Vedanta Sesa Goa Strengthens Local Farming Across 20+ Hectares in Maem
Identifying the need to support farmers Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Goa, has partnered Maem farmers as part of its Project ‘Back to Farming’. Around 150+ families will benefit from the initiative which is aimed to provide key support to farming & boost yields as well as encourage the younger generation to connect with farming. The support has been extended in the form of augmentation of water storage facility for irrigation purposes, this is being done through the setting up of a ‘bandhara’ on the lines of the traditional water flow systems.
The foundation stone laying ceremony for the Bandhara’ was graced by Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA for Maem Constituency along with Vedanta IOG executives, Panchayat members and community members.
The operationalisation of the ‘bandhara’ will support the cultivation of double crops as well as vegetables in the area. Presently due to various factors such as expensive farm machinery, input costs, lack of interest in farming by the younger generation, there are several large land tracts lying uncultivated. Vedanta IOG is mapping these areas for the villages of Mulgao, Piligao, Maem and Bordem and will provide support in the form of scientific handholding, construction of fence or water storage mechanisms.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA for Maem Constituency, said, “It is heartening to see Vedanta Sesa Goa stepping forward to support our farmers and revive traditional agricultural practices through the ‘Back to Farming’ initiative. The construction of this bandhara will not only help rejuvenate over 20ha+ land but will also strengthen the livelihoods of more than 150 farming families. Such collaborative efforts are essential to preserve Goa’s rich agrarian heritage and ensure sustainable rural development.”
Mr Dilip Shet, a farmer from Maem village said, “The support being extended to revitalise uncultivated land through the ‘Back to Farming’ initiative is an excellent step by Vedanta and will have long term benefits for the people of the village. With the increasing input costs and the lack of interest of the younger generation, the support extended by Vedanta is extremely essential to preserve the agricultural legacy of Goa. Over 150+ families will benefit from the ‘bandhara’ being constructed and this will provide this uncultivated land a second lease of life.”
Similar project has been successfully undertaken by Vedanta IOG in Piligao village wherein the ‘hands to Help’ farmers’ association received vital support to rejuvenate over 20Ha+ of uncultivated land. Similar projects are also being undertaken in Amona & Navelim by the company.
