The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
LANJIGARH, APRIL 4, 2025
In a significant step toward strengthening rural economies, Kalahandi Collector Sachin Pawar inaugurated 36 newly constructed shop rooms at the Lanjigarh Rural Haat on Wednesday. The infrastructure was developed through a collaborative effort between Vedanta Aluminium and NABARD, and formally handed over to the Panchayat to enhance market access for the local community.
Speaking at the occasion, Collector Pawar underscored the transformative impact of the Rural Haat in empowering grassroots stakeholders. “The Lanjigarh Rural Haat is a pivotal initiative for strengthening rural economies. With the support of Vedanta, this project is providing modern infrastructure, better market access, and creating new opportunities for farmers, self-help groups, and small retailers,” he stated.
He further emphasized the value of public-private partnerships in rural development. “Such collaborations are essential for driving inclusive growth. We look forward to Vedanta’s continued engagement in fostering sustainable development and empowering the people of Lanjigarh,” he added.
Echoing this sentiment, Pranab Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta’s Alumina Business, said, “At Vedanta Lanjigarh, we are committed to empowering rural communities through sustainable initiatives. The Rural Haat is a result of our strong partnership with NABARD and the Mahashakti Foundation, creating a thriving marketplace for local producers.”
“By offering world-class infrastructure, we are enabling economic resilience, enhancing livelihoods, and building a self-sustaining ecosystem for the people of Lanjigarh. This initiative reflects our long-term vision of inclusive and prosperous rural development,” Bhattacharyya noted.
Built at an estimated cost of Rs 80.90 lakh, the project was jointly funded by Vedanta Aluminium and NABARD, and executed by the Mahashakti Foundation on 2.5 acres of Panchayat-owned land. The Rural Haat includes 36 well-equipped shop rooms, proper lighting, and other modern amenities to provide a conducive environment for rural trade.
The newly developed space is expected to serve as a vibrant daily market, allowing small and marginal farmers and Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to sell their produce directly to consumers, thereby increasing their income and market exposure.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of several distinguished guests, including NABARD DGM Maheswar Das, Lanjigarh Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Kamala Patra, Lanjigarh Sarpanch Saraswati Munda, Mahashakti Foundation MD Jugal Kishore Pattnaik, Anchalik Vikash Parishad President Shridhar Peshnia, former Zilla Parishad member Rajendra Pratap Singhdeo, former Sarpanch Chandradhwaj Peshnia, and Vedanta Lanjigarh CSR Head Shishir Tarapdar. The event was coordinated by Tiku Shrimukh Agasti.
