The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
JHARSUGUDA, FEB 28, 2024
In the bustling heart of Jharsuguda, a narrative of extraordinary metamorphosis is unfolding, propelled by the visionary endeavors of Vedanta Aluminium’s Jeevika Samriddhi project. This pioneering initiative stands poised to revolutionize the agrarian tapestry of the region by imparting sustainable and avant-garde farming methodologies as it embarks on its illustrious third phase.
Already, the Jeevika Samriddhi project has left an indelible mark, uplifting over 400 farming households through the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices and ancillary interventions. Now, as it strides into its third chapter, the project is primed to empower an additional 500 farming households nestled in the idyllic villages of Parmanpur, Kumudapali, and Dalki within the Jharsuguda district.
The third phase introduces an array of innovative and sustainable solutions to tackle the myriad challenges besetting rural agriculture. From the restoration of languishing ponds to the installation of solar pumps for dependable irrigation and the implementation of contemporary micro-irrigation techniques, this phase is a testament to the project’s unwavering commitment to progress. Farmers are meticulously trained in cutting-edge methodologies such as the System of Rice Intensification and the WADI model, reinvigorating fallow lands and amplifying crop yields in a sustainable manner. Emphasis is also laid on organic farming practices and allied activities like pisciculture, fostering a holistic approach towards agricultural rejuvenation.
The infusion of improved irrigation infrastructure, including solar-powered systems, has ushered in an era of perennial cultivation, diminishing reliance on erratic rainfall patterns. The adoption of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method coupled with the cultivation of cash crops has heralded a substantial surge in crop productivity and the monthly income of participating farmers, witnessing a remarkable 50% increment for 77% of those associated with the project.
Manoranjan Nanda, the Assistant Director of Horticulture in Jharsuguda, who has been involved with the project, remarked, “Jeevika Samridhhi is positively impacting a large number of farming households by introducing them to advanced agricultural practices as well as to the best practices in land and water management. I’m hopeful that the third phase would transform the agricultural landscape in Jharsuguda.”
The testimonials of farmers like Manbodh Pradhan from Parmanpur village and Naresh Patel from Gudigaon village echo resoundingly, underscoring the transformative efficacy of the SRI method and organic farming techniques in augmenting productivity and income.
Indeed, the Jeevika Samriddhi project transcends the realm of agriculture; it is a potent catalyst for hope and metamorphosis, touching lives and landscapes alike. It stands as a beacon of optimism for rural communities, epitomizing the potency of collaborative endeavors and offering a promise of a verdant tomorrow through sustainable practices.
Through unwavering determination and collaborative partnerships, initiatives such as Jeevika Samriddhi serve as poignant reminders that even the smallest seeds of change possess the potential to burgeon into majestic trees, ushering in a radiant future for agricultural communities in Jharsuguda and beyond.
