Shillong : Dalmia Cement is fostering kitchen gardens in East Jaintia Hills as part of its CSR initiative, encouraging household-level vegetable cultivation. Through the Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), in collaboration with the Meghalaya Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS), the company has distributed seeds for 11 vegetables, including carrots, radishes, and mustard greens, to 124 households across nine villages.

With a focus on empowering women, over 75% of seed recipients were women, promoting financial independence through small-scale gardening. In addition to seed distribution, DBF offered expert training on sustainable, scientific gardening techniques to ensure lasting impact.

Households are expected to earn between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 25,000 from vegetable sales, enhancing local food security and income. Raju Ranjan Prasad, Unit Head of Dalmia Cement, emphasized that empowering rural households through sustainable livelihoods supports self-reliance.

The distribution and training program was launched in the presence of Sonapyrdi’s Headman, MSRLS representatives, and Dalmia Cement’s CSR team.