Rural Development / Vedanta Aluminium’s Project SANGAM Trains Over 400 Farmers In Kalahandi

Bhubaneswar, Aug 8: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has trained more than 400 farmers across 23 villages in Odisha’s Kalahandi district on safe agrochemical handling and sustainable agricultural practices under its flagship initiative, Project SANGAM, officials said on Saturday.

Implemented in partnership with Action for Food Production (AFPRO), the programme focused on the safe storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous fertilisers and pesticides, while promoting the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to reduce occupational health risks. Farmers were also trained in scientific application techniques and emergency response measures, with practical demonstrations conducted in the field. Protective kits were distributed to selected Farmers’ Field School members to encourage safer practices.

Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, Lanjigarh, said, “At Vedanta, we believe the well-being of farmers is fundamental to building resilient rural communities. Through Project SANGAM, we are empowering farmers with knowledge and tools to adopt safer, healthier, and more sustainable agricultural practices.”

Farmers welcomed the initiative. “The training helped us understand the risks of pesticides and the importance of protective equipment. The demonstrations made learning easy, and I now feel more confident about protecting my health while improving farming practices,” said Siba Majhi of Goipita village.
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Since inception, Project SANGAM has impacted over 9,000 beneficiaries across 41 villages, creating lasting value through improved agricultural practices, enhanced livelihoods, and stronger community resilience. The project has developed more than 70 water conservation structures, enabling irrigation for over 1,700 acres of farmland and recharging groundwater by nearly 18 lakh cubic metres. It also supports poultry, goat rearing, and micro-enterprise development for youth and marginalised communities, fostering sustainable economic growth in the region.

By combining farmer safety awareness with livelihood development, Vedanta Aluminium’s Project SANGAM continues to strengthen rural resilience and promote sustainable agriculture in Kalahandi.