Tata Steel and the Odisha government have embarked on a collaborative effort to launch a sustainable agricultural initiative aimed at reclaiming acidic soils in the state.

The partnership focuses on utilizing industrial waste such as basic oxygen furnace (LD) slag and fly ash as soil amendments to improve soil quality across Odisha. The first consignment of LD slag was recently dispatched from Tata Steel’s Meramandali (TSM) plant in Dhenkanal district on June 18.

Named “Economic and Environment-Friendly Utilisation of Basic Slag and Fly Ash as Soil Amendments to Reclaim Acid Soils of Odisha (SAFAR),” the project is being led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Rice Research Institute (ICAR-NRRI) in Cuttack, Odisha. This initiative underscores a commitment to sustainable practices and the effective use of industrial by-products for agricultural development.

Officials emphasize that this collaboration not only addresses soil acidity but also promotes economic and environmental benefits through the recycling of industrial waste. By enhancing soil health, the project aims to bolster agricultural productivity and support farmers across the state.

The joint effort between Tata Steel, ICAR-NRRI, and the Odisha government marks a significant step towards sustainable agriculture, aiming to set an example for similar initiatives nationwide.