Indus Valley Times

By Swagatika Bhutia

Angul, Feb.25: Jindal Foundation, the CSR arm of Jindal Steel, has launched a mushroom cultivation training programme in Dhauragoth village to support families voluntarily relocated from forest areas surrounding the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The relocation, facilitated by the district administration, aimed to reduce human–wildlife conflict. The initiative specifically aims to empower households who face difficulties in restoring their livelihoods after moving out of forest-dependent occupations.

Participants received practical training on mushroom bed preparation, cultivation methods, maintenance, harvesting, and basic marketing techniques. The session also highlighted the nutritional value of mushrooms and their strong income potential, with returns significantly higher than traditional practices.

The initiative is designed to promote long-term economic stability and self-reliance among the relocated community. By equipping families with viable livelihood skills, the Foundation seeks to ensure steady income generation while supporting conservation efforts in the region.

The programme was conducted in the presence of Mr. Gadadhar Patra, District Forest Officer; Mr. Rishi Pathania, Vice President – CSR, Jindal Steel; Mr. Jayanta Kumar Mohanty, General Manager – CSR, Jindal Steel; and village committee presidents.

Notably, Jindal Foundation has been providing dry ration assistance to around 1,000 forest-dwelling families over the past year as part of its food support initiative.