5MT Solar-Based Cold Storage inauguration at Bilamal under Utkal Alumina’s Project Hariyali
Rayagada, : The much-anticipated inauguration of a 5MT solar-based cold storage under the Hariyali Project, a CSR initiative of Utkal Alumina took place in Bilamal. This initiative, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) effort of Utkal Alumina, aims to empower farmers with sustainable storage solutions, ensuring better market access and reducing post-harvest losses. It’s the first solar cold storage unit in the area.
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Bharat Goenka, CFO, Hindalco; Rabi Narayan Mishra, Unit Head, UAIL; Bhaskar Banerjee, CFO, UAIL; Lopamudra Mishra, CSR Head and CSR team Utkal Alumina; and Jagabandhu Majhi, Sarpanch of Tikiri, Sanjeev kumar Pattnaik, Executive Coordinator of ASSA NGO, the project implementing CSR partner agency, the Board of Directors of Ajitai Farmer Producer Company, Mr Sarat Naik and Bilamal, Ajitai FPO shareholders along with a large gathering of farmers from Bilamal, Makapadar, Upardheska, Sanamatikana, Badamatikana, Naktiguda, Dwimundi, Tikiri, and Kaliakana, actively participated in the program.
The cold storage facility, powered by solar energy, is a significant step towards sustainable agriculture, ensuring that farmers can store their produce efficiently while reducing dependency on conventional power sources. The initiative reflects Utkal Alumina’s commitment to rural development and agricultural sustainability with forward linkage activities. It will enhance the income of farmers while increasing their living standard.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Utkal Alumna International Ltd is committed towards the socio economic wellbeing and transforming the lives in tribal hinterland. All UAIL projects carried out under the aegis of Aditya Birla Centre for community initiatives and rural development, chaired by Mrs Rajashree Birla. Utkals engagement extends to 232 villages of 25 grampanchayat of odisha. UAIL enriches the lives of more than 2,01,000 people through its 5 pillars of interventions, education, healthcare, sustainable livelihood, rural infrastructure and addressing the issues of their socio economic concern in line with UNSDGs.
