Livelihood and Agriculture Development

VEDIC Society successfully implemented watershed development and self-help group (SHG) formation to uplift drought-prone rural communities. Through its watershed approach, the organization conserved water across degraded forest areas, transforming agricultural prospects for farmers. The initiative focused on soil and water preservation, drought mitigation, and employment generation, while promoting community participation and use of local resources.

Water from lift towers and large check dams was utilised for irrigation, smaller dams supported rice cultivation, and ponds enabled pisciculture. These structures were managed by Jaljhajan Vikas Samiti, a community-based organisation that oversaw maintenance and repairs. Entrepreneurship was fostered through training in fisheries, livestock rearing, and water management.

By 2025, VEDIC Society had developed 16 watersheds across 347.88 hectares—10 in Satbarwa block of Palamu district and six in Latehar.

In parallel, it formed 200 SHGs to promote women’s empowerment and self-reliance. Women received training in bookkeeping and microfinance, and 105 SHGs were linked to banks. Cooperative development was also encouraged to maximize collective benefits