Dalmia Cement and NABARD Collaborate to Promote Sustainable Livelihood through Bamboo Cultivation in Odisha

Bhubaneshwar, 10th February 2024: Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited (DCBL), a leading Indian cement major and a subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL) in collaboration with National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has launched a project to promote sustainable farming practices and livelihood opportunities through establishment of bamboo plantations in the surrounding region of Sundergarh, Odisha. Through this transformative initiative, farmers will benefit from the buyback of bamboo and gain access to high-value vegetable markets through registered Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) under NABARD, ensuring a fair and sustainable income source. Bamboo cultivation offers multiple benefits to the environment and communities. It enriches soil and replenishes groundwater, mitigating environmental degradation while also improving agricultural productivity. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Mr. Tapas Kumar Behera, DDM, NABARD, Sundargarh, along with Shri Chetan Shrivastava, Executive Director, DCBL & Unit Head, Rajganjpur. 

This project launching program was organized at Alanda. As a gesture of empowerment, bamboo saplings were distributed among the farmers present, signifying the beginning of a green revolution in our peripheral villages. Insights into the project’s objectives and processes were shared by DDM NABARD, underscoring the commitment to providing end-to-end support to farmers throughout their journey towards prosperity.

Commenting on the initiative Shri Chetan Srivastava, Executive Director, DCBL and Unit Head, Rajgangpur stated, “At Dalmia Cement we are committed to sustainable development and inclusive growth for communities in the region of our operations. Through our partnership with NABARD, we aim to catalyze a green revolution in agriculture, leveraging the immense potential of bamboo cultivation to create lasting positive impact. We are grateful to NABARD for partnering with us on this significant project laying the groundwork for a greener, more prosperous future.”

Under this programme farmers will be empowered to become producers, driving economic prosperity within their communities. This includes access to quality bamboo saplings, technical assistance and market linkages for both bamboo and high-value vegetable crops. Emphasizing sustainability, the initiative promotes biomass utilization, aligning with the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. 

Dalmia Cement is actively engaged in conducting diverse programs aimed at skill development and fostering sustainable livelihoods in Odisha. The initiatives are specifically designed to uplift marginalized communities in the region. It encompasses empowering farmers, youth, and women through trainings, skill development opportunities, and income-generating programs such as animal husbandry mushroom farming, handicraft production, spices and pickle making, flower and organic vegetable farming, terracotta products making, etc.

About Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd:

Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited (DCBL), a subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Limited (BSE Code: 542216|NSE Symbol: DALBHARAT and listed in MSE), is a leading player in the cement manufacturing segment and has been in existence since 1939. Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited prides itself on having one of the lowest carbon footprints in the cement world globally. It is the first cement company to commit to RE100, EP100 & EV100 (first triple joiner) – showing real business leadership in the clean energy transition by taking a joined-up approach. With a growing capacity, currently pegged at 44.6 MnT, Dalmia Cement is the fourth-largest cement manufacturing group in India by installed capacity. Spread across ten states and fifteen manufacturing units, the company is a category leader in super-specialist cement used for oil well, railway sleepers and airstrips and is the country’s largest producer of Portland Slag Cement (PSC). Visit us at Dalmia Cement.

Media Contact

Pooja Bharadwaj

Email: Bharadwaj.pooja@dalmiabharat.com