Bhawanipatna, Oct17: In a major push toward sustainable rural development, Vedanta Aluminium has launched a pisciculture initiative under its flagship watershed and livelihood programme, Project Sangam, at Lanjigarh in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, officials said on Friday

The initiative is designed to create alternative income streams for farmers and self-help group (SHG) members by introducing scientific fish farming practices.

Implemented in partnership with the Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Department of Kalahandi, the programme spans 32 water structures across five acres in 13 villages. It directly benefits 44 farmers and SHG members, equipping them with training, resources, and technical support to adopt pisciculture as a viable livelihood. The project is expected to yield an annual harvest of 20 tonnes of fish, contributing significantly to local consumption and market supply.

Pranab Kumar Bhattacharya, CEO of Vedanta Alumina Business, emphasized the company’s commitment to holistic community development. “The pisciculture initiative under Project Sangam supports income diversification for farmers while strengthening the rural economy and aligning with the state’s development vision,” he said.

The initiative also aligns with Odisha’s ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) program, positioning fishery as a key economic driver in Kalahandi. By leveraging existing water bodies and integrating modern aquaculture techniques, the project empowers farmers to build resilience against seasonal income fluctuations and fosters long-term economic stability.

Project Sangam is a comprehensive watershed and livelihood initiative aimed at enhancing rural prosperity through technology-backed interventions. It covers 41 villages in Lanjigarh and ensures year-round water availability for drinking and agriculture. The project has brought irrigation to over 3,500 acres and benefits more than 22,000 people by improving water storage and groundwater recharge.

Vedanta Lanjigarh’s continued efforts in community empowerment and rural entrepreneurship reflect its broader commitment to inclusive growth and environmental stewardship in Odisha.