The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MARCH 20, 2025
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has joined forces with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to implement a transformative Rs 1 crore rural development initiative aimed at enhancing workforce skilling, agricultural innovation, and water resource management in Kalahandi district, Odisha. This partnership, formalized through an exchange of a sanction letter, marks a significant commitment to empowering local communities and fostering long-term agricultural sustainability in economically underserved regions.
The collaboration seeks to address key challenges in rural development by focusing on building a skilled workforce, improving agricultural practices, and enhancing water security. Through this initiative, both organizations aim to create sustainable employment opportunities and bolster agricultural resilience in one of Odisha’s most resource-rich, yet economically disadvantaged, areas.
As part of the partnership, Vedanta and NABARD will support the training of 60 rural youth under the ‘Food and Beverage Steward Course’ at Vedanta’s skills training center in Lanjigarh. This training program will equip participants with industry-relevant
skills, opening doors to employment opportunities in the growing food and beverage sector in the region. The first phase of this project has already trained 210 youth, setting a strong foundation for the next wave of skill development.
Alongside workforce skilling, the partnership will focus on strengthening agricultural infrastructure in Kalahandi. The program aims to build 275 water structures, including community ponds, farm ponds, and check dams, to improve water security for local farmers. This effort is expected to have a lasting impact on agricultural productivity and help mitigate the region’s challenges related to water scarcity.
In addition to water resource management, the initiative will promote the cultivation of high-value crops such as turmeric, ginger, and marigold over 2,380 acres of farmland. This shift toward agricultural diversification will not only improve farmers’ income but also stimulate the growth of local micro-enterprises, creating sustainable livelihoods within the community.
The agreement between Vedanta and NABARD was formalized by Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO – Alumina Business, Vedanta Limited, and Dr. Sudhanshu K K Mishra, Chief General Manager, NABARD Regional Office, Bhubaneswar. The signing ceremony underscored a shared commitment to driving rural development through innovative and strategic interventions.
Sunil Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Vedanta Aluminium, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative: “At Vedanta Aluminium, we believe that sustainable development begins with empowering communities. Our partnership with NABARD is a step towards creating a self-reliant rural economy by equipping youth with industry-ready skills and introducing innovative agricultural practices.”
Dr. Sudhanshu K K Mishra, Chief General Manager, NABARD, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of such collaborations: “NABARD is committed to fostering sustainable rural development through innovative partnerships that enhance livelihoods and strengthen agricultural resilience. Our collaboration with Vedanta Aluminium is a testament to the power of industry-led initiatives in driving meaningful change. By combining our strengths, this program will create lasting economic opportunities for rural communities in Odisha, empowering farmers and youth with the resources and skills needed for a more prosperous future.”
Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is the largest producer of aluminium in India, accounting for more than half of the country’s aluminium production, with 2.37 million tonnes manufactured in FY24. A leader in value-added aluminium products, Vedanta’s offerings play a crucial role in core industries across the country. Vedanta Aluminium also stands out for its commitment to sustainability, ranking second in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 world rankings for the aluminium industry. This recognition reflects the company’s dedication to sustainable development practices, which are embedded in its operations and strategy.
With its state-of-the-art aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants across India, Vedanta Aluminium remains at the forefront of promoting aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’, driven by its vision of a greener tomorrow.
