Essar Steel initiates Agricultural Training and Development program for tribal villagers in Kirandul
Essar Steel‘s overarching sustainable development model encompasses the strengthening of economic and social conditions of local communities situated in close proximity to its steel making facilities. In a major drive to improve the livelihood of backward tribal communities in Kirandul, an agricultural development and training program has been launched by the company. The project is a first of its kind in the area with value driven approach of both qualitative and quantitative improvement of life.
Kirandul basti is a small hamlet situated in close proximity to Essar Steel Beneficiation Plant. The inhabitants are largely dependent on traditional knowledge, single crop farming and NTFP(Non-Timber Forest Produce). The objective of implementing this livelihood improvement programme is to help the tribal villagers, known as Aadivasi, in improving their economic returns by using modern cultivation techniques and practices.
Mr. K Bhakthavatsalam, Head Vizag, Complex, Essar Steel said,†Essar Steel always endeavours to be a partner in the community development activities in the areas where it operates. This initiative is one such activity that would train local farmers in adopting modern cultivation practicesâ€
In the first phase of the training program, around 20 tribal villagers have been trained in innovation in agriculture practices. Along with the villagers, Kirandul CSR team developed an agricultural field covering total area of 2.0 Acres of the village land. Under the training program, the local experts guided the villagers to use modern agricultural techniques to grow vegetables and other crops which could be easily sold in the market. All the required expenditure for the project will be borne by Essar Steel except for the wages of the villagers.
Such kind of training has helped the villagers in not only improving the average yield of the total agricultural produce but also increasing the economic returns. The average income generated during the first phase is approximately Rs. 30,000.
The first phase of the project has served to be highly useful to the villagers and the company now plans to expand the training program in other neighbouring villages. The second phase of the training program is under process where Essar plans to extend this activity to larger number of local tribals.
For further information, please contact:
Atul Malikram
9827092823