Pineapple and Bamboo Cultivation for Dongria Kondh

In order to improve the livelihood of Dongria Kondh people in Lanjigarh Block of Kalahandi district, Vedanta Aluminium Limited introduced Pine apple and Bamboo Cultivation in the area. On pilot basis, the program started with 75 farmers from the tribal community in seven villages. The program was launched by Mr. Umesh Mehta, Vice President, Vedanta Aluminum Limited.
Inaugurating a One-Day Training Program for the Farmers on Pineapple and Bamboo Cultivation, Mr. Umesh Mehta said, “Vedanta thrives for providing opportunity to Dongria Kondh people to improve their life and livelihood. The project will help them in earning better return through systematic cultivation of pineapple and bamboo”. Each of the farmers was given 1000 suckers of pineapple and 500 sucker of bamboo. Tribal farmers will get required fertilizer and regular agricultural advisory from experts for the cultivation. Mr. RK Mahanty and Mr. SN Pesnia trained the farmers on scientific methodology for cultivation of pineapple and bamboo.
The climate in Niyamgiri slope is suitable for the cultivation and the project is expected to benefit the tribal more than Rs. 50000 in next three years. By integrating bamboo with pineapple cultivation, threat of wild animal for pineapple can avoided, according to Mr. Chitta Ranjan Behura, Manager (CSR), Vedanta Aluminium Limited. The Company will provide marketing support for the final produce, so that the farmers get reasonable price.
The program is being implemented by Shakti Organisation, a local NGO having expertise in livelihood programs for Tribals. Vedanta Aluminium has also successfully, introduced leaf-plate making for Dongria Kondh women under project Jeevika. The program has been highly successful and participating women are earning an average of Rs. 1500 per month by making leaf-plates.