The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEB 17, 2024
Jindal Steel & Power (JSP) has received the prestigious CSR & Sustainability Award 2024 in recognition of its exemplary efforts in water conservation and farmer development in Angul District of Odisha. This accolade applauds the JSP’s collaborative watershed management projects with NABARD, symbolizing a commitment to sustainable progress.
A representative from JSP accepted the award at the National Conclave on Impactful Sustainable Business Practices in New Delhi on Thursday. Distinguished dignitaries including Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women; Sunil Shastri, President of the Lal Bahadur Shastri Foundation; and Dr. Vijay Jolly, a seasoned politician, graced the event hosted by the All India Business & Community Foundation.
Under the visionary leadership of Chairman Naveen Jindal, Jindal Steel & Power has achieved remarkable strides in natural resource management and agricultural advancement across Tubey, Kulei, Derjang, Maratira, and Madhiamunda villages in Angul District. Through meticulously designed watershed catchments, the initiative has significantly uplifted the lives of over 5000 farming families.
Implemented by the JSP Foundation, the social arm of JSP, the watershed projects at Derjang and Tubey have admirably curtailed soil erosion while optimizing groundwater recharge. This transformative approach has not only enhanced agricultural productivity and financial yields but has also fostered environmental sustainability.
In a heartfelt message, JSP Foundation Chairperson Shallu Jindal expressed, “We at JSP believe in the sustainable improvement of the ecosystem of the local community, and these watershed initiatives showcase our commitment to promoting economic prosperity for farmers while also protecting our environment.” She extended sincere gratitude to the jury for the esteemed recognition.
Commencing in 2012 through a fruitful partnership with NABARD, the watershed projects have significantly revitalized soil moisture levels in the catchment areas. The introduction of innovative cash crop varieties has empowered local farmers to diversify their cropping patterns, transitioning from monoculture to lucrative double and triple cropping systems. Consequently, these strategic endeavours have not only stemmed migration but have also bolstered school attendance rates among children. Moreover, they have substantially increased farmers’ annual incomes from Rs. 1.5 lakh to an impressive Rs. 5.5 lakh.
Additionally, JSP Foundation has played a pivotal role in establishing multiple Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the villages, thereby fostering a spirit of self-reliance and empowerment among local farmers.
