Dalmia Bharat Foundation Partners with Odisha Agro Industries Corporation (OAIC) to Empower Sustainable Farming in Rajgangpur
Rajgangpur : In a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture, Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), the CSR arm of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd (DCBL), in partnership with the Odisha Agro Industries Corporation (OAIC), inaugurated an electric and solar lift irrigation project, in Samleimunda village, Rajgangpur. The project is additionally funded by NABARD. As part of a larger initiative, DBF has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OAIC to install 20 solar and electric river lift systems, aimed at irrigating 100 acres of farmland for Orchid cultivation and enhancing the livelihoods of Wadi farmers. Till date, 12 solar and 4 electric river lift systems have been successfully installed, with more in the pipeline. The project is projected to directly benefit 100 households, enabling them to earn over Rs 1.20 lakh annually through intercropping and fruit plantation.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Chetan Shrivastav Executive Director, DCBL and Unit Head, Rajgangpur said, “At Dalmia Bharat Foundation, we believe in cultivating long-term sustainability by empowering communities through innovative solutions. This joint effort between DBF, OAIC, and NABARD is set to have a profound impact on the local community and agriculture in the long term, as it is eco-friendly, cleaner and greener option of irrigation, zero fuel expenditure, and low maintenance costs. It is expected to significantly enhance agricultural productivity, reduce dependency on monsoons, and enable year-round cultivation for farmers.”
The formal inauguration ceremony held in Samleimunda village, Rajgangpur, witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including Mr. Om Prakash Khelkar Mines Head, Mr. Subodha Panigrahi District Manager OAIC, Mr. Tapas Behera DDM NABARD and Mr. Chetan Shrivastav Executive Director, DCBL and Unit Head, Rajgangpur. Hundreds of Wadi farmers from nearby areas also graced the occasion. The project has drawn widespread appreciation from the community, with local farmers praising the initiative.
Dalmia Bharat Foundation conducts various programmes focusing on skill development and sustainable livelihood in Odisha for the socio-economic upliftment of the marginalised communities in the region. These include empowerment programmes for farmers, youth and women through Self Help Groups (SHGs); income-generating programs such as goat farming, pig farming, poultry, apiculture, earthworm rearing, community nursery etc.
