Vedanta Aluminium’s VedGram Strengthens Rural Livelihoods and Sustainable Farming in Jharsuguda
28th March 2026
Jharsuguda, Odisha, March 28, 2026: Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, is driving inclusive growth beyond its core operations through focused community development initiatives in Jharsuguda. Driven by a strong commitment to sustainable and equitable progress, the company is investing in long-term programs that are strengthening rural economies, promoting environmental stewardship, and improving the quality of life among rural communities.
One such initiative, the VedGram project, is designed to enhance farm productivity, diversify income sources, and promote sustainable agricultural practices across villages in the vicinity of the company’s Jharsuguda operations, including Banjari, Siriapali, Pramanpur, Katikela, Patrapali, Badmal, Bhurkamunda, Dalki, Bhagipali and Pandripatthar.
In these regions, where agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood, the project is enabling farmers to shift from subsistence-based practices to more resilient and income-generating models through a series of integrated interventions spanning agriculture, livestock, and allied activities.
Highlighting the impact of the program, C Chandru, CEO – Vedanta Jharsuguda said, “Our focus is to create measurable and lasting impact in the communities we operate in. Through VedGram, we are strengthening the entire rural value chain, from soil to market, ensuring farmers have the tools and knowledge to achieve stable and higher incomes.”
At the core of the VedGram initiative is the Wadi programme, under which 50 farmers have adopted orchard-based farming models. This intervention has transformed 25 acres of previously barren land into productive agro-horticulture assets. With practices such as integrated agroforestry and intercropping, farmers are able to build stable income streams, with projected annual income increases of up to ₹35,000 per household.
Loknath Pradhan, a farmer from Patrapali shared, “Earlier, we depended on one crop and uncertain income sources. Now we grow multiple crops and fruits together. Our earnings are steady and we can plan ahead.” Dhiren Rohidash, a beneficiary from Dalki added, “Earlier, we had to look for work outside the village. Now we earn from our own land and are able to stay with our families.”
To further strengthen agricultural outcomes, 300 farmers have adopted Integrated Pest and Nutrient Management practices. These methods have reduced input costs, improved soil health, and increased crop yields. In parallel, 150 farmers transitioned to high-value and diversified crops, reducing dependency on single-crop farming and improving income stability.
Diverse livestock wellbeing initiatives have also been undertaken under the VedGram project. Over 200 artificial inseminations have been administered, enhancing livestock quality and milk productivity, while animal health camps have benefited 131 animals. In addition, 45 farmers received training in scientific livestock management, improving their overall farm efficiency.
Beyond economic gains, the VedGram Project is contributing to environmental restoration. The agro-horticulture model improves soil fertility, enhances moisture retention, and promotes biodiversity. These interventions have also helped reduce human migration and reliance on wage labor by creating stable, asset-based livelihoods within villages. Through VedGram, Vedanta Aluminium is fostering a scalable model of rural development that integrates economic empowerment with environmental sustainability, enabling long-term growth and self-reliance across communities.
About Vedanta Limited:
Vedanta Limited, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Limited, is one of the world’s leading Oil & Gas and Metals company with significant operations in Oil & Gas, Zinc, Lead, Silver, Copper, Iron Ore, Steel, and Aluminium & Power across India, South Africa and Namibia. For two decades, Vedanta has been contributing significantly to nation building. Governance and sustainable development are at the core of Vedanta's strategy, with a strong focus on health, safety, and environment. Vedanta has put in place a comprehensive framework to be the ESG leader in the natural resources sector. Vedanta is committed to reducing carbon emissions to zero by 2050 or sooner and has pledged $5 billion over the next 10 years to accelerate the transition to net zero operations. Giving back is in the DNA of Vedanta, which is focused on enhancing the lives of local communities. The company’s flagship social impact program, Nand Ghars, have been set up as model anganwadis focused on eradicating child malnutrition, providing education, healthcare, and empowering women with skill development. Under the aegis of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, the umbrella entity for Vedanta’s social initiatives, the Vedanta group has pledged Rs 5000 crore over the next five years on social impact programmes with a thrust on nutrition, women & child development, healthcare, animal welfare, and grass-root level sports. Vedanta and the group companies have been featured in Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and was conferred Frost & Sullivan Sustainability Awards 2020, Golden Peacock Award for excellence in Corporate Governance 2022 and certified as a Great Place to Work 2022. Vedanta Limited is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.
For more information, please visit www.vedantalimited.com
About Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited Business:
Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.37 million tonnes in FY24. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium Metal Limited ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its leading sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.
For more information, please log on to www.vedantaaluminium.com
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