Syngenta India has launched a uniquely designed CSR initiative ‘I RISE’ program today to transform rural agriculture in presence of Jeff Rowe, Syngenta Global CEO who is on a 2-day maiden trip to India. The program was launched in presence of Syngenta India’s MD & Country Head, Susheel Kumar and other senior leaders in New Delhi.

I RISE (Inculcating Rural India Skill Enhancement) is built on the 3Es approach: Educate, Engage, and Elevate, ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Educate youth in agriculture through training and mentorship; Engage them through employment and entrepreneurship opportunities; and Elevate their livelihood income.

Aimed at becoming a safety net for rural prosperity in India, I RISE will focus on training and engaging rural youth in agriculture. It is designed to curb youth migration from villages and address the growing challenge of dwindling skilled farm personnel.

I RISE will train over 1 lakh rural youth in agriculture related livelihood opportunities, equipping them with the skills needed for the future. Under this initiative, youth will receive 30 days of classroom training and a 2-month internship, opening doors to employment in agriculture, micro-business, and more. Afterward, they can pursue advanced training or seek employment in the agricultural supply chain, micro-business, or farming activities.

Rowe praised India's progress in agriculture and highlighted government's initiatives, such as Skill India and the National Skill Development Mission, as pivotal for rural prosperity.

Dr Sahdev Singh, Director DMI, Ministry of Agriculture & Family Welfare; Dr Shailesh Mishra, Director Extension, Ministry of Agriculture & Family Welfare; Dr. RC Agrawal, Deputy Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research; Dr TS Riar, Additional Director of Communication, PAU; Dr. Indra Mani Vice Chancellor, Vasanth Rao Naik (Marathwada Krishi Vishwavidyalaya); Rajendra Jog, Country Director, Syngenta Foundation India and I-RISE Pilot Trainees were present at the launch.

Syngenta India also extended gratitude to its partners, including Choudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM), State Agriculture Universities, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), for their invaluable support. A special thanks to Syngenta Foundation India for their crucial role in this endeavour.

I RISE will support India’s journey towards becoming a global agricultural powerhouse.