International: Following a tumultuous year for global trade, BBC World News and BBC.com ‘updated series, Made on Earth: Road to Recovery, delivered in association with FedEx Express, reveals a fascinating portrait of how some Indian businesses have been charting a way forward following the economic shock caused by COVID-19.
Presented by Babita Sharma and Finn Aberdein, the multi-platform series traveled to India to look at how two major industries – spices and bicycles – have been impacted by the global pandemic and how the complex networks that produce, transport, process and package these products have adapted.
Available to watch now on BBC Reel, and airing this weekend on BBC World News, Made on Earth: Road to Recovery visits the spice markets of Mumbai, and Finn Aberdein meets a spice farmer in the steep hills of Kerala whose business is suffering as a result of coronavirus. He also traveled to the Synthite factory near Cochin, one of the biggest processors and exporters of spices in India, which has seen an increase in demand since the pandemic struck.
In another episode focussing on bicycles, Finn returned to Mumbai to meet the city’s first ‘Bicycle Mayor’ and learn how she has been encouraging residents to get fit and reduce pollution. Audiences can watch this episode on BBC Reel from Thursday 24th December or on BBC World News on 26th and 27th December.
Mary Wilkinson, Head of Editorial for BBC Global News, said: “This is probably the biggest economic shock of our lifetime but although the impact of the pandemic on jobs and businesses in India is still unfolding, it’s clear that human ingenuity and the urge to trade are irrepressible. Made On Earth: Road To Recovery offers a fascinating snapshot of where we’re at and what the future might hold.”
“The pandemic has demonstrated the vital role of global networks to transport goods across borders and FedEx Express is at the heart of efforts to keep trade flowing. The Made on Earth: Road to Recovery series brings us stories of how businesses are transforming in these dynamic times and finding opportunities for people and communities to change their lives through the access to trade,” said Brie Carere, FedEx Corporation EVP and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.
Made on Earth airs at 0230 and 0830 GMT / 0800 and 1400 IST on Saturdays; 1430 and 2130 GMT / 2000 IST on Sundays and 0300 IST following Monday on BBC World News. The program is also available to watch on BBC Reel. Audiences can also visit www.bbc.com/madeonearth for accompanying in-depth articles on each industry, and @BBCFuture for the latest from the series.
