Banana cultivation, poultry farming and forestry are among the principal activities undertaken by the unit.

- 30 acres brought under forest cover.

- 15 additional acres brought under kharif crop

- Rs. 5.18 lakhs earned from cash corps
  

 

Each year, the Sukinda unit of TSRDS brings an additional 30 acres of land under the forested area. Judicious management of the land ensures replenishment of the land resources. Through the creation of SHGs, TSRDS encourages the setting up of nurseries to raise saplings. Maa Khandurai Mahila Samity and Maa Mangla Mahila Samity, each comprising 30 members was created at the behest of TSRDS. The two SHGs were trained and also provided an area within the Sukinda Chromite Mine to set up nurseries. Their efforts gradually bore fruit, with the quality of life of their families improving substantially.

Poultry Units

During the year, three poultry units were sustained as a result of the efforts of the unit. Chingudipal Mahila Samity a female SHG was helped to set up a poultry unit.

The ladies were advised to allow the birds to multiply for at least a year. At the end of a highly successful year, the produce was sold for a huge profit. Now its members plan on building a shed to house the birds.

Among the beneficiaries of the banana cultivation effort at Sukinda, three years ago was Dayanidhi, a graduate, who was unemployed and did not have the means to start his own business. TSRDS gave him the belief that he could do better by working on his own land. After a 300% profit on his investment of Rs. 10,000/- in the first year, Dayanidhi even cultivated a larger patch the next year and did even better. He also quickly found the means to buy a powertiller as well as set aside enough to arrange for his sister’s marriage.