A Unique Initiative in the Mining Area: Gangadhar Sets an Example by Cultivating Strawberries with the Support of Tata Steel Foundation

Joda: Gangadhar Munda of Ravenshapur (Ka) village under Chamkpur Panchayat has ushered in a new chapter of farming on the red soil of the Joda region in Keonjhar district.

On the banks of the Suna River, close to a local old-age home, Gangadhar has scripted a new success story by adopting modern farming practices.

With the support of the Tata Steel Foundation, he has taken up natural farming and today stands as an inspiration for many others.

After losing his land in 2020 due to a government project, Gangadhar moved to the Joda area.

While most land-displaced families took up work as labourers in mines, Gangadhar chose to pursue his childhood dream.

During his school days, when he would say that he wanted to become a farmer, people would often laugh it off. However, he remained determined to turn that dream into reality.

With the cooperation of local landowners, he reclaimed four acres of fallow land and began farming there.

It took nearly three months to convince the landowners and to understand how cultivation could be carried out on that soil.

In the initial phase, after using chemical fertilisers, Gangadhar noticed a decline in soil fertility, which worried him.

At this point, Tata Steel Foundation extended support.

The Foundation provided him training in natural farming methods such as mulching, Beejamrit, and Jeevamrit. As a result, cultivation costs were reduced, and crop yields increased.

Along with growing various vegetables, leafy greens, and fruits like bananas and papayas, Gangadhar surprised everyone by successfully cultivating strawberries.

Having been cultivating strawberries on this land for the past three years, Gangadhar says,
“Strawberry is a profitable crop. Considering the climate of this region, I was initially apprehensive.

But after cultivation, I realised that this crop can also be grown in such areas. This has motivated me to expand cultivation further. I am grateful to Tata Steel Foundation for all the support and guidance.”

He adds that he earns up to Rs 40,000 annually from strawberry cultivation alone.
With the help of polyhouses, seedlings, and technical guidance provided by Tata Steel Foundation, he is now earning around Rs 26,000 per month.

To protect crops from mining dust, he uses drip irrigation and sprinkler systems.

Many people from nearby areas who are interested in farming visit Gangadhar’s fields and seek guidance from him on natural farming practices.

The green dream sown by Gangadhar under the shadow of mining activities is today showing a new path to farmers across Keonjhar district.

Commenting on Gangadhar’s success, Rabindra Kumar, Head of the Joda Impact Cluster, Tata Steel Foundation, said,
“Gangadhar’s success proves that with the right skills and support, agriculture can be adopted as a sustainable livelihood even in adverse conditions