TFP Bureau, Korba; January 9, 2024: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a prominent aluminium producer in India and a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium Business, celebrated Kisan Diwas on December 23 by organizing a grand Kisan Mela in the villages of Jambahar and Bela, Korba. With the participation of over 350 farmers from 32 villages, the event aimed to foster collaboration between government agencies, financial institutions, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
In collaboration with the NGO Action for Food Production, known for promoting enhanced farming practices, BALCO engaged participants through discussions, workshops, and exhibitions. The program, conducted in partnership with various government departments and agencies, aimed to provide farmers with crucial information on sustainable agricultural practices and rural development.
Twenty progressive farmers from Korba were felicitated during the event for their outstanding contributions to farming practices. The collaborative effort included the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture Department, Forest Department, Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AICI), Chhattisgarh Renewable Energy Department, and the Regional Rural Bank.
The focus of the event was on showcasing the latest agricultural innovations and techniques to enhance productivity. Informative sessions on crop insurance schemes emphasized the importance of securing crops, and detailed knowledge about government initiatives for financial assistance and benefits to farmers was shared.
Mr. Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director of BALCO, emphasized the company’s dedication to uplifting the farming community through technological and innovative programs. He stated, “Farmers trained through these initiatives have achieved success in increasing crop production through organic farming, agricultural innovations, and modern technologies. Our project ‘Mor Jal Mor Maati’ has proven especially beneficial for farmers, and we are committed to supporting them through other comprehensive development programs.”
The ‘Mor Jal Mor Maati’ project focuses on improving surface water management, augmenting irrigation facilities, and promoting multi-cropping to reduce dependence on rainfall. Additionally, it introduces farmers to new avenues such as animal husbandry, horticulture, and non-timber forest produce, ensuring year-round income generation. The Vedanta Agriculture & Resource Centre (VARC) complements these efforts through training and input support.
Covering over 1200 acres of land and benefiting more than 3700 farmers, the ‘Mor Jal Mor Maati’ project has become instrumental in providing essential resources to the agricultural community in Chhattisgarh. The technical support provided has enabled farmers to adopt modern agricultural methods, leading to an increased average annual income for over 1000 farmers.
Motivating young farmers, approximately 25% of the project’s beneficiaries are youths. BALCO remains committed to empowering farmers and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in the agricultural sector through initiatives like ‘Mor Jal Mor Maati.’
