Transforming Lives and Landscapes: The WADI Project in Sundargarh

Livelihoods & Governance

Since its launch on 31st July 2020, the WADI project, supported by the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and the Horticulture Department, has been a beacon of change in the Kutra and Rajgangpur blocks of Sundargarh district. This project is not just about horticulture; it’s about transforming the lives of 632 small and marginal farmers and revitalizing 1000 acres of land.

Project Overview

Geographical Reach: Spanning across 13 Gram Panchayats and 23 villages, our project has created a vast impact in Kutra and Rajgangpur blocks.
Impressive Scale: We have redefined cluster farming with 1000 acres dedicated to sustainable horticulture practices.
Key Crops: Mango and Cashew, chosen for their suitability to the local climate and soil, have become our major crops.
Innovative Practices: Intercropping in 320 acres allows for a diversified income source, transitioning from single to triple cropping annually.
Sustainability Focus: Emphasizing organic farming and green energy, we’re ensuring eco-friendly practices.

Objectives and Achievements

Sustainable Livelihoods: Our primary goal is to use the WADI orchard model for participatory and sustainable livelihood development.
Optimal Land Use: We aim to utilize available land and climatic conditions effectively.
Poverty Reduction: Improving the standard of living and providing a steady income source from underutilized wastelands is key.
Environmental Rejuvenation: A comprehensive approach to rejuvenate the local natural environment.
Socio-Economic Upliftment: Elevating the social and economic status of the community.

Major Achievements:

Land Transformation: 968.87 acres of barren wasteland have been transformed into flourishing fruit orchards.
Empowering Farmers: Through intercropping on 320 acres, we’ve empowered 400 farmers with a sustainable source of income.
Employment Generation: A remarkable 76,994 person-days of work were created in the fiscal year 2022-23, boosting the local economy.
Strengthening Community Organizations: The project has fortified 23 Community-Based Organizations (Udyan Vikash Samiti).
Impact and Future Vision
The WADI project is more than just an agricultural initiative; it’s a movement towards a sustainable, prosperous future for the farmers of Sundargarh. We are committed to expanding our reach, improving livelihoods, and continuing our journey towards environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.