Transforming Lives Through Agriculture: Focused Area Development Project
Bridging Prosperity in Sundargarh and Panposh: A Story of Agricultural Revolution
SEWAK, in an exemplary partnership with the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), is redefining the landscape of tribal agriculture in the heartlands of Sundargarh ITDA and Panposh ITDA. Embarking on this journey since April 1st, 2013, the Focus Area Development Project is a beacon of hope and transformation for 9,624 Scheduled Tribe households spread across 13 blocks and 401 villages in two ITDAs.
A Canvas of Green: Revitalizing Agriculture Across 13 Blocks
Spanning across the lush terrains of Hemgir, Lephripara, Tangarpali, Sadar, Balisankara, Subdega, Bargaon, Kutra, and Rajgangpur in ITDA Sundargarh, and four blocks of Panposh ITDA, this project is a testament to SEWAK’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and community upliftment. Targeting marginalized ST farmers and Tribal SHGs, the project’s canvas paints a green future for 12,200 BPL ST families.
Key Components: Cultivating Success
- Mango and Cashew Orchards: Developed over 2176 acres of orchards, adding a sweet and nutty flavor to the local economy.
- Diverse Crop Cultivation: Introduced vegetable, pulses, and oilseed cultivation, diversifying the agricultural portfolio of 7200 tribal farmers.
- Income Generation Activities (IGAs): A cornerstone of the project, empowering communities through varied economic ventures.
- MGNREGA Synergy: An impressive 236076 person-days generated, providing robust support to local livelihoods.
Major Achievements: Milestones of Empowerment
- Agricultural Productivity Surge: Enhanced productivity across 6608.95 acres, involving 13 different farming activities.
- Formation of Production Clusters: A total of 118 clusters in Sundargarh and Panposh, fostering a community-based approach to farming.
- Biodiversity Enrichment: The development of over 1096.15 acres of WADI and orchards, nurturing local biodiversity.
- Mushroom Cultivation: Pioneering mushroom farming in 37 households, especially empowering women with sustainable practices.
- Employment Generation: A massive boost with 535,116 person-days in Sundargarh and 16,134 in Panposh under MGNREGS.
- Broiler Farming Initiative: Introducing poultry farming in 235 households, adding a new dimension to local agriculture.
Objectives and Goals: Nurturing a Sustainable Future
The Focus Area Development Project is driven by a noble goal: to ensure sustainable food security and poverty alleviation through farm-based, non-farm-based, and off-farm-based activities. Our objectives are clear:
- Enhance income levels substantially compared to existing figures.
- Improve assets related to orchards and water bodies for natural resource management.
- Promote income-generating activities among SHGs.
- Boost livelihoods through Agro-Horti and NTFP based Micro-enterprises.
Conclusion: Harvesting Hope and Prosperity
At SEWAK, we believe in nurturing not just crops, but dreams and possibilities. Through the Focused Area Development Project, we are weaving a tapestry of sustainable agriculture, economic empowerment, and community resilience.
