Solar-Based Cold Storage inaugurated as an alternative to conventional energy source
Rayagada,(Badal Tah) : Once engrossed with tentacles of hunger deaths, Kashipur villages are now dovetailed with sustainable practices of livelihood. Bilamal was one of such village, where a few tribal died consuming gruel prepared out of mango kernels during early 2000s. Those days are over now. The inauguration of a 5MT solar-based cold storage under the Hariyali Project, a CSR initiative of Utkal Alumina took place recently in Bilamal. This initiative, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) effort of Utkal Alumina, aims to empower farmers with sustainable storage solutions, ensuring better market access and reducing post-harvest losses. It’s the first solar cold storage unit in the area.
The event was graced by Bharat Goenka, CFO, Hindalco, Rabi Narayan Mishra, Unit Head, UAIL, Bhaskar Banerjee, CFO, UAIL, Lopamudra Mishra, CSR Head Utkal Alumina and Jagabandhu Majhi, Sarpanch of Tikiri, Sanjeev kumar Pattnaik, Executive Coordinator of ASSA NGO, the project implementing CSR partner agency, the Board of Directors of Ajitai Farmer Producer Company, Sarat Naik. A large gathering of farmers from Bilamal, Makapadar, Upardheska, Sanamatikana, Badamatikana, Naktiguda, Dwimundi, Tikiri, and Kaliakana, actively participated in the program.
Rayagada district headquarters has a large dysfunctional Govt cold storage since last many years. There are stray initiatives here & there without much impact. But, this cold storage facility, powered by solar energy, is a significant step towards sustainable agriculture, ensuring that farmers can store their produce efficiently while reducing dependency on conventional power sources. The initiative reflects Utkal Alumina’s commitment to rural development and agricultural sustainability with forward linkage activities. It will enhance the income of farmers while increasing their living standard.
