Rajpura Dariba, September 30 (Udaipur Kiran News): A new biomass pellet unit has been inaugurated under Hindustan Zinc’s flagship rural development and farmer empowerment initiative, Samadhan Project, operated by the Rajpura Dariba Farmer Producer Company (FPO).

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Anupam Nidhi, Head CSR, Vedanta; Santosh Dudiya, Deputy Director (ATMA), Agriculture Department; Shivang Nehra, Agriculture Officer; Kathiresan K, Head Engineering Power; Sudhir Parwal, Unit Head CPP; along with several dignitaries, farmer representatives, and members of the local community.

This biomass pellet unit has been established with financial support from Hindustan Zinc Limited and is being implemented by BAIF Livelihoods Organisation. The unit has a production capacity of 400 kilograms per hour and operates entirely on solar power, reducing operational costs and promoting environmental sustainability. It will utilize Lantana weed, commonly found in the region, converting it into biomass pellets. This innovation not only helps farmers manage unwanted weeds but also creates an additional income source through biomass production.

Speaking on the occasion, Anupam Nidhi said the initiative would significantly strengthen farmers’ economic conditions while also contributing to environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. She encouraged farmers to make full use of this facility and move towards sustainable agriculture.

Officials associated with the project also explained the unit’s working mechanism, its potential benefits for farmers, and its long-term impact on rural livelihoods. Farmers and community members present at the event welcomed the initiative, calling it a milestone for rural progress.

The Rajpura Dariba Agro Producer Company, an FPO formed under Hindustan Zinc’s Samadhan Project, currently has over 2,100 farmer shareholders. Since its inception in 2021, the FPO has achieved a total business turnover exceeding ₹3 crore, with net profits of over ₹12 lakh. Each year, more than 5,000 farmers across 32 villages in the Relmagra block benefit from the Samadhan initiative.