Jagatsinghpur

Jagatsinghpur, a coastal district in Eastern Odisha, plays a vital role in agrarian and industrial sectors. Administratively, it is divided into 8 blocks and 8 tehsils, with a population of over 1.13 million (Census 2011), including 248,152 Scheduled Caste (SC) and 7,862 Scheduled Tribe (ST) individuals (Census 2001).

The district has a predominantly agrarian economy with key crops including rice, sugarcane, turmeric, cotton, and jute. The coastal location is known for its fisheries sector, further enhancing the local economy. The district has a growing industrial base, particularly around Paradip, which serves a major hub for sea trade and fishing commerce and is home to significant industries such as IOCL, IFFCO, and ESSAR.

Harsha Trust started its operations in 2019, initially working in Kujang block in partnership with Paradeep Phosphates Ltd.- Adventz group. Presently, we are working in six blocks, namely Kujang, Tirtol, Balikuda, Biridi, Naugaon, Ersama, and one adjacent block Niali of Cuttack district, and covering 65 villages and 8000 HHs through different programs, supported by HDFC Bank PARIVARTAN. The current focus is on improving the quality of life by ensuring Livelihood Security, Nutrition Security, WASH, Health and Education, etc.

Key highlights/progress in the year (2023-24):

• Integrated Fish Farmer Activity adopted by 10 Fish Producer Groups in 5 blocks benefitted 100 women members and improved livelihoods.
• 195 small-scale women entrepreneurs in 7 blocks have begun earning annual income ranging from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 through non-farm activities; they are now targeting earning Rs.1, 00,000 per year.
• Solar-based lift irrigation facilities were established supporting 140 farmers in 3 blocks, enabling cultivation of high-yielding variety vegetables and income generation in the range of Rs. 1 Lakh to 1.5 Lakh annually.
• Solar grids were installed in 11 Anganwadi Centers in 11 villages in 4 Blocks, ensuring reliable electricity during power cuts benefiting more than 350 children, pregnant mothers, and adolescent girls.
• 8 Village-level Awareness Campaigns on WASH and Nutrition were organized covering more than 30 villages in 7 blocks leading to improved awareness and enhanced knowledge on these aspects among 3000 women.
• 585 adolescent girls in15 villages of five blocks have been oriented in personal hygiene and healthcare techniques; they are now the health ambassadors of their respective villages.