UP Agriculture Minister inaugurates Syngenta’s first I-CLEAN project in Varanasi

First I-CLEAN initiative launched in Uttar Pradesh by Syngenta India under its CSR initiative

Aligning with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on empowering farmers, the Barora Haat Bazaar in Varanasi, transformed under Syngenta India’s I-CLEAN initiative, was inaugurated on Thursday by Surya Pratap Shahi, Hon’ble 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.

The Hon’ble Minister 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 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.”

Barora Haat, which serves the needs of people from 10-15 nearby villages, is expected to significantly benefit over 100 vendors and farmers. Syngenta’s I-CLEAN program has brought about significant transformation in rural areas. A third-party assessment of previous I-CLEAN projects has demonstrated a 42 per cent increase in vendor incomes post-intervention, making it a proven model for enhanced income. The facilities like safe drinking water, solar lights and toilets have improved the livelihood opportunities of local farming communities by about 40 per cent.

Syngenta also ensures that farmers are trained in best crop protection practices, health and hygiene practices. “The marketplace has multiple awareness messages highlighting the importance of proper crop protection practices, tips of health and hygiene.

The upgraded Barora Haat will now be operated and maintained by the local authorities, ensuring its long-term sustainability and continued impact on the region. Varanasi marks the launch of 25th I-CLEAN marketplace dedicated towards rural prosperity.

Apart from Uttar Pradesh, 24 such I-CLEAN projects are running in Bihar, Telangana and Karnataka catering to the needs of rural farmers.

First I-CLEAN initiative launched in Uttar Pradesh