Vedanta Iron and Steel Limited (VISL) – Iron Ore Goa (IOG), as part of the company’s ‘Back to Farming’ initiative, inaugurated the Maem Bandhara Watershed Management Project at Kumbharwada, Maem.
The project promises to significantly strengthen local irrigation infrastructure, while promoting sustainable agriculture in the region. It is expected to benefit over 150+ farming families, while bringing an additional 20ha plus under cultivation. Harnessing traditional knowledge on watershed management, the design will address local water availability challenges, augmenting traditional water conservation systems and encouraging a community-based approach to water storage and regulated & efficient distribution for irrigation purposes.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri Premendra Shet, Hon’ble MLA for Mayem Constituency, along with Mrs. Seema Arondekar, Dy Sarpanch, V.P Vainguinim-Mayem; Mr. Dilip Shet, Panch Member, V.P Vainguinim-Mayem; Mrs. Kunda Mandrekar, Member, Zilla Panchayat-Mayem; and Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Dy CEO, IOG, along with other Vedanta representatives, Panchayat members, and local community stakeholders. By augmenting water storage capacity and ensuring improved irrigation access, the initiative is expected to significantly enhance crop yield and farming resilience in the area.
The Project also aims to encourage the younger generations in the region to take up farming as a viable livelihood. By augmenting water storage capacity and ensuring improved irrigation access, the initiative is expected to significantly enhance crop yield and farming resilience in the area.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Premendra Shet, MLA for Mayem Constituency & Chairman of Horticulture Corp Limited, Govt of Goa said “The inauguration of the Mayem Bandhara Watershed Project is a meaningful step towards strengthening the agricultural backbone of our region. Water security remains central to rural prosperity, and this initiative will ensure that farmers in Kumbharwada and surrounding areas have more reliable access to irrigation. I commend VISL-IOG for their continued commitment to community development and for reviving traditional water conservation systems in a modern and impactful way.”
Mr. Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Dy CEO-IOG said “At VISL-IOG, our focus remains on creating long-term, sustainable impact for the communities around our operations. The Maeem Bandhara Watershed Project reflects that commitment by leveraging traditional wisdom with practical infrastructure to address real challenges faced by farmers. By improving water availability and bringing additional land under cultivation, this initiative aims to enhance livelihoods, increase agricultural output, and build climate resilience at the grassroots level. We are proud to partner with the local administration and community in strengthening the region’s agricultural future.”
VISL-IOG has been actively working with local farming communities to help them achieve higher yields and to bring in more areas under cultivation. The company has partnered government agencies to establish Smart Village Centers which provide scientifically backed advise and seed support to farmers. Joining hands with farmer group in Piligao, the company has extended vital assistance for reclamation of 20+Ha of fallow land.
