TFP Bureau, Korba; February 7, 2025: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, is driving rural economic empowerment through its lac cultivation program under the Mor Jal Mor Maati initiative. In partnership with the BAIF Development Research Foundation, BALCO recently conducted a lac training session aimed at equipping farmers with specialized skills to cultivate lac on host trees like ber, kusum, and palash.
With over 100 farmers participating in the latest session and more training programs scheduled, BALCO’s initiative is already yielding results. More than 400 farmers have benefited, earning an additional annual income of ₹50,000 on average. Lac cultivation, traditionally significant in Chhattisgarh, had seen a decline due to climate change. However, the Mor Jal Mor Maati project, with expert guidance from the ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture in Ranchi, is revitalizing the industry by introducing scientific techniques and collaborative farming practices.
Lac, a versatile natural resin used in industries such as wood finishing, food, cosmetics, jewelry, and pharmaceuticals, presents a lucrative alternative to traditional crops. Despite its economic potential, knowledge gaps and outdated farming techniques have hindered productivity. By promoting modern cultivation methods, BALCO is not only increasing profitability but also fostering sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation.
Voices from the Field
Sharing his success story, Amal, a farmer from Parsakhola village in Korba, said, “I always wanted to cultivate lac, but financial constraints held me back. The Mor Jal Mor Maati project provided me with lac seeds and training at the Vedanta Agriculture Resource Centre in Bela. With this support, I earned a profit of ₹80,000.”
BALCO’s initiative also focuses on broader rural development, including improved water management, irrigation facilities, multi-cropping, animal husbandry, and non-timber forest produce. Through the Vedanta Agriculture & Resource Centre (VARC), farmers receive training and input support, ensuring year-round income opportunities. To date, the project has impacted over 5,700 farmers, strengthening rural livelihoods.
Sustainable Growth and Economic Impact
Commenting on the initiative, BALCO CEO Rajesh Kumar stated, “Our Mor Jal Mor Maati project is not just about enhancing agricultural productivity but also about ensuring long-term economic stability for rural communities. By equipping farmers with modern techniques, we are fostering self-reliance and promoting ecological balance. This initiative is a step towards inclusive growth and sustainability.”
As BALCO continues to expand its CSR efforts, the Mor Jal Mor Maati project stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to rural development, sustainable farming, and economic progress in Chhattisgarh.
