CSR Project Transforms 35,000 Farmer Families Through Sustainable Farming

Hindustan Zinc Limited, World’s largest and India’s only integrated producer of Zinc, continues to drive rural transformation across Rajasthan through its flagship Samadhan a comprehensive initiative in association with BAIF Development Research foundation, aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices, improving livelihoods, and strengthening rural economies.

Now in its latest phase, the Samadhan initiative has positively impacted 35,000 farmers across Rajasthan, empowering them with knowledge, resources, and market linkages that have significantly enhanced their incomes and resilience. The initiative is designed to help local farmers enhance productivity, reduce labour intensity, and adopt sustainable agricultural methods. Farmers have seen their livelihoods improve through training programs, consultations on sustainable irrigation, cattle rearing support, and collective marketing mechanisms.

Behind every number lies a story of perseverance and progress. Forty-six-year-old Chhoga Lal Salvi from Lakshmipura village in Rajsamand district turned his struggle with seasonal farming into a story of steady income and renewed hope. Earlier dependent on maize crops that yielded income only after months, he often took up daily wage work to sustain his family. Through the Samadhan Project’s Hi-Tech farming initiative, Chhoga Lal switched to cultivating chillies using mulch sheets and raised-bed nurseries. Within weeks, his harvests began bringing in a consistent daily income of ₹700–800, ensuring stability and a better quality of life. “Earlier, I waited months to earn from maize,” he recalls. “Now, I harvest chillies daily, my children eat better, and I’ve bought new tools to expand my farm.”

Agriculture contributes around 18% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) as per recent Economic Survey data, making it a crucial driver of the nation’s economy. Over the years, the Samadhan initiative has enabled farmers to move beyond subsistence farming towards profitable agribusiness models. This transformation has been driven through capacity-building workshops, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) that help farmers access quality seeds, inputs, and modern farming techniques at affordable prices.

The past year marked significant milestones for the Samadhan-supported FPOs as Annual General Meetings (AGMs) were convened across units to review performance and plan for future growth. In Bhilwara, the Tambawati Nagari FPO with 2,077 shareholders recorded a share capital of ₹23.44 lakh and an annual turnover of ₹141.67 lakh. In Chittorgarh, the Jai Chittor FPO with 2,000 shareholders registered a share capital of ₹28.35 lakh and an annual turnover of ₹204.49 lakh. In Rajsamand, the Rajpura Dariba FPO reported 2,076 shareholders with a share capital of ₹22.56 lakh and an annual turnover of ₹100.48 lakh. The Ghata Wali Mataji FPO in Udaipur, with 1,229 shareholders, achieved an annual turnover of ₹307.23 lakh with a share capital of ₹14.40 lakh, while the Zawar Mata FPO, also in Udaipur, with 1,755 shareholders, posted a turnover of ₹21.75 lakh and a share capital of ₹8.40 lakh.

Collectively, these five FPOs recorded a turnover of ₹7.75 crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting significant growth over the previous year. Over the past three years, the collective turnover has reached nearly ₹20 crore—an impressive indicator of the Samadhan program’s sustained success and long-term impact. During the AGMs, members deliberated on strategies for sustainable income generation, capacity-building, adoption of improved agricultural practices, and the introduction of collective procurement systems for offtake marketing, further strengthening the rural value chain.

Another inspiring example comes from the Ghata Wali Mataji Farmer Producer Company in Udaipur district. The dairy micro-unit established under Samadhan has brought together local milk producers, creating a steady livelihood for many families. Within three years, the unit’s operations achieved a turnover of over ₹1.6 crore by promoting hygienic milk production and efficient processing. Women and small dairy farmers who were earlier dependent on informal markets now have access to assured buyers and fair prices. The initiative has not only strengthened their incomes but also instilled a sense of collective pride and ownership within the community.

Looking ahead, Hindustan Zinc plans to expand the reach of Samadhan to more farming communities across Rajasthan by promoting micro-enterprises such as dairy processing units, horticulture ventures, and allied livelihood opportunities that foster local employment and self-reliance. With dairy micro-enterprises already operational—including one unit processing 250 litres of milk daily—the program continues to drive growth in both agriculture and dairy sectors, ensuring long-term community prosperity.

Beyond Samadhan, Hindustan Zinc’s flagship CSR initiatives—Nand Ghar, Shiksha Sambal, and Unchi Udaan—have collectively transformed the lives of nearly two million people across 3,700 villages. Anchored in India’s development priorities and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as No Poverty, Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Climate Action, the company’s efforts span across education, healthcare, water and sanitation, women’s empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, environment, and safety. Through these holistic community development programs, over 23 lakh individuals have been empowered with improved access to learning, income opportunities, and better living standards. These integrated interventions have positioned Hindustan Zinc among India’s foremost drivers of inclusive and sustainable community growth, reaffirming its vision to enhance the quality of life and economic well-being of communities around its operations.

Disclaimer: This media release is auto-generated. The CSR Journal is not responsible for the content.

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