Dalmia Cement and NABARD Collaborate to Promote Sustainable Livelihood through Bamboo Cultivation in Odisha
Bhubaneswar:Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited (DCBL),a leading Indian cement major and a subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL) in collaboration with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has launched a project to promote sustainable farming practices and livelihood opportunities through establishment of bamboo plantations in the surrounding region of Sundargarh, Odisha. Through this transformative initiative, farmers will benefit from the buyback of bamboo and gain access to high-value vegetable markets through registered Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) under NABARD, ensuring a fair and sustainable income source. Bamboo cultivation offers multiple benefits to the environment and communities. It enriches soil and replenishes groundwater, mitigating environmental degradation while also improving agricultural productivity. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presenceof Mr. Tapas Kumar Behera, DDM, NABARD,Sundargarh, along with Shri Chetan Shrivastava, Executive Director, DCBL& Unit Head,Rajgangpur.
This project launching program was organized at Alanda. As a gesture of empowerment, bamboo saplings were distributed among the farmers present, signifying the beginning of a green revolution in our peripheral villages. Insights into the project’s objectives and processes were shared by DDM NABARD, underscoring the commitment to providing end-to-end support to farmers throughout their journey towards prosperity.
Commenting on the initiative Shri Chetan Srivastava, Executive Director, DCBL and Unit Head, Rajgangpur stated, “At Dalmia Cement we are committed to sustainable development and inclusive growth for communities in the region of our operations. Through our partnership with NABARD, we aim to catalyze a green revolution in agriculture, leveraging the immense potential of bamboo cultivation to create lasting positive impact. We are grateful to NABARD for partnering with us on this significant projectlaying the groundwork for a greener, more prosperous future.”
Under this programme farmers will be empowered to become producers, driving economic prosperity within their communities. This includes access to quality bamboo saplings, technical assistance and market linkages for both bamboo and high-value vegetable crops.Emphasizing sustainability, the initiative promotes biomass utilization, aligning with the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
Dalmia Cement is actively engaged in conducting diverse programs aimed at skill development and fostering sustainable livelihoods in Odisha. The initiatives are specifically designed to uplift marginalized communities in the region. It encompasses empowering farmers, youth, and women through trainings, skill development opportunities, and income-generating programs such as animal husbandry mushroom farming, handicraft production, spices and pickle making, flower and organic vegetable farming, terracotta products making, etc.
