The distribution was carried out under the project “Waste to Wealth: Sustainable and Innovative Organic Farming Techniques especially for Women Farmers of the Peripheral Areas of RSP.” The beneficiaries were provided the materials to enable them to start vermicompost preparation and make productive use of organic waste in their own farms.

The initiative seeks to encourage the adoption of organic farming practices and promote the conversion of biodegradable waste into nutrient-rich manure. Besides supporting environment-friendly agriculture, vermicomposting can help farmers reduce their dependence on external inputs and improve the availability of organic manure for cultivation.

Notably, an MoU was signed between SAIL-RSP and NIT Rourkela on 8th October 2025 for a period of three years for implementation of the project. The project covers training and demonstration for 600 local farmers from four revenue blocks — Lathikata, Nuagaon, Bisra and Kuarmunda — on organic farming techniques, with special emphasis on women farmers. The project also envisages demonstration of techniques such as vermicomposting, preparation and use of bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides, and seed treatment, through a third party. Free synthetic bags for vermicompost preparation are to be distributed to each trained farmer.

Mr. Rajesh Dasgupta, CGM (F&A) presided over the concluding session of the training programme. He along with Ms. Munmun Mittra, GM In-charge (CSR), Prof. Rama Chandra Pradhan,  Associate Dean, NIT, Rourkela Dr. Divyakant Seth, Asst. Professor, NIT, Rourkela and other organisers handed over the completion certificates to the participant.

Mr. Dasgupta while addressing the gathering praised the efforts made by CSR Department in empowering the women farmers with necessary skills essential to promote sustainable livelihood by maintaining  the soil and water health.

At the outset Ms. Munmun Mittra, delivered the welcome address, while the introductory address was presented by Prof. Rama Chandra Pradhan.  Dr. Divyakant Seth,   proposed the formal vote of thanks. Mr.  G. K. Nehru, PhD Scholar, NIT, Rourkela and Ms. Richa Sudiram, Dy. Manager (CSR)   coordinated the function worth the support of Mr. B Ekka, Senior Field Assistant (CSR).

The themes covered under this training workshop were the Basics of Organic Farming; Organic way of Mushroom Cultivation; Practical training for farmers on preparation of Vermicompost, Organic Manures and Biopesticides and Soil Health Management. Resource persons for this course comprised Professors and Researchers from National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Odisha; KVK Scientists; and practitioners who are working in the area of organic farming.

The aim of the initiative is to develop amongst the farmers an understanding on organic farming and use of organic manure for building long term framework for planning and execution of programs for infusion of the process of organic farming in Indian agrarian practices.