Madhya Pradesh is undertaking a comprehensive initiative to support environmental sustainability and empower women, known as the ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ project. The project aims to boost the economic status of women’s self-help groups (SHGs). The state government is actively involved in the project, with Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav initiating the planting of fruit-bearing trees on private land owned by women’s SHGs under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Khandwa district has shown significant progress in developing orchards, while Singrauli district ranks second.
The women’s groups are highly enthusiastic about developing these orchards. Approvals have been given to 10,162 women so far. The state government is investing 1000 crore rupees in the project. The project will provide assistance to the beneficiaries, including protection for the plants, fencing with barbed wire, purchasing of plants, fertilizers, digging pits, and the provision of a 50,000-liter water tank for irrigation purposes.
The project has a target to support 31,300 women’s groups. However, more than 40,406 women have registered via the ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ app, surpassing the initial target. The project spans across 9,662 gram panchayats in 313 blocks of all districts. Surveys have been conducted in 10,162 villages under these panchayats. The registration of 40,406 women has been completed. A minimum of 100 beneficiaries will be selected from each block. Additionally, women will receive training twice a year.
The project was launched on August 15 and will continue until September 15, 2025. The Madhya Pradesh Electric Development Corporation Limited is using drones to monitor the tree planting process. They will monitor land selection, pit digging, and the status of the plants. The project uses advanced technology, including the SIPRI software, to select land for planting. The software uses a scientific approach. It considers climate conditions, the type of land, and where water is available for irrigation. If land is unsuitable, planting will not occur. Officials and employees have been trained to ensure the effective implementation of this planting drive.
The ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ project plans to plant over 30 lakh fruit-bearing trees on the private land of 31,300 self-help groups, leading to the economic prosperity of these women. A separate dashboard has been created for monitoring and supervision of the project. Performance-based awards will be given to the top three districts, 10 Janpad Panchayats, and 25 gram panchayats. To be eligible, women must have between 0.5 and 1 acre of land. As of September 3, the top-performing districts are Khandwa, Singrauli, Betul, Dewas, and Agar Malwa. The top-performing blocks are Khandwa, Chitrangi, Pandhana, Punasa, and Khalwa.
