RAYAGADA: Aditya Birla Group’s Utkal Alumina International Ltd (UAIL) in
collaboration with NABARD, has implemented Project Wadi at Rayagada. This
aims at doubling the farmer’s income. It focuses on “improving the quality of
life of rural tribal households through enhancing their income in a sustainable
manner in three to six years. Agro-Horti Plantation and other income
generating activities are in full swing. Launched in 2019Project Wadi is jointly
funded by Utkal Alumina Jana Seva Trust (UAJST),NABARD and UAIL.
It is a remarkable project resulting in bettering the lives of the residents. For
instance, Mr Ugri Majhi’s once-barren land is now flourishing as a thriving fruit
orchard. Before Project Wadi, Mr. Majhi's land was barren, yielding minimal
returns from sporadic cultivation attempts. With Project Wadi’s intervention,
he received comprehensive support for every aspect of his orchard's
development, including land demarcation, the installation of a solar-based
irrigation system, crop cultivation, and financial literacy training.
The solar-based irrigation system has made a difference. It has enabled Mr.
Majhi to cultivate high-value crops year-round. Transitioning from traditional
farming methods, he began growing off-season produce such as bananas,
papayas, and sunflowers. It has increased his monthly income manifold from
Rs. 1,000-2,000 to over Rs. 10,000.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Majhi acknowledged the role played by Utkal
Alumina towards better farm productivity.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Mazhar Beig, Unit Head & President of
Utkal Alumina & Aditya Refinery, said, “Investing in sustainable development
initiatives like Project Wadi is not just about transforming landscapes; it's
about transforming lives. Mr. Majhi's journey demonstrates the power of
collaborative efforts and their positive impact on individuals and
communities."
Till date the project with 4 years of implementation has achieved many
milestones that have benefited farmers. It has formed and strengthened 17
Udyan Vikash Samiti (UVS) engaged in monitoring, supervision of orchards and
collective marketing of agri-produce. As many as 500 tribal farmers are being
trained on Waste Land development, Orchard Development, Livestock
development, institution building and women empowerment. Over 424 acres
of waste lands have been converted into fruit orchards (grafted mango and
cashew) with a survival rate of 85% in 17 villages”.
“This project has also promoted goat rearing by 76 landless families and the
scale of production has reached to 620 goats. A total of 130 acres of non-
irrigated land has been converted to irrigated land through solar river lift and
diversion-based irrigation systems. More than 25,948 fruit trees and 19,801
forest trees have been transplanted, generating carbon credits to offset CO₂
emissions. It is also addressing the nutritional security of the farmer families
through promotion of vegetable cultivation”, added Mr Beig.
"Mr. Majhi's remarkable journey is inspirational, showcasing the profound
impact that collaborative efforts between communities and corporations can
have on grassroots development. His success story exemplifies the
transformative potential of synergy, where shared visions of empowerment
and sustainability create tangible, lasting change" added, Bhagaban Majhi,
Sarpanch, Naktiguda Gram Panchayat.