CSR Fair inaugurated to empower local producer groups 

Rayagada (Badal Tah): Utkal Alumina, a unit of Hindalco Industries of the Aditya Birla Group, inaugurated a CSR Fair at Nuapada under Tikiri, Rayagada district. The fair was organized with the objective of providing better market linkages to local artisans, producer groups and entrepreneurs from nearby areas. A wide range of indigenous products were on display and available for sale at the event.
 
The CSR Fair was inaugurated by Brijesh Jha, President – Mines Vertical, who graced the occasion as chief guest. The event also witnessed the esteemed presence of Basudev Bandopadhyay, AVP – Hindalco Mines Group, Vijay Chauhan, Mines Head – Utkal Alumina, and Lopamudra Mishra, Head – CSR, among others. The fair aims to support these beneficiaries by providing them with a platform to market their products.
 
In his address, Jha highlighted the ongoing CSR initiatives of the company and encouraged the participating producer groups. He emphasized the role of such platforms in empowering local communities through livelihood promotion and market access. The fair, organized at the Club House in Nuapada township, showcased high demand for local handmade products among the residents. Through its CSR initiatives, Utkal Alumina has been facilitating various livelihood programs in nearby villages.
 
Many villages including Paikakupakhal, jogiparitunda, Narinajodi, Kumharshila, Makapadar, Uparadheska, Bilamal, Maligaan, and Tikiri participated in the fair. Women’s self-help groups, farmers, entrepreneurs and artisans from these villages displayed and sold their own handmade goods such as jute bags, chandua (decorative canopies), brooms, lemongrass oil, slippers, paper plates, terracotta items, incense sticks, millet-based food products, garments, indigenous agricultural produce, and spice-based food items.
 
CSR department also ensured fair pricing and adequate marketing support to the participating producer groups. The initiative has received enthusiastic response from local buyers and  farmers, entrepreneurs. The women’s groups expressed their happiness and gratitude for the opportunity provided to them at their doorstep.