowing us to better serve them. This is a proud occasion for the Company.
Zeeshan Hasib Baig, General Manager Pakistan, echoed these sentiments when he stated, “At Syngenta, we believe we are here to serve our growers, and with the launch of the Aaghaz Franchise, we hope to not only make our products more accessible to growers, but also to create rural entrepreneurs in villages who can establish and operate their own Aaghaz Franchise.” Each Franchise is an extension of the ‘Naya Savera’ Franchise and is intended to serve Pakistan’s most rural areas.
