In a major drive to improve the livelihood of backward tribal communities in Kirandul, Chhattisgarh, an agricultural development and training programme has been launched by Essar Steel.
The Kirandul basti is a small hamlet situated near Essar Steel's beneficiation plant.
The inhabitants are dependent on traditional knowledge, single crop farming and non-timber forest produce.
The objective of implementing the livelihood improvement programme is to help tribal villagers improve their economic returns.
In the first phase of the training programme, around 20 tribal villagers have been trained in innovative agriculture practices.
In a statement, K. Bhakthavatsalam, Head, Vizag complex, Essar Steel, said: “Essar Steel always endeavours to be a partner in the community development activities in the areas where it operates. This initiative is one such activity that would train local farmers in adopting modern cultivation practices.''
Along with villagers, the Kirandul CSR team developed an agricultural field covering two acres and guided villagers to use modern agricultural techniques to grow vegetables and other crops.
The average income generated during the first phase was approximately Rs 30,000.
Since the first phase of the project has been useful to the villagers, the company now plans to expand the training programme to the neighbouring villages.