Bhubaneswar: ‘Project Sinchai’, an initiative of Aditya Birla Group company Aditya Aluminium, has been making a major difference to 220 people in the rural hinterland of Odisha, and enriching their lives.
The collaborative project has been implemented in partnership with Horticulture Department of Odisha government and farmers in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model under the Pradhan Mantri Krishak Sinchai Yojana.
“Project Sinchai, launched in January this year, has been greatly welcomed by the farming community of the Sambalpur district. Essentially, it has resulted in a significant rise in the income of farmers. Here 55 farmers within the proximity of the plant were encouraged to adopt the Sprinkler Irrigation System. Each farmer was given 41 pipes (20 feet/pipe) and 9 sprinklers. It enabled the farmers draw water from the ponds and wells close by. Among its other major advantage is a rise in crop productivity and reduction in water wastage, besides of course the monetary advantages,” informed Sameer Nayak, Unit Head of Aditya Aluminium.
“The ease of use has made it the most sought-after irrigation facility. Envisaged benefits include increase in crop productivity, reduction in water wastage, besides income. Adopting this modern irrigation system, farmers of Rengali Block (Sambalpur) are now growing multiple crops during the rabi season – which was not possible earlier due to lack of irrigation facility. Farmers are reaping a rich harvest,” added Nayak.
Gagan Bihari Patra, a farmer from Sambalpur district who was finding it tough to look after his family of five due to insufficient income from farming, expressed his gratitude to Aditya Aluminium for introducing him to sprinkler irrigation system through ‘Project Sichai’, which has helped in multiple crop farming, and income enhancement.
Patra owns six acres of agricultural land in which he was cultivating paddy and vegetables during the kharif season. As it was dependent on rain, it resulted in low productivity. Due to lack of irrigation facilities, he could not produce anything during rabi season.
Not satisfied with his income from agriculture, Patra was desperate to explore ways to increase productivity. He found the answer in the form of Project Sichai.
Many farmers in the locality faced similar issues, due to poor irrigation facilities, lack of modern agricultural equipment and resorting to traditional agricultural practices.
The Aditya Aluminium CSR team extended a helping hand to farmers like Patra through Project Sichai and Samridhi.
“Earlier, I was growing 2-3 types of vegetables, and the quantity was just enough to meet my family’s need. After the sprinkler irrigation system with support from Aditya Aluminium, Lapanga, I now grow different types of vegetables in the rabi season and am getting maximum income by selling the produce,” said Patra, thanking the CSR wing of Aditya Aluminium for supporting his livelihood activity.
State government officials appreciated the initiatives taken by Aditya Aluminium.
“The farmers in Rengali Block can now cultivate their land during the Rabi season after adopting the sprinkler irrigation system, and their income has gone up. The CSR team of Aditya Aluminium is very supportive of farmers and are doing their best for their welfare,” said Byomkesh Mishra, Block Agriculture Officer, Rengali.
The Aditya Birla Group reaches out to more than 5 lakh people, touching over 2 lakh lives in 128 villages. The Group’s CSR is conducted under the aegis of Aditya Birla Centre for Community Initiatives and Rural Development chaired by Rajashree Birla.
