7th February 2025: Roots Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to creating sustainable solutions for rural development, has joined hands with Coal India Ltd. (CIL), under the Ministry of Coal, to launch CIL’s Harit Samriddhi project as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility CSR) initiative to enhance farmers’ income and promote inclusive growth in the agrarian economy of Chatra district, Jharkhand. The project is initially being implemented in the Tandwa and Samaria blocks of the district. This initiative aims to provide farmers with essential training and support, improving agricultural practices and enabling better livelihoods.
The project will benefit 2,000 farmers who will be trained at two dedicated centers located in Khadiya and Serendagh Hall. Over 1,000 farmers have already undergone training certified by the Agricultural Skill Council of India (ASCI). The training equips farmers with modern farming techniques and introduces them to the latest agricultural tools, ensuring they can effectively address crop-related challenges and enhance their productivity.
Chatra, a district categorized as aspirational, relies heavily on agriculture, with most of its population dependent on farming for their livelihood. The training provided under Harit Samriddhi aims to modernize farming practices and promote crop diversification. Mahesh Rajak, a farmer from the region, shared that the training has enabled the community to adopt modern techniques, invest in better tools, and diversify crops for increased profitability. Another farmer, Sunil Kumar, emphasized the impact of the support from Coal India and Roots Foundation, saying it has made training and sustainable income opportunities accessible, promising a brighter future for the farming community.
The project was formally inaugurated on December 6, 2024, in the presence of key dignitaries, including Shri Amresh Kumar Singh, General Manager of the Amrapali Chandragupt Area, CCL; Ms. Nikhat Parveen, Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer, Government of Jharkhand; Shri R.S. Yadav, GM of the Sushi Project; and other prominent figures. The inauguration marked the official commencement of the project’s mission to uplift local farmers and equip them with tools for long-term success.
On the occasion, Shri Amresh Kumar Singh, General Manager of the Amrapali Chandragupt Area, CCL, said, “A lack of awareness among farmers often limits their access to technological advancements. Those informed are already cultivating high-quality crops, underscoring the need for greater outreach and education to bridge this gap. A key aspect of the project is the establishment of a one-acre model farm, maintained by the Roots Foundation, to provide practical exposure to the farmers. The model farm is equipped with modern agricultural techniques such as greenhouses, playhouses, drip irrigation systems, and a vermicompost unit. These technologies aim to improve crop productivity and resource efficiency. Farmers will also have access to discussions on subsidies, helping them maximize the potential of these advancements.”
In addition to the model farm, 60 demonstration farms are being developed across 60 villages in Tandwa and Simaria. These demonstration farms will serve as hubs for knowledge and practical support throughout the crop cycle, offering farmers access to crucial inputs like seeds and fertilizers. The Harit Samriddhi project continues to focus on empowering farmers, providing them with the skills, tools, and resources they need to succeed in an evolving agricultural landscape.
