BALCO transforming the lives of farmers in the vicinity
27th July 2022The project ‘Mor Jal Mor Maati’ touches the lives of more than 2000 farmers in the vicinity
BALCO is empowering and supporting neighbourhood communities in achieving greater economic and social well-being as the organization firmly believes that the socio-economic development of communities is paramount and an integral part of its business operations. BALCO has a well-established history and commitment to reinvest in the social good of its neighbourhood and nation at large. The organization is positively impacting and contributing to the realization of integrated and inclusive development of the region through focused interventions in different domains of growth.
One such intervention is BALCO’s flagship initiative, ‘Mor Jal Mor Maati’, aimed at benefitting farmers by edifying them regarding modern agricultural techniques and substantiating it with resource & knowledge support to enhance the yield. The major components of the initiative include sustainable agriculture, water management, animal husbandry, fish farming, promotion of non-timber forest produce and lac cultivation.
Currently, the project reaches out to over 2000 farmers covering more than 1200 acres of land. More than 500 farmers have adopted modern agriculture techniques, which has to led to an increase in their average annual income along with increase in production by almost two times. The technical interventions have led to a reduction in input cost by 35% and today almost 60% farmers in the vicinity are using modern farming techniques. The project has also encouraged youngsters to pursue agriculture as a mainstream profession and around 25% of the beneficiaries of ‘Mor Jal Mor Maati’ initiative are young farmers. Apart from this the project also entails high convergence with respective government departments in order to ensure the benefits of government schemes and policies.
Talking about BALCO’s firm resolve towards supporting the farming community, Mr. Abhijit Pati, CEO & Director, BALCO, said, “Our farming community is the backbone of economic development in the region and nation at large. It is because of their persistent efforts that we all are being able to contribute to the expeditious development of the nation in our respective domains. BALCO has always been an organization dedicated to the upliftment and advancement of its neighbouring farming community through various technical and educational interventions. We are committed to the development of the region by introducing advanced farming techniques to our farmers.”
The farmers are being provided with support and resources in all aspects of agriculture in order to support their journey towards accelerated growth and income. In line with BALCO’s commitment to promote sustainable agriculture practices, efficient water management is being promoted by providing secured irrigation through construction of shallow bore wells (solar operated), dug wells, farm ponds, community ponds, construction & renovation of check dams. Through electric and diesel pumps, promotion of Micro Irrigation System (MIS)-Sprinkler units, MIS – drip irrigation system and renewable energy – Solar driven pumps, the farmers are being sensitized to follow water efficient agriculture.
Promotion of Systematic Rice Intensification/DSR practices, rabi crop and small-scale vegetable cultivation practices, organic farming techniques with certification process and crop protection from wild animals through fencing are the major drivers of promoting sustainable agriculture.
