Vedanta Lanjigarh creates new income stream for farmers with pisciculture initiative under Project Sangam

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

LANJIGARH, OCTOBER 17, 2025

In a significant move towards fostering sustainable livelihoods and strengthening rural economies, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has launched a pisciculture program under its flagship watershed and livelihood initiative, ‘Project Sangam’, in Lanjigarh. This initiative is designed to provide alternative income opportunities for farmers and self-help group (SHG) members by promoting scientific fish farming practices.

In collaboration with the Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Department of Kalahandi, the program spans 32 water structures across five acres in 13 villages, directly benefiting 44 farmers and SHG members. The initiative offers participants the resources, training, and technical support necessary to integrate pisciculture into their livelihoods sustainably. It is projected to yield an annual fish harvest of 20 tonnes, contributing significantly to local consumption and market supply.

Commenting on the initiative, Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, said, “At Vedanta Lanjigarh, we are dedicated to driving holistic community development through sustainable livelihood opportunities that align with both environmental and social objectives. The pisciculture program under Project Sangam enables farmers to diversify their incomes, strengthens the rural economy, and aligns with the state’s broader development vision.”

In addition to boosting fish production, the initiative supports Odisha’s *One District, One Product* (ODOP) program, which promotes fishery as a key livelihood in Kalahandi. By harnessing existing water bodies and integrating modern pisciculture techniques, the project empowers farmers to tap into new income streams while building resilience against seasonal challenges, contributing to long-term economic stability.

Project Sangam is an integrated watershed and livelihood program that leverages technology-driven solutions to enhance rural communities’ livelihoods. The project focuses on creating water-based assets across 41 villages in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi district, ensuring a consistent year-round water supply for drinking and agricultural needs. Additionally, it has introduced irrigation to over 3,500 acres of land in the region by increasing water storage capacity and improving groundwater recharge rates. This ensures that over 22,000 people benefit from the initiative throughout the year.

Through impactful initiatives like these, Vedanta Lanjigarh reaffirms its commitment to empowering local communities, promoting rural entrepreneurship, and contributing to Odisha’s inclusive growth journey.