Training on Scientific and Sustainable Techniques for Plantation

To successfully implement environment-focused initiatives like ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ Project, “Gangotri Green Scheme”, and “Narmada Parikrama Path”, launched by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the Panchayat and Rural Development Department has begun extensive preparations. Under these schemes, large-scale training programs are being conducted across the state through MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act).

As part of these programs, 2,101 engineers and 626 Krishi Sakhis (women agricultural volunteers) are being trained technically. The training is being conducted at the Madhya Pradesh Water and Land Management Institute (WALMI), Bhopal, and regional Panchayati Raj and Rural Development training centres. The objective is to ensure that plantation work is carried out using scientific and sustainable methods.

Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Shri Prahlad Patel has instructed that plantation must be prioritised at the river origin points. He also directed that shelter areas along the Narmada Parikrama Path should be beautified with plantations to provide better amenities for pilgrims. He described the “Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam” project as a powerful means for the economic empowerment of women.

The officials being trained under MGNREGA include 36 Executive Engineers from RES, 215 Assistant Engineers, 47 DPMs (District Program Managers) from SRLM, and 1,803 Sub Engineers. They are being taught the technical expertise of the plantation to ensure successful implementation.

For the first time in the state, advanced SIPRI software is being used in plantation work. The software gathers data related to climate conditions, soil quality, agro-climatic zones, site suitability and water availability in each district to identify the most appropriate plant species. No plantation will be done in areas deemed unsuitable by the software, ensuring optimal use of resources.

Under the ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, fruit-bearing trees will be planted on the private land of women’s self-help group (SHG) members to strengthen them financially. For this, 626 Krishi Sakhis are being trained, who will later train other SHG women in techniques of plantation, species selection and plant care and also offer necessary assistance.

Through this extensive training initiative, not only will environmental conservation be promoted, but rural women will also be empowered to become self-reliant.