Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], August 27: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, through its integrated watershed and livelihood development initiative – Project Sangam in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi. transforming traditional agriculture practices by promoting the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technique. This method has demonstrated a 25% increase in crop yields, a 30% reduction in input costs, and substantial gains in farmer incomes. More than 60 farmers have adopted the SRI method across 64.2 acres of farmland in the region. Kalahandi district was once a region plagued by drought and famine. Today, due to Vedanta’s various initiatives in agriculture and sustainable livelihoods, farmers are seeing an increase in their yield and income.
The results have been promising – crop yields have increased from 18–20 quintals per acre to 22.5–25 quintals per acre, marking a 25% improvement. At the same time, input costs have reduced by 30%, falling from Rs. 10,000–12,000 per acre to Rs. 7,000–9,000 per acre. The method has also improved water efficiency by 35%, promoted organic practices that reduce pest incidence, and strengthened soil health. The company is now scaling up the initiative to cover 210 acres in the current Kharif season, engaging more than 120 farmers across 18 villages.
Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO, Vedanta Alumina Business, said: “Our vision extends beyond industrial growth. Agriculture is the lifeline of rural Odisha, and empowering farmers with modern, sustainable techniques is critical for long-term prosperity. The success of SRI under Project Sangam reflects how community-driven innovation can enhance productivity, conserve resources, and improve livelihoods. This aligns with our goal of building a prosperous and self-reliant India.”
Farmers are echoing the success of the initiative, reporting uniform crop stands and higher tillering due to proper spacing, improved weed control with Mandua weeders, reduced seed usage, and stronger root establishment. Notably small and marginal farmers have shown increasing awareness and willingness to adopt the practice, recognising its potential for long-term sustainability.
Vedanta Lanjigarh’s Project Sangam is an Integrated Watershed & Livelihood project that builds upon technology-backed initiatives to enhance the livelihoods of rural communities. The project aims at creating water-based assets across 41 villages in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi district, Odisha, ensuring round-the-year availability of water for drinking and agricultural purposes. The project also brings irrigation to over 3,500 acres of land in the region by increasing the water storage potential and groundwater recharge rate, ensuring that over 22,000 people benefit from the project year-round.
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