Bhubaneswar, Aug 10: Dalmia Cement Bharat Ltd (DCBL) has taken a significant step towards promoting agricultural sustainability and enhancing food security in the state of Odisha, through the launch of project ‘Annadata’.
With a primary focus on promoting paddy and ragi cultivation, project Annadata aims to empower farmers through sustainable agricultural practices. With the year 2023 declared as the ‘International Year of Millets’ by the United Nations, this project will also play a special role in encouraging farmers to cultivate millets as a vital component of sustainable agriculture.
These nutritious grains offer a plethora of health benefits, ensuring a balanced diet and combating malnutrition among rural communities. In the first phase of the project, DCBL has distributed high-quality paddy seeds (Lalat variety) to over 800 farmers from peripheral nine villages near its plant location in Rajgangpur.
Speaking about the project hetan Shrivastav Executive Director DCBL and Unit Head-Rajgangpur said, "At Dalmia Cement, sustainability is at the core of all aspects of our operations. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of rural communities. Project Annadata exemplifies our efforts to create a positive impact on the lives of farmers while also contributing to sustainable practices for preserving the ecosystem. We hope this initiative will benefit many farmers in the region and offer them a better quality of life.”
Paddy cultivation has long been a dominant practice in Odisha, with farmers considering it as their primary crop. To support these farmers and promote agricultural diversification, DCBL has distributed paddy seeds of the highly productive variety in the villages of Lanjiberna, Saliameta, Kheramuta, Sargitoli, Tungritoli, Alanda, Bihabandh, Kukuda, and Gyanpali in Sundergarh district.
