India, March 26, 2019– Cargill and Heifer International have joined forces to create The Hatching Hope Global Initiative. The bold initiative aims to improve the nutrition and economic livelihoods of 100 million people around the world by 2030 through the production, promotion and consumption of poultry. Hatching Hope will work directly with women smallholder farmers, initially in India, Mexico and Kenya.
The initial phase of Hatching Hope in India will focus on improving the nutrition and income of 1.7 million people through backyard poultry farming and increased consumption of poultry products in Mayurbhanj, Odisha. The program will also expand its reach through innovative mass media and advocacy campaigns, highlighting the importance of poultry production and consumption for improved nutrition. Farmers will be connected to markets and equipped with the goods and services that they need to be successful participants in the poultry value chain. Hatching Hope will support farmers to be part of the solution to bridging the global food and nutrition security gap and boosting the local economy.
Imre Havasi, Managing Director of Cargill’s animal nutrition business in India said, “In India, communities will benefit from this program which will address poverty and malnutrition through access to efficient animal agriculture and high-quality protein diet. With this project, Cargill is helping transform smallholder farmers into highly productive and successful entrepreneurs who can lift their families and communities out of poverty.”
“Through Hatching Hope, we’re investing in smart, resourceful women farmers, working with them to improve their products and access new markets,” said Avni Malhotra, Country Director of Heifer India. “We’re excited to launch Hatching Hope along with Cargill to support poultry farmers in India, bringing Heifer’s community-led development expertise to this important global initiative.”
Cargill and Heifer shares a common belief in the power of poultry to improve nutrition and a commitment to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Heifer has a long-term presence, development expertise and strong relationships in rural communities that build social capital. Cargill has best-in-class expertise in animal health and productivity with deep knowledge in the poultry industry and the global market. Both have a strong global footprint and on-the-ground presence in developing countries and the ability to mobilize staff to address specific issues facing the poultry value chain in the countries where Hatching Hope will operate.
Learn more about the Hatching Hope Global Initiative and how to get involved at hatchinghopeglobal.com.
