Bhubaneswar: Vedanta Aluminium has launched ‘Vedamrit – 100% Pure Honey’, the largest honey Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) in eastern India, through its VedamritJibika Farmer Producer Company.
The CSR initiative of India’s largest aluminium producer is aimed to strengthen farmer livelihoods while promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity.
In the first phase, bee boxes have been distributed to more than 500 farmers following capacity-building training. Each honeybee box is expected to provide participating farmers an additional annual income of around Rs 16,000, offering a stable supplementary livelihood to rural households.
The FPO will produce 5,000 litres of premium, 100% pure honey by April 2026, with a scale-up plan to reach 20,000 litres every year. It is expected to generate revenue of around Rs 1 crore, securing the long-term viability of the FPO.
Vedanta Aluminium also unveiled a structured bilingual training module i
n Odia and English to strengthen technical proficiency among farmers associated with the FPO.
The company expects the initiative to transform rural incomes in Jharsuguda by equipping farmers with scientific beekeeping practices, modern production techniques and assured market linkages.
“Vedamrit has opened a new door for us. With training and support, I am now able to earn more without depending only on seasonal crops. This initiative has given farmers like me the confidence that our hard work can create a better future for our families,” said Manju Patel, Farmer & Member, VedamritJibika FPO.
“Vedamrit reflects our commitment to building sustainable livelihoods for communities around our operations. By empowering farmers with scientific beekeeping practices, market access, and capacity building, we aim to create a robust ecosystem that enhances rural incomes while also contributing to environmental sustainability through improved pollination and biodiversity,” said Vedanta Aluminium CEO Rajiv Kumar.
Among other dignitaries who attended the inauguration ceremony were Jharsuguda MLA Tankadhar Tripathy and Jharsuguda Collector & District Magistrate Kunal Motiram Chavan.
Vedanta Aluminium aims to expand the FPO to include 1,500-plus farmers by 2028, positioning Vedamrit among the largest honey producer organisations in the country.