Cargill launches Water Saving Irrigation Improvement Plan
for Rural Areas in China
Today Cargill announces the launch of its Cargill Water Saving Irrigation Improvement Plan for rural areas in China in cooperation with Foreign Capital Project Management Center of the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development (FCPMC). The project aims to improve irrigation solutions to help save water and increase crop yields. Farmer training will also be organized to provide water-saving irrigation and scientific planting courses to help realize more environmentally friendly irrigation solutions.
The situation in drought-hit areas in north and central China has recently improved due to the rainfall and intensive anti-drought efforts. However, the drought has exposed the poor quality and ineffectiveness of existing irrigation systems, especially in underdeveloped areas. Many farmers have adopted flood irrigation, which is inefficient and leads to high losses of water. These issues present big challenges to the governments’ significant efforts to increase farmers’ income and well being.
China's agricultural irrigation water accounts for 65% of total annual water consumption. Thus, there is great potential for water and energy savings. Developing water-saving irrigation solutions can not only reduce water consumption and increase yield efficiency, but also improve the ecological environment so as to support China’s sustainable development in rural areas.
The pilot project of the Water Saving Irrigation Improvement Plan will be conducted in Henan, the province hit hardest by the drought. Experts will first investigate the geology, water and irrigation conditions in selective villages; and then consult with officials from the Office of State Flood Control and Drought Relief and local farmers to develop a tailor-made solution before they implement water-saving irrigation systems in a village. In addition, agronomists from Mosaic, whose majority shareholder is Cargill, will provide farmer training on advanced farming practices. With a comprehensive approach, Cargill hopes to support farmers in improving production efficiency and increasing income.
Mr. Zhang Jiatuan, the Chief of the 1st Division of National Flood Prevention and Drought Fighting Headquarters, welcomes the “Cargill Water Saving Irrigation Improvement Plan “ and says that “under the current circumstances, it is really a big challenge to completely resolve the problem of inefficient irrigation systems in China’s rural areas. In addition to expanding government input, we welcome very much and encourage the participation of companies and individuals into the infrastructural development of China’s countryside. “
Mr. Liu Sheng’an, the Division Chief of FCPMC also has high expectations for the Cargill Water Saving Irrigation Improvement Plan. He says “the Plan is highly in line with our work in poverty alleviation; meanwhile, it is of special importance under the current situation of severe drought disaster hitting more than 10 provinces in China.”
Norwell Coquillard, President of Cargill China says “the Cargill Water Saving Irrigation Improvement Plan” is a part of our commitment to support China’s sustainable rural development. By initiating this program with FCMCP, and working with anti-drought officials and local farmers, we aim to help farmers with practical solutions to increase yields productivity and therefore support income increase. Cargill believes that corporate responsibility is a long journey rather than an effort of one or two days. We’ll continuously make our share of contributions towards the ultimate goal of China’s rural development and increasing farmer’s income.”
About Cargill Worldwide
Cargill is an international provider of food, agricultural and risk management products and services. With 160,000 employees in 67 countries, the company is committed to using its knowledge and experience to collaborate with customers to help them succeed. For more information, visit http://www.cargill.com.
About Cargill in China
Cargill’s presence in China can be traced back to the 1970's shortly after the release of the Sino-U.S. Joint Communiqué. Today Cargill is proud to be an integral part of China with over 4,400 employees, 34 wholly owned companies and joint ventures in China. As an experienced agriculture, food and risk management supplier, Cargill is in a unique position to contribute its global experience and expertise to China’s principle needs of raising the incomes of its rural population and developing its countryside. By bringing our global expertise and experience to improve efficiency and add value for food and agriculture products in China, we aim to promote sustainable agriculture and a secure grain and food supply for China. For more information, visit http://www.cargill.com.cn.