THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
ANGUL, FEBRUARY 25, 2026
In a significant step towards blending conservation with community
welfare, Jindal Foundation, the CSR arm of Jindal Steel, has rolled out a
mushroom cultivation training programme in Dhauragoth village to support
families voluntarily relocated from forest areas surrounding the Satkosia Tiger
Reserve. The relocation, facilitated by the district administration to mitigate
human–wildlife conflict, had left many households grappling with the loss of
forest-based livelihoods, prompting the need for sustainable income
alternatives.
The training programme focused on equipping participants with practical,
income-oriented skills, including mushroom bed preparation, scientific
cultivation techniques, crop maintenance, harvesting practices, and basic
marketing strategies. Beyond technical know-how, the sessions highlighted the
high nutritional value of mushrooms and their strong market demand,
underscoring their potential to generate returns significantly higher than
traditional subsistence activities.
Designed as a long-term livelihood intervention, the initiative aims to
foster economic stability and self-reliance among relocated families while
reinforcing the broader goal of wildlife conservation. By creating viable,
non-forest-dependent income streams, the programme helps reduce pressure on
protected habitats and supports the success of voluntary relocation efforts.
The training was conducted in the presence of District Forest Officer
Gadadhar Patra, Jindal Steel Vice President – CSR Rishi Pathania, General
Manager – CSR Jayanta Kumar Mohanty, and village committee presidents,
reflecting a collaborative approach between industry, administration, and the
local community.
The livelihood initiative builds on Jindal Foundation’s ongoing
humanitarian outreach in the region. Over the past year, the Foundation has
provided dry ration assistance to nearly 1,000 forest-dwelling families,
ensuring food security during the transition phase and reinforcing its
commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
