The Business Bytes
In a world where success is often measured in profits, Vedanta Aluminium’s ‘Jeevika Samriddhi’ Project tells a different story — one of growth intertwined with the community’s well-being, proving that true prosperity blooms when nurtured collectively.
by PRIYABRAT BISWAL
Jharsuguda, August 10, 2024 : In the rural heart of Jharsuguda, Odisha, a remarkable story of transformation and prosperity is unfolding through Vedanta Aluminium’s ‘Jeevika Samriddhi’ project. Focused on promoting sustainable farming practices and enhancing irrigation systems, this initiative has emerged as a lifeline for local farmers, providing not only financial stability but also a renewed sense of hope for the future.
For many farmers in Jharsuguda, the challenges of water scarcity and traditional farming methods made year-round agriculture seem like a distant dream. Arjun Naik, a farmer from Siriapali Village, recalls the struggles he faced: “With water scarcity and health issues, life was a daily struggle. My family had to trek 2 km daily to fetch water, which drained our energy and resources. My health worsened, forcing me to stop working as a daily labourer — my only source of income.”
The turning point for Arjun and his family came with Vedanta’s ‘Jeevika Samriddhi’ initiative. Through training and support for irrigation systems, Arjun’s once barren farmland now thrives with cash crops like tomatoes, chilies, and sweet corn. “Today, we have a stable income. My wife, Kavita, contributes effectively to household expenses, takes pride in educating our children, and manages my medical needs,” Arjun shares with a smile.
Naresh Patel, another beneficiary of the project, echoes similar sentiments. Initially struggling with conventional farming methods, Naresh’s perspective on agriculture changed dramatically after participating in the ‘Jeevika Samriddhi’ project. “The training sessions on natural pest management and organic farming opened my eyes to sustainable agriculture. Now, I cultivate a variety of cash crops like ginger, chilies, and coriander, which are fetching excellent returns,” he says.
Arjun and Naresh are just two of the 985 families whose lives have been transformed by the ‘Jeevika Samriddhi’ project across the villages of Gudigaon, Keldamal, and Siriapali.
Vedanta Limited, Jharsuguda, launched the first phase of this farm-based project in 2017, initially involving 111 farmers on a pilot basis. The success of this phase led to the expansion of the project, covering 330 farming households in Jharsuguda. To strengthen the initiative, Vedanta enlisted agricultural scientists to train farmers in advanced agricultural practices and sustainable farming methods. Over 13,000 hours of training have been provided, covering topics such as crop planning and management, post-harvest processes, and the Package of Practices (PoP). More than 89 per cent of farmers have benefited from these sustainable agricultural practices.
The impact of the ‘Jeevika Samriddhi’ project is evident in the improved livelihoods of the farmers involved. With enhanced irrigation facilities, farmers can now engage in year-round cultivation, reducing their dependency on monsoon rains. The shift to cash crops has significantly increased farmers’ incomes, with 77 per cent of participants reporting a 50% increase in their monthly earnings.
As the project enters its third operational phase, Vedanta is expanding its reach to three more villages in the Dalki and Parmanpur Gram Panchayats in Jharsuguda District. This phase focuses on climate-resilient agricultural techniques, soil and water conservation, and the introduction of supplementary irrigation systems such as solar and drip irrigation.
The program also emphasizes sustainable agriculture through improved crop management practices, including Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). Farmers are being guided on establishing market linkages through local institutions and community-based organizations, fostering a more resilient agricultural ecosystem.
Surendra Patel, a 45-year-old farmer from Kumudapali village, once struggled to make ends meet with traditional farming methods on his 3.5-acre plot. Earning a meager income of Rs 50,000 annually, he found it challenging to support his family. The introduction of a solar-based irrigation system and the WADI model through the ‘Jeevika Samriddhi’ project marked a turning point in his life.
Surendra diversified his crops to include fruit varieties like Apple Ber, Lemon, and Moringa, along with leafy greens such as Coriander, Palak, and Pudina. His once barren land soon transformed into a flourishing farm, producing abundant yields. Within four months, Surendra’s income surged as he harvested over 1,550 kg of Radish, 220 kg of Coriander, and more, generating approximately Rs 1 lakh from vegetables alone.
This transformation has brought not only financial improvement but also a renewed sense of hope and pride for Surendra, who now envisions a brighter future for his daughter.
The third phase of the ‘Jeevika Samriddhi’ project focuses on water conservation, modern agricultural practices, and capacity building for farmers. Key interventions include renovating and constructing water harvesting structures and promoting advanced farming techniques such as SRI paddy cultivation and organic farming. The initiative emphasizes sustainability through community involvement and empowers farmers via Farmers’ Producer Organizations.
In eight intervention villages, the project has already benefited 985 farming households, achieving a 45% increase in average productivity and a 20% reduction in cultivation costs. Secured irrigation has been provided through the installation of solar-based borewells, benefiting over 30 farmers with 30 acres of land. The construction and renovation of community ponds, farm ponds, and farm bunds have further enhanced water conservation and secured irrigation facilities, benefiting more than 70 farmers across 100 acres of land.
With over 290 farmers trained in Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, the project is contributing to sustainable agriculture and a healthier environment.
Manoranjan Nanda, Assistant Director of Horticulture in Jharsuguda, has been closely associated with the project and sees its long-term potential. “Jeevika Samriddhi is positively impacting a large number of farming households by introducing them to advanced agricultural practices and the best practices in land and water management. The installation of solar irrigation systems and other water harvesting structures is augmenting irrigation infrastructure, enabling farmers to cultivate a variety of hybrid vegetables and increase crop productivity. I’m hopeful that the third phase will truly transform the agricultural landscape in Jharsuguda,” he remarks.
In a world where success is often measured in profits, Vedanta Aluminium’s ‘Jeevika Samriddhi’ project tells a different story — one of growth intertwined with the community’s well-being, proving that true prosperity blooms when nurtured collectively.
