The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
RAJGANGPUR, FEB 10, 2024
Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited (DCBL), a leading Indian cement powerhouse and subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL), has partnered with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to embark on a groundbreaking project aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices and bolstering livelihood opportunities through bamboo cultivation in the Sundargarh region of Odisha.
This joint endeavor seeks to empower local farmers by facilitating bamboo cultivation, enabling them to secure a sustainable income stream by selling bamboo and accessing lucrative vegetable markets via registered Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) under NABARD.
Bamboo cultivation offers myriad benefits to both the environment and local communities. Beyond serving as a renewable resource, it plays a pivotal role in soil enrichment and groundwater replenishment, thereby mitigating environmental degradation while simultaneously enhancing agricultural productivity.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the stakeholders, in the presence of Tapas Kumar Behera, District Development Manager (DDM) of NABARD in Sundargarh, and Chetan Shrivastava, Executive Director of DCBL & Unit Head in Rajgangpur, signifies a significant stride towards realizing the objectives of this transformative initiative.
The project’s launch ceremony at Alanda underscored a commitment to empowerment, as bamboo saplings were distributed among attending farmers, marking the commencement of a green revolution in the surrounding villages.
During the event, DDM NABARD provided insights into the project’s objectives and operational processes, reaffirming their dedication to providing comprehensive support to farmers on their journey towards prosperity.
Highlighting the company’s steadfast commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth in the regions of its operations, DCBL Executive Director Chetan Srivastava said, “At Dalmia Cement we are committed to sustainable development and inclusive growth for communities in the region of our operations. Through our partnership with NABARD, we aim to catalyze a green revolution in agriculture, leveraging the immense potential of bamboo cultivation to create lasting positive impact. We are grateful to NABARD for partnering with us on this significant project laying the groundwork for a greener, more prosperous future.”
Under this program, farmers will be equipped with the necessary resources and knowledge to become successful producers, thereby fostering economic prosperity within their communities. This support encompasses access to high-quality bamboo saplings, technical guidance, and market linkages for both bamboo and high-value vegetable crops. Emphasizing sustainability, the initiative promotes biomass utilization, aligning with the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
Dalmia Cement is actively involved in a diverse array of programs aimed at skill development and promoting sustainable livelihoods in Odisha. These initiatives are tailored to uplift marginalized communities in the region, encompassing activities such as empowering farmers, youth, and women through various training programs and income-generating activities, including animal husbandry, mushroom farming, handicraft production, tie & dye batik products, spice and pickle making, flower and organic vegetable farming, as well as terracotta products manufacturing.
