Transforming Lives by Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Livelihoods
BALCO pioneers sustainable development with smart technology for energy efficiency and safety. Committed to innovation and community empowerment in Korba, it sets industry benchmarks in environmental stewardship.
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Youth Trained
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Youth Empowered in FY’24
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Farmers Benefited
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Water Storage Capacity in CuM
Redefining Agri Limits
Agriculture is the backbone of the economy in many of our neighbouring communities, and given its central role in ensuring sustainable livelihoods, the Mor Jal Mor Maati project was launched to promote sustainable farming and water management systems. Now in its third phase, the initiative has positively impacted over 5000, with 85% of farming families in 40 villages benefiting from the project.
The project follows an Integrated Farming Approach, focusing on improving surface water management through existing resources, enhancing irrigation facilities, and equipping farmers with modern farming techniques such as Systematic Rice Intensification (SRI), Trellis Farming, and Organic Farming. Additionally, it promotes climate-resilient crops like Millets (Kodo & Ragi), Groundnut, and Scented Rice to reduce dependency on rainfall.
The Vedanta Agriculture & Resource Centre (VARC) has been established as a one-stop solution for farmers, offering training and essential input support.
To enhance water security and promote multiple cropping, the project has developed 143 water structures, including community ponds, check dams, and dug wells, generating a cumulative water storage capacity of 2 lakh cubic meters. These structures have significantly increased soil moisture content and maintained groundwater levels, thus positively impacting the agricultural ecosystem and facilitating year-round cropping opportunities.
In terms of livelihood diversification, the project has expanded to include animal husbandry, horticulture, and lac cultivation (non-timber forest produce), ensuring farmers can generate income throughout the year.
The project also emphasizes the institutionalization of farming practices through the creation of Village Development Committees (VDCs) and the establishment of the Korba Krushak Unnayan Producer Company Limited (KKUPCL), a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO). This has enabled the development of a business model for agriculture, with the FPO setting up input and output business centres to support local farmers.
For sustained success, the project aligns with and leverages various government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, and the Chhattisgarh State Saur Sujla Scheme, while encouraging community participation in activities like the construction of farm ponds, dug wells, poultry and goat sheds, soil bunding, and the provision of SRI and irrigation equipment.
The project implemented in partnership with BAIF Development Research Foundation.
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BALCO has empowered farmers through training programs focused on modern cropping techniques. These initiatives include input support such as seeds, manure, fencing, soil testing, and periodic technical assistance. As a result, approximately 50% of the farmers have adopted advanced agricultural practices like Systematic Rice Intensification (SRI), Trellis and Organic Farming, and Climate-Resilient Cropping. The interventions have led to a 1.3 to 1.4 fold increase in production, resulting in an average income boost of 50% and a 25-30% reduction in cultivation costs.
Making Youth Employable
India’s rapidly growing economy demands a skilled workforce, and it is crucial for the youth to be equipped to sustain this growth momentum. The Korba region of Chhattisgarh sees more than 60% of its youth engaged in traditional, low-income jobs with unstable earnings. Recognizing this need, BALCO has established three Vedanta Skill Schools in the Korba, Surguja, and Kawardha regions of Chhattisgarh, offering free residential vocational training to rural youth and connecting them with rewarding employment opportunities.
The training curriculum is aligned with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) guidelines and covers 7 different trades- Welder, Fitter, Hospitality, Sewing Machine Operator, Solar PV technician, Mobile Repairing and Electrician. So far, these centres have trained over 12,000 youth. In FY’25, 1414 youth were trained, placed & self-employed in more than 45 reputed organizations across India like Foxconn, Welspun, Crompton Greeves, Adani, Volvo Eicher, Barbeque Nation, Tata Mobile Manufacturing etc.
In recognition of its outstanding performance, the Korba center received a 5-star rating from the Skill Management & Accreditation of Training Centres (SMART) program by NSDC and the Sector Skill Council (SSC), ranking it among the best in Chhattisgarh. This achievement has strengthened our reputation and garnered trust from both government and private sector partners, enabling collaborations through various schemes like MMKVY, NABARD, Skill India Impact Bond (SIIB), and Generation India.
The project is currently being implemented in partnership with the Social Empowerment & Economic Development Society (SEEDS).
