Angul: Jindal Foundation has launched ‘Jindal Krishi Seva’, an innovative programme aimed at promoting natural farming and sustaining agriculture production in Angul district free of chemical-based fertilisers and pesticides.
Shallu Jindal, chairperson of Jindal Foundation – the social arm of Jindal Steel & Power (JSP) – kick-started the programme by flagging off a Mobile Soil Testing Van.
“The Jindal Krishi Seva initiative is designed to bring together natural farming practices, farmers’ training, capacity building, natural seed treatment, the use of natural agri-inputs like composting, vermiculture, cow dung, and cow urine, and the preparation of bio fertilisers for the natural microbes to grow with the adoption of appropriate agronomic practices of crop diversification and the use of modern farm equipment under a single integrated platform,” said Shallu.
“Through this programme, the Jindal Foundation reaffirms its commitment to supporting the vision for ecological balance, food security, and rural economic development by nurturing the backbone of our society — the farmers and the farming families,” she said, adding that the project was inspired by the vision of JSW Chairman and three-time MP Naveen Jindal.
The mobile soil testing vehicle will travel around villages, analysing soil quality and addressing the soil health challenges ranging from pH level to salt content, NPK proportion, and other micronutrient contents.
A soil health card will be generated in an hour’s time, along with customised recommendations for soil treatment and the application of natural nutrients and micronutrients required for each soil specimen.
The service will benefit over 2,000 farmers in 49 villages across Angul district in the first phase.
It will gradually be expanded to the entire Angul district in collaboration with the district administration and state government.
“We shall gradually cover Odisha as a whole, multiplying Natural Farming Ambassadors from the Farming Community,” Shallu informed.
The objectives and scope of Jindal Krishi Seva project were explained, highlighting soil health, millet promotion, and improved farmer livelihoods. A live soil testing demonstration offered practical perspectives on scientific soil analysis, raising awareness about sustainable farming and the crucial role of soil in crop yield and quality.
Interacting with the farming communities, Shallu expressed her happiness with the association of an increasing number of female farmers with Jindal Krishi Seva, mainly in natural farming, millet cultivation, and the value addition of millet-based foods.
Angul Chief District Agriculture Officer Umashankar Mishra, Deputy Director Horticulture Angul Amber Lubun, NABARD District Development Manager Ashutosh Roy, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK-Angul Debasis Mishra, JSP Executive Director Pankaj Malhan, President & Group Head – CSR & Education Prashanta Kumar Hota, senior officials of JSP were present at the lunch programme, along with 300 farmers, government officials, and agri experts.
