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Tractor maker TAFE brings FarmDost to Mumbai to highlight farmers’ work
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Tuesday, 07 March, 2017, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Shraddha Joshi, Mumbai
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Celebrating one million followers of FarmDost initiative, Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE), the second largest tractor manufacturer in India, organised a two-day event at Phoenix Market City, Kurla, recently to highlight the work and life of the farmers to the common people and to show the importance of the farmers and the nobility of the farming profession.
In order to bring about a social transformation by bringing the farmer back into our social consciousness, TAFE launched its ‘Be a #FarmDost’ initiative about two years ago.
Sunitha Subramaniyan, senior deputy general manager, corporate communications, TAFE, said, “The aim of this initiative is to bridge the gap between farmers and the urban population by encouraging people from all walks of life and of all ages, to step into the shoes of a farmer. People should realise the efforts taken by farmers to tend to their crops and maintain their land.”
She added, “The objective as simple as showing gratitude to the farmers, who are responsible for sustaining and nourishing us. FarmDost’s vision and mission focus on bringing back pride to farming. At the event, all the ten farmers have come all the way from Baramati.”
Chandrakant Londhe, one of the farmers present at the event, said, “I am a third-generation farmer. My father and grandfather put in a great deal of effort, but their work was never appreciated, because there were no such platforms then. While there are various platforms to educate the farmers now, recognising and acknowledging their work should also be taken into consideration by the government to motivate them.”
“The government’s new Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) model will eliminate the middlemen and help the farmers get the best prices for their produce. However, there is still a need to spread more awareness about this model, as only a few farmers are fully aware of its working,” added the 25-year-old.
Navnath Thawre, 51, has been into farming for the last 40 years. He said, “Taking care of a 15-acre plot of land throughout the year takes a lot of effort. Farming is not a job, but a way of life. I have come to Mumbai for the first time. Now that we know that people appreciate farmers, we will work even harder. I want to take this opportunity and thank them for being our Dost.”
As a part of the event, the audience got to enjoy a first-of-its-kind augmented reality farm experience, along with interaction with farmers and expressing their appreciation and support to them.
Shailendra Tripathi, a visitor to the event, said, “Everyday we eat food at home or at restaurants, and thank the chefs for the delicious food. However, after meeting these farmers, I realise we never thank them.”
“They are the real heroes, and there should be more such platforms for them, where people, especially the younger generation, can come to know about the importance of farming, about which they have not even heard,” he added.
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