Bokaro: In celebration of National Farmers Day (Kisan Diwas), Vedanta ESL, in collaboration with NABARD and Gramin Seva Sangh (GSS), launched advanced drip irrigation systems as part of Project WADI.
The event, held to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s fifth Prime Minister, Late Chaudhary Charan Singh, marked a pivotal moment in sustainable agricultural development for 500 tribal farming families across eight villages in the Chas and Chandankiyari blocks of Bokaro district.
Project WADI, ESL Steel Limited’s flagship initiative, is dedicated to transforming agricultural practices among tribal and women farmers. This project, executed in partnership with NABARD and managed by Gramin Seva Sangh, aims to foster sustainable farming while promoting gender inclusion. The initiative will benefit over 500 tribal families, helping them improve their agricultural output through modern farming techniques.
As part of the project’s efforts, 450 acres of previously barren land have been converted into productive orchards and vegetable farms, providing local farmers with a steady income throughout the year. The project has also introduced essential infrastructure such as soil cultivation, intercropping, fruit plantations, solar-powered pumphouses, and irrigation systems. Additionally, 50 landless farmers have been engaged in micro-enterprise activities, including poultry, vermicomposting, goat farming, duck farming, piggery, and fisheries.
The Kisan Diwas celebrations began with a traditional tribal dance and a warm welcome for the attendees.
Kunal Daripa, Head of CSR at ESL Steel Limited, conducted the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new drip irrigation system, which was followed by a gathering of approximately 60 local farmers. This event highlighted the importance of the initiative to the community.
Key guests included Philmon Bilung, DDM NABARD; Vilas Sathe, Chairman of GSS; Aakarsh Pandey, Project Manager of WADI; and Prabhati Sanyal from the CSR team. The event also featured the distribution of four Conoweeders to farmer groups, which will significantly reduce labor costs associated with intercultural farming operations, improving both productivity and the well-being of local farmers.
In his address, Daripa reiterated ESL Steel’s commitment to supporting farmers with innovative, sustainable agricultural solutions. “On National Farmers Day, we reaffirm our dedication to transforming farming through initiatives like drip irrigation and Conoweeders,” he said.
“Our goal is to enhance productivity, reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture, and ensure long-term prosperity while promoting environmental sustainability.”
Project WADI, in collaboration with NABARD, focuses on developing small fruit orchards (WADI) and promoting water-efficient irrigation technologies. Supported by NABARD’s Tribal Development Fund (TDF), the project aims to improve the livelihoods of tribal families across eight villages in the Chas and Chandankiyari blocks of Bokaro, including Bhagabandh, Partand, Hutu Pather, Kunwarpur, Asansol, Tentulia, Nepur Chawk, and West Mahal. The initiative focuses on uplifting families living below the poverty line by helping them establish orchards around their homes, thus increasing their income and reducing poverty.
