Vedanta Aluminium, India’s leading aluminium producer, has joined forces with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to launch a ₹1 crore initiative aimed at improving rural livelihoods in Kalahandi district, Odisha. The project focuses on enhancing workforce skills, promoting agricultural diversification, and improving water resource management. This partnership marks a significant effort to empower local communities and strengthen agricultural sustainability in a region rich in resources but economically underdeveloped.
As part of this collaboration, the two organizations will implement several key projects, including training 60 rural youth in the ‘Food and Beverage Steward Course’ at Vedanta’s training centre in Lanjigarh. This initiative aligns with the growing employment needs of the area.
In addition to skill development, the partnership will address agricultural challenges by building 275 water structures such as community ponds, check dams, and farm ponds to improve water security for farmers. The program will also introduce high-value crops, including turmeric, ginger, and marigold, across 2,380 acres of farmland, helping to establish local micro-enterprises.
The partnership was formalized between Pranab Kumar Bhattacharyya, CEO of Vedanta Limited’s Alumina Business, and Dr Sudhanshu K K Mishra, Chief General Manager at NABARD. This collaboration underscores both organizations’ commitment to sustainable rural development and economic diversification, contributing to India’s broader goals of rural self-reliance.
Vedanta Aluminium, a division of Vedanta Limited, is the largest producer of aluminium in India, accounting for more than half of the country’s aluminium production, with 2.37 million tonnes in FY24. The company is a leader in producing value-added aluminium products that play vital roles in key industries.
Vedanta Aluminium holds the 2nd position in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024 world rankings for the aluminium sector, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development practices. Through its state-of-the-art aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants across India, the company is driving the adoption of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
