Angul: The Jindal Foundation, in collaboration with HDF-cDAR, launched an extensive Natural Farming and Millet Cultivation Project to empower farmers through eco-friendly farming practices that lay stress on sustainability and health.
The project, in keeping with the vision of Lok Sabha MP and Jindal Steel & Power chairman Naveen Jindal, emphasises the importance of natural farming for food security and environmental preservation.
Yoga guru Swami Satyabindu Saraswati from JSP, who launched the initiative by Jindal Foundation at Angul, advocated adopting natural farming to ensure toxin-free, healthy living. He said that true prosperity comes from good health and wholesome food rather than wealth.
The first pilot phase of the project spans 200 acres—150 acres for millet and 50 acres for vegetable cultivation — in JSP’s peripheral villages. It also includes the establishment of 500 kitchen gardens and plantation of 10,000 fruit-bearing saplings, promoting ecological restoration.
Experts like Anshuman Patnaik and Paresh Kumar Bhanja held technical sessions in which they provided insights into zero-investment natural farming and pest management.
Dr Debasis Mishra, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK, Angul, shared his expertise on improving soil health and sustainable practices.
Hundreds of farmer leaders from periphery villages were present at the launch event, along with prominent agricultural officials, scientists and CSR leaders.
IEC materials and a comprehensive booklet on natural farming were unveiled and tools and pest management materials were distributed to farmers.
