Bokaro: ESL Steel Limited, a prominent greenfield integrated steel producer and part of the Vedanta Group, has reaffirmed its dedication to community development by focusing on empowering indigenous farmers. The company’s latest initiative, Project WADI, was highlighted during an event held on the International Day for World Indigenous People at Kunwarpur village in Chas Sub-Division.
The celebration, attended by over 50 tribal farmers and local dignitaries, showcased ESL Steel Limited’s commitment to societal betterment. The event featured a major awareness drive, educating farmers on the benefits of collective action and the formation of Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs).
Besides others, Philmon Bilung, District Development Manager of NABARD; Mohammed Shahjahan Alam, Consultant at NABCONS; Rakesh Kumar Mishra, Deputy Head of CSR at ESL Steel Limited; and Ved Prakash Singh, Program Coordinator of Grameen Seva Sangh were present on the eve.
Before the formal proceedings, the tribal community celebrated in traditional fashion, embracing their cultural heritage. The festivities were followed by the inauguration of a new poultry unit as part of ESL Steel Limited’s Micro Enterprise Development activities.
Project WADI, ESL Steel Limited’s flagship sustainable agriculture initiative, aims to enhance agricultural practices and gender inclusion for over 500 tribal and women farmers across eight villages in Chas and Chandankiyari Blocks of Bokaro District. The project, in collaboration with NABARD and implemented by Grameen Seva Sangh, seeks to transform barren land into productive agricultural areas, fostering long-term prosperity.
Ashish Ranjan, Head of CSR, ER & PR at ESL Steel Limited, expressed the company’s vision: “At Vedanta, our commitment to sustainable livelihoods is embodied by Project WADI. By supporting over 500 tribal families and converting barren lands into cultivable areas, we are not just growing crops but nurturing prosperity. Through our partnership with Grameen Seva Sangh, we are planting the seeds of hope and ensuring a brighter future for these communities.”
Local farmers echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for the support in adopting sustainable agricultural practices. They acknowledged their historical stewardship of the environment and welcomed the opportunity to integrate traditional knowledge with modern, eco-friendly methods.
Notably, WADI is a collaborative effort involving ESL Steel Limited’s CSR department, NABARD, and Grameen Seva Sangh. The project includes the development of 450 acres of barren land into productive orchards, micro enterprises such as poultry and vermicomposting, and the installation of solar water infrastructure and irrigation technologies.
NABARD, serving as the nodal agency for this initiative, has established the Tribal Development Fund (TDF) to support WADI and similar projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of tribal communities.
This initiative underscores ESL Steel Limited’s ongoing dedication to fostering sustainable development and supporting local communities in the regions where it operates.
