Kalahandi: Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh, India’s premier producer of metallurgical grade alumina, has partnered with the Backyard Poultry Farming Project, an initiative by the Government of Odisha to supplement the livelihood of local communities residing in the company’s peripheral villages.
Under its ‘sustainable livelihood’ community development dimension, Vedanta has initiated this partnership to positively impact the livelihood of the villagers, providing technical support and material assistance to double their household income in the days to come.
Under the government-run project, nearly 350 beneficiaries, selected by the Odisha Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Groups Empowerment and Livelihood Project (OPELIP) through the implementing agency Janasahajya, had received around 3500 chicks, 350 sheds, etc.
However, lack of technical knowledge and adequate fodder had resulted in a high mortality rate of chicks, and many households incurring losses. To address this, Vedanta Lanjigarh joined hands with Janasahajya. In association with Village Development Association and Kutia Kandh Development Authority (KKDA), Vedanta is providing high-quality fodder to each household for their poultry. To strengthen micro-level implementation of the project, the company is providing technical support and regularly monitoring the poultry’s health status.
Speaking about the project, Rakesh Mohan, Chief Operating Officer, Vedanta Limited, Lanjigarh unit said, “Entering the economic revival phase after going through a challenging situation, Vedanta stands committed to supporting livelihood and catalyzing sustainable growth of the communities in its periphery, while contributing to the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”
