Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: As part of the initiatives under the Project ‘Gram Nirman,’ Vedanta Value Added Business (VAB) joined hands with the NGO partner VANARAI to conduct an informative awareness and training session aimed at combatting the Rhinoceros Beetle, a significant threat to coconut trees in Amona, Goa.
The awareness and training sessions bring together local farmers & coconut pluckers who are provided information on identifying the tell-tale signs & severity of the Rhinoceros Beetle infestation, which has been posing a substantial risk to the region’s coconut trees.
As part of this initiative, the coconut farmers & pluckers were trained on the use of pheromone traps, food baits, trap servicing, lure placement and replacement etc. The specially designed traps, known as pheromone traps, are poised to play a pivotal role in pest control, ensuring the health and vitality of coconut trees while ultimately leading to improved crop yields. Over 90 coconut farmers & pluckers have been supported through this initiative. The technique has also been widely promoted by the ICAR- Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, & is known to reduce damage symptoms as well as leaf & spindle damage by 50% – 60%.
Siddhesh Naik, a coconut farmer from Amona, said “I have a farm with 25 coconut plants & I had recently lost a coconut tree due to pest infestation. The workshop on Rhinoceros Beetle conducted by Vedanta & NGO Vanarai has been very beneficial. The traps provided to us and techniques that we have been introduced to have been of immense help. I have been able to trap the pests and protect the coconut trees in my farm.”
Vedanta VAB’s CEO, Saptesh Sardesai, expressed that “At Vedanta, we believe in creating a positive impact on the communities we are a part of. The combat against the Rhinoceros Beetle is not just about protecting coconut trees; it’s about securing livelihoods and nurturing a sustainable environment. We are dedicated to #TransformingForGood, and initiatives like these are instrumental in achieving that vision.”
The collaboration between Vedanta Value Added Business and the VANARAI NGO is aimed at spreading awareness on easily sourced & scientifically proven methods among the farmer community. The endeavor to mainstream & introduce effective preventive methods to protect coconut trees, which are not only a source of livelihood for many but also an important part of the region’s ecosystem, underscores Vedanta Value Added Business’s commitment to supporting the community and farmers at Amona.
Vedanta VAB’s ‘Gram Nirman’ initiative is a transformative program designed to empower rural communities and drive sustainable development. With a focus on agricultural advancement, livelihood enhancement, environmental sustainability, and community well-being, Gram Nirman underscores VAB’s commitment to creating positive change beyond its core business operations. The company’s vision is to uplift rural India, and this initiative exemplifies its dedication to #TransformingForGood by fostering progress, empowering individuals, and leaving a lasting impact on the communities it serves.
