The Business Bytes
Rajgangpur, December 25, 2024 (TBB Bureau): In a groundbreaking step towards advancing sustainable agriculture, the Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), the CSR arm of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd (DCBL), has partnered with the Odisha Agro Industries Corporation (OAIC) to launch an electric and solar lift irrigation project in Samleimunda village, Rajgangpur. Co-funded by NABARD, this initiative marks a significant milestone in empowering farmers and promoting eco-friendly farming practices.
As part of a broader vision, DBF has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OAIC to install 20 solar and electric river lift systems in the region. These systems are set to irrigate 100 acres of farmland, primarily for orchid cultivation, and support the livelihoods of Wadi farmers. So far, 12 solar and four electric lift systems have been successfully installed, with more installations underway. The project is expected to directly benefit 100 households, enabling farmers to earn over Rs 1.20 lakh annually through intercropping and fruit plantation.
During the formal inauguration ceremony, Chetan Shrivastav, Executive Director, DCBL and Unit Head, Rajgangpur, emphasized the long-term impact of the initiative. “At Dalmia Bharat Foundation, we believe in cultivating sustainability by empowering communities through innovative solutions. This joint effort between DBF, OAIC, and NABARD offers eco-friendly, low-maintenance irrigation systems that eliminate fuel expenses and significantly enhance agricultural productivity. By reducing dependency on monsoons, the project enables year-round farming, positively transforming the agricultural landscape in Rajgangpur,” he said.
The ceremony, held in the presence of dignitaries such as Om Prakash Khelkar, Mines Head; Subodha Panigrahi, District Manager, OAIC; and Tapas Behera, DDM NABARD, attracted hundreds of Wadi farmers from neighbouring villages. The local community has lauded the initiative, with farmers expressing gratitude for the opportunities it brings to their livelihoods and agricultural practices.
Dalmia Bharat Foundation’s commitment to Odisha extends beyond irrigation projects. The organization conducts a variety of programs aimed at the socio-economic upliftment of marginalized communities. These include skill development, women’s empowerment through Self Help Groups (SHGs), and income-generating activities such as goat farming, poultry, apiculture, and earthworm rearing.
