Vedanta promotes fruit farming in Karnataka through ‘Wadi’ Model’

Vedanta promotes fruit farming in Karnataka through 'Wadi' Model'

Chitradurga, Karnataka: Vedanta’s Iron Ore Karnataka (IOK), under the umbrella CSR initiative that is, Alternative Livelihood Opportunities Project (ALOP) has introduced ‘Wadi’ Model (Tree based farming Model) across 11 villages in Karnataka state. Under this initiative 1700 Alphonso Mango grafts were provided to 40 farmers, which will bring 47 acres of land under fruit cultivation, thereby benefiting the farming community with sustainable alternative livelihoods. The program is introduced in order to support the small farmers (with less than 5 acre land holding) to opt for commercial fruit farming helping them to enhance their income.

The ALOP project is implemented in association with NGO partner Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation (BAIF), with a larger objective to create sustainable livelihood opportunities with major focus on giving boost to Agriculture and Agri. allied livelihood opportunities.

Speaking about the initiative Mr. Sauvick Mazumdar, CEO- Iron & Steel Sector, Vedanta Limited said “At Vedanta, our aim is to contribute towards the holistic development of communities around, through our structured CSR programs. In line with our larger goal of partnering in the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Nation building, we launched ALOP project for the benefits of the communities from Chitradurga & periphery. I am extremely pleased to see the positive impacts of the project especially in generating massive livelihood opportunities”

Mr. Prasanna, Village panchayat member, Siddapura village quoted “I appreciate Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka for providing the assistance towards the upliftment of Agriculture and supporting the communities with sustainable livelihood opportunities. I request all our farmers to take maximum benefit from this initiative”

Mr. Krishna Reddy, Director- Iron Ore Karnataka, Vedanta Limited quoted “At Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka, We believe that community development and sustainability is integral to our business model. We are committed towards the holistic development of community through our CSR initiatives such as ALOP and our endeavour is to reach out to the every member of our society”

Iron Ore Karnataka Division of Vedanta Limited, is supporting communities through various high impact development programs including COVID-19 care initiatives. Recently the company inaugurated two COVID field hospitals at Chitradurga & Hubli, adding 200 Bedded Medical infrastructure in the state of Karnataka to extend support to state administration for combating COVID.