KORBA: In a significant shift from traditional paddy-heavy farming, the agrarian landscape of Chhattisgarh is witnessing a major transformation. Farmers in the Korba region are increasingly embracing crop diversification, turning towards groundnut cultivation as a high-yield, climate-resilient alternative. This shift is being driven by Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) through its sustainable livelihood flagship project, ‘Mor Jal Mor Maati’.
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Empowering 9,000+ Farmers Across 40 Villages
The initiative supports over 9,000 farmers by providing training in modern agronomy, water management, and livestock rearing. While the region previously relied on water-intensive crops, the project has successfully introduced groundnut as a commercially viable option. From a handful of early adopters, nearly 1,000 farmers are now actively engaged in groundnut farming.
Impressive Yields and Economic Growth
The transition has delivered tangible financial results for the local community:
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Average Yield: 8 to 10 quintals per acre.
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Additional Income: ₹45,000 to ₹55,000 per acre.
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Scale of Impact: In FY 2026 alone, over 470 families directly benefited, with hundreds more adopting the practice after seeing the success in neighboring fields.
Success Stories from the Field
Sunita Rathia, a farmer from Bhatgaon, shared her experience: “Paddy required high water and input costs with limited returns. After joining the BALCO program, groundnut has provided a stable market value and increased my household income.” Similarly, Kanhaiya Lal from Bundeli village achieved a record yield of 8 quintals per acre this year, credit to the advanced technical guidance provided under the initiative.
Ecological and Soil Benefits
Beyond the financial gains, crop diversification is significantly improving soil health and reducing the depletion of local water resources. By adopting drought-resistant crops like groundnut, farmers in Central India are building a stronger defense against climate variability, ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for rural livelihoods.
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