Five individual farmer producer organizations (i-FPOs) under Hindustan Zinc’s Samadhan initiative have collectively generated nearly ₹5 crore in revenue during FY24, according to a media release by the company.
It said Hindustan Zinc’s Samadhan initiative engages with over 30,000 farmer families across Rajasthan, and promotes sustainable agriculture, collective enterprising, and innovation. With more than 6,900 shareholders, the initiative’s five i-FPOs have collectively generated nearly ₹5 crore in revenue during FY24. By fostering micro-enterprises like dairy and mineral mixture units, Samadhan is creating economic ripple effects that enrich lives and build stronger communities, it said.
Giving the example of Panna Lal, a generational farmer from Rajasthan, it said he had long relied on age-old techniques passed down through generations. While rooted in tradition, these methods often limited his yields and income, leaving a lot of room for growth.
Mentioning his involvement in Samadhan initiative, it said through comprehensive training in sustainable guava cultivation and expert consultations, he was guided to adopt modern practices, including solar-powered irrigation. With newfound knowledge and sustainable solar irrigation cutting costs, Panna Lal transformed his farm, achieving a remarkable 60 per cent increase in income within just two seasons, it said.
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Equipping with tools, knowledge
Samadhan initiative equips farmers with tools and knowledge to embrace modern farming techniques, adopt sustainable irrigation methods, and integrate profitable practices like cattle rearing and horticulture.
Since its inception, the initiative has trained over 5,000 farmers in advanced agricultural practices and benefited 10,000 farmers through convergence programs. It has also supported 4,300 women in agriculture and livestock activities and established 389 farmer interest groups, it said.
Giving an example of a woman dairy farmer, it said Shyamubai’s turning point came when she became a member of Ghatawali Mataji Farmer Producer Organization under Hindustan Zinc’s Samadhan initiative. With access to veterinary care, quality feed, and insemination support, Shyamubai transitioned from a struggling cattle owner to a thriving dairy production partner, it said, adding, her dairy production skyrocketed from 5 litres to 25 litres a day, enabling her to fund her children’s education and secure her family’s future.
The Samadhan initiative also includes micro-enterprises like dairy processing units, which process up to 1,200 litres of milk daily. Such interventions bolster rural economies by providing steady income streams and promoting self-reliance, the release added.