Inspired by PM Modi's ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ (One Tree in Mother’s Name) campaign, the Madhya Pradesh government will soon launch a new initiative aimed at women’s economic empowerment.
Under the leadership of CM Dr. Mohan Yadav, the state government has been making consistent efforts and implementing various significant schemes for the upliftment of women. On the occasion of the conclusion of the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan, CM Dr. Yadav made a major announcement aimed at empowering women from self-help groups.
The “Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam” project will be launched across the state through MNREGA. Under this project, over 30 lakh fruit-bearing horticulture plants will be planted on the private lands of more than 30,000 eligible women from self-help groups. These orchards will become a foundation for their economic prosperity.
Plantation to Take Place on 30,000 Acres of Private Land
Plantation will be carried out on 30,000 acres of private land belonging to more than 30,000 women SHG members in the state. At an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore, over 30 lakh horticultural saplings will be planted to develop fruit orchards and boost livelihoods.
Under the scheme, the beneficiaries will receive saplings, fertilizer, labor support for pit digging, fencing using barbed wire for plant protection and water tanks of 50,000-liter capacity for irrigation. In addition, the selected women will be provided training in orchard development.
Campaign to Launch from 15 August
The “Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam” plantation campaign will formally begin on 15 August and continue till 15 September across Madhya Pradesh.
Women Interested in Fruit Bearing Tree Plantation to Be Selected
Under this scheme, women members of self-help groups interested in fruit bearing tree plantation will be identified. In cases where the selected woman does not own land in her name, plantation will be permitted on the land of her husband, father, father-in-law, or son, provided they give their consent in writing.
Site Selection to Use Advanced Technology
The selection of plantation sites will be done using advanced technology through SIPRI software. This software will analyze the land of the selected beneficiary, assess the local climate, recommend the most suitable fruit-bearing plants, determine the best time and method for planting. If the land is found unsuitable for horticulture, plantation activities will not be conducted.