On the occasion of Kisan Diwas, Vedanta Limited (NSE: VEDL) reiterated its focus on advancing rural prosperity by empowering farmers to move beyond subsistence agriculture and build resilient, enterprise-oriented livelihoods. Through a long-term development approach centred on farmer-led institutions, climate-resilient practices, and diversified income opportunities, Vedanta continues to support rural communities in achieving sustainable economic growth.
During FY 2024–25, Vedanta’s comprehensive rural development programmes reached close to 50,000 farmers across its areas of operation, generating nearly ₹14 crore in income from dairy and allied activities. By prioritising farmer-owned institutions, local enterprises, skill enhancement, and natural resource stewardship, the company is helping farmers transition from fragmented agricultural practices to collective, market-connected, and future-ready rural enterprises.
A key pillar of Vedanta’s strategy is the establishment and strengthening of farmer-led institutions. Across its businesses—including Hindustan Zinc Ltd., Vedanta Aluminium, Cairn Oil & Gas, Iron Ore Business, ESL Steel Ltd., and FACOR—the company has supported the formation of seven Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). These FPOs enable collective management of dairy operations, cattle feed and mineral mixture units, biomass facilities, and value-added agricultural ventures. Farmers associated with these institutions have achieved an average income increase of 10%, crop productivity gains of up to 25%, and greater ownership and leadership in decision-making.
Alongside institution-building, Vedanta promotes diversified and climate-resilient livelihood options. Farmers are encouraged to expand into dairy, horticulture, oilseeds, and allied activities, supported by improved irrigation systems, better agronomic practices, and assured market access. In Rajasthan, Hindustan Zinc Limited’s interventions across nearly 200 villages have generated close to ₹80 lakh in income over the past three years, reflecting a 40% increase since inception. In Odisha and Chhattisgarh, initiatives such as Project Jeevika Samriddhi at Vedanta Aluminium, Jharsuguda, and Mor Jal Mor Maati at BALCO have enhanced farm incomes through improved water management, modern agronomy, and technology-driven practices like the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), leading to income gains of up to 50% in select regions.
Technology adoption and natural resource management form the third pillar of Vedanta’s rural development efforts. Smart agriculture solutions—including Automated Weather and Water Stations—provide farmers with real-time weather updates, soil health data, and pest alerts. Watershed development and solar-powered irrigation systems have enabled multi-cropping in water-scarce regions. In western Rajasthan, programmes such as Maru Sagar Dairy and Barmer Unnati have strengthened milk procurement, developed orchards and pasturelands, promoted organic farming, and conserved over 45 crore litres of water, contributing to long-term agricultural sustainability.
Recognising that rural resilience extends beyond crop cultivation, Vedanta also invests in skill development and livestock health. In Odisha and Jharkhand, the Iron Ore Business supports farmers through training in mushroom cultivation, composting, beekeeping, and scientific farming methods. FACOR’s Project Sathi Pashukalyan focuses on animal healthcare through vaccination drives and awareness programmes, reinforcing dairy- and livestock-based incomes.
Women and youth are central to Vedanta’s rural development model. Across Rajasthan, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, women are emerging as leaders managing FPOs and Self-Help Groups, operating agricultural and dairy enterprises, and improving household nutrition through kitchen gardens. Youth-focused initiatives equip the next generation with modern agricultural, entrepreneurial, and technological skills, ensuring the sustainability of farmer-led institutions.
Sharing her experience, Pochu Devi, a beneficiary of the Maru Sagar initiative, said, “With the training I received, I developed a kitchen garden that now yields organic chillies, guar, lady fingers, lemons, curry leaves, and more. It supplies fresh, chemical-free vegetables for my family and provides an additional income of ₹20,000 to ₹30,000.”
As India observes Kisan Diwas, Vedanta’s initiatives highlight the transformative potential of farmer-led, enterprise-driven development. By combining local leadership, innovation, and sustained investment in rural systems, the company is contributing to inclusive growth that strengthens livelihoods, builds resilient communities, and supports India’s broader economic progress.
Vedanta Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Limited, is a leading global metals, mining, energy, and technology company with operations across India, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company’s portfolio includes Zinc (world’s largest integrated producer), Silver (fourth largest globally), Aluminium (India’s largest primary producer), Oil & Gas (India’s largest private crude oil producer), Nickel (sole Indian producer), Copper, Iron Ore, Steel, Lead, Power, and Glass Substrate.
Committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence, Vedanta targets net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier. The company is certified as a Great Place to Work and recognized as a Kincentric Best Employer. Vedanta Limited is publicly traded on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange of India.
