Tata Steel Foundation installs Solar-Powered Water Pumps in Joda for Agriculture

Joda, : Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) has undertaken a transformative initiative aimed
at enhancing agricultural practices and improving the livelihoods of farmers in Joda block of
Keonjhar district.
Under a pilot project, solar-powered water pumps have been distributed among the farming
community in nearby Lahanda, Ramchandrapur, Jagannathpur and Shankarpur villages which are
expected to enhance food production while reducing the overall carbon footprint, aligning with
global sustainability goals.
The beneficiaries- Gangadhar Munda, Parvindar Mahanto, Prasand Chandra Barik, Dibalak Majhi
and Dambru Mahanto, who individually own approximately 1 to 4 acres of land, express
appreciation for the cost-savings, increased yields, and hope for a brighter agricultural future. Not
only have these pumps significantly reduced their daily expenses and financial burdens, but they
have also empowered them to diversify their crops and enhance productivity.
Gangadhar Munda, a beneficiary, reflects on his journey, stating, “Managing expenses for my diesel
motor to irrigate my 4-acre farm was truly overwhelming. Undoubtedly TSF’s intervention brought
hope for me.” With solar-powered pumps, Gangadhar found relief from financial strain, enabling
him to expand his cultivation of crops like Cucumber, Sweetcorn, and Bitterguard in this Summer.
Likewise, Parvindar Mahanto of Lahanda shares his gratitude for TSF. “Everyday I felt it like a battle
with the expenses of drawing water from well for my crops. But now the battle is literally over. I
thank TSF for this,” said an elated Mahanto. Impressed by efficiency of the pump, he has extended
investment to cover the entire land.
The success stories of Gangadhar Munda, Parvindar Mahanto and other beneficiaries highlight the
tangible impact of Tata Steel Foundation’s efforts in nurturing sustainable agriculture, environmental
stewardship and enhancing the well-being of farmers in Joda region.