Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral
Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Goa, recognizing the need to support local farmers, has launched the ‘Back to Farming’ initiative in Maem, aimed at rejuvenating over 20 hectares of uncultivated land and empowering more than 150 farming families. The project is designed to provide critical support to agricultural activities, enhance crop yields, and encourage the younger generation to take an active interest in farming.
A key aspect of the initiative is the construction of a traditional water storage system, known locally as a ‘bandhara’, which will augment irrigation facilities and enable farmers to cultivate double crops as well as vegetables. The foundation stone for the bandhara was laid in a ceremony attended by Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA for Maem, along with Vedanta IOG executives, Panchayat members, and community members.
Currently, factors such as high input costs, expensive farm machinery, and a declining interest in farming among the youth have left several large land tracts uncultivated. Vedanta Sesa Goa is actively mapping these areas across the villages of Mulgao, Piligao, Maem, and Bordem, providing scientific guidance, construction of fences, and water storage mechanisms to support sustainable farming practices.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shri Premendra Shet emphasized the significance of this initiative in preserving Goa’s agrarian heritage, strengthening farmer livelihoods, and ensuring sustainable rural development. Farmers, including Mr. Dilip Shet of Maem, highlighted the importance of Vedanta’s support in giving uncultivated land a second lease of life and sustaining agricultural practices for future generations.
This initiative builds on Vedanta IOG’s previous successes in Piligao, where over 20 hectares of uncultivated land were rejuvenated through the ‘Hands to Help’ farmers’ association. Similar projects are also underway in Amona and Navelim, further cementing Vedanta Sesa Goa’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and rural development in Goa.
