00 From Paddy to Prosperity: BALCO’s Mor Jal Mor Maati Empowers Korba Farmers with Groundnut Cultivation
TTN Desk
KORBA / BAKCONAGAR : In a significant shift within Chhattisgarh’s agricultural landscape, traditional paddy farming is making way for more sustainable and lucrative alternatives. Farmers in the Korba region, long dependent on monsoon-heavy crops, are now witnessing a socio-economic transformation through groundnut cultivation—a move spearheaded by Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) under its flagship livelihood project, Mor Jal Mor Maati.
0 Breaking the Cycle of High-Cost Farming
For decades, small and marginal farmers in Chhattisgarh faced the dual challenges of rising input costs and unpredictable rainfall. While paddy remains a staple, its high water requirement often strained local resources. BALCO’s intervention has introduced climate-resilient practices to over 9,000 farmers across 40 villages, providing a roadmap for sustainable income.
> “I had been cultivating paddy for years with limited returns. After joining the programme and adopting groundnut, I have seen a stable market value and a significant boost in my income,” says Sunita Rathia, a farmer from Bhatgaon.
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0 The Groundnut Revolution in Numbers
The transition from household farming to commercial success has been rapid. The initiative has successfully addressed previous hurdles like poor seed quality and lack of technical know-how.
* Scale of Growth: The number of groundnut farmers has jumped from fewer than 50 to nearly 1,000.
* Enhanced Yields: Farmers are now achieving an average of 8-10 quintals per acre.
* Income Boost: Cultivators are reporting additional earnings of 45,000 to 55,000 per acre.
* Direct Impact: In FY 2026 alone, over 470 families benefited directly from this shift.
0 Technical Support and Modern Agronomy
The success of the Mor Jal Mor Maati programme lies in its ground-up approach. Farmers are no longer relying on outdated methods; instead, they are being trained in:
* Line Sowing and Seed Treatment: Ensuring better germination and crop density.
* Balanced Nutrient Management: Reducing soil degradation while maximizing output.
* Water Management: Promoting micro-irrigation to combat climate variability.
Kanhaiya Lal, a farmer from Bundeli village, shared his success: “This year’s yield of 8 quintals per acre is my best so far. The technical guidance has not only strengthened my income but also encouraged me to explore advanced irrigation practices.”
0 Ecological and Economic Resilience
Beyond the immediate financial gains, crop diversification is proving to be a win for the environment. Groundnut cultivation requires significantly less water than paddy and acts as a nitrogen-fixing crop, which improves soil health for future planting seasons.
By fostering Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and providing market linkages, BALCO is ensuring that the rural economy of Korba is not just surviving, but thriving. This model of community-driven development serves as a blueprint for agricultural districts across Central India, proving that with the right technical support, traditional farmers can become successful entrepreneurs.
