Tata Trusts, a leading coalition of philanthropic trusts, and Mars, Incorporated, a company known for its chocolates and diverse range of food & beverage offerings, on Wednesday, announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together to advance agriculture development, address malnutrition, and improve food safety in India.
According to a press release issued by Tata Trusts, it pursues a mission to improve the quality of life of the communities it serves in the country. The trusts include the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Sir Ratan Tata Trust, and Navajbhai Ratan Tata Trust.
As one of the world’s leading food manufacturers, Mars, Incorporated plans to work with the Tata Trusts to develop methods and tools to increase crop productivity, farm income, and sustainability of select agriculture commodities, and collaborate on the availability of safe, affordable, and sustainable raw materials from India. Commodities of particular focus will include mint, peanuts, rice, and legumes. Mars Food, a segment of Mars, Incorporated, will also conduct joint research with the Tata Trusts on nutritional guidelines that can help address anaemia and other forms of malnutrition.
“Given Mars’ global leadership in nutritive foods and sustainable agriculture, the Tata Trusts believes this collaboration would have lasting, meaningful benefits for Indian communities,” said Ratan Tata, chairman, Tata Trusts. “We are particularly inspired by Mars Food’s commitment to addressing malnutrition in India – a challenge of growing concern in this country, particularly among children.”
The two entities also plan to collaborate on reducing Aflatoxin contamination in India’s supply chain. Aflatoxin – a naturally occurring, poisonous chemical produced by certain molds – is a critical food safety issue in India. Mars has expertise in addressing Aflatoxin contamination and can draw on its Global Food Safety Center in China to conduct future research in this area.
“Today’s Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Trusts is an important step in Mars’ journey to improve nutrition, food safety, and sustainability in India,” said Fiona Dawson, president, Mars Food. “Tata Trusts’ strong commitment to improving the quality of life in India, and the depth and breadth of their expertise, makes them a natural partner for Mars.”
