For the First Time in Madhya Pradesh, Advanced Technology to Be Used for Plantation

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the Madhya Pradesh Government is launching the “Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam” project under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA scheme to economically empower women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs). For the first time in the state, advanced technology will be used for the plantation. Beneficiaries will be selected via a mobile app and fruit orchards will be developed on the private lands of SHG women.

The MNREGA Council has already begun preparations for implementing the project, and the Department of Panchayat and Rural Development has issued relevant guidelines.

Beneficiary Selection Via “Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam” App

Women SHG members under the State Livelihood Mission will be selected exclusively through the “Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam” mobile app, developed by Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation Limited. No other means of selection will be valid. In case the woman does not own land, plantation can be done on the land of her husband, father, father-in-law or son — with consent.

Over 30,000 Women to Benefit

More than 30,000 women from SHGs will benefit from this initiative. Over 30 lakh fruit-bearing plants will be planted on their lands, providing a new source of income. Along with saplings, financial assistance will be provided for pit digging, fencing with barbed wire and the construction of a 50,000-litre water reservoir for irrigation.

Minimum 100 Beneficiaries Per Block

Each block will select at least 100 eligible women beneficiaries under the project. Selected women will be provided training twice a year on orchard development.

Software to Identify Suitable Fruit Species for Land

Land suitability for plantation will be scientifically determined using “SIPRI Software”. The software will assess soil type, climate compatibility, the best time for planting and the availability of nearby water sources. If the land is found unsuitable, the plantation will not proceed.

Minimum Land Requirement

To avail the benefits, the selected SHG woman must own a minimum of half an acre and a maximum of one acre of land.

One Krishi Sakhi for Every 25 Acres

An “Krish Sakhi” will be appointed for every 25 acres of orchard development. She will guide beneficiaries on manure, irrigation, organic pest control and intercropping techniques.

Monitoring Through Drones and Satellite Images

The plantation process will be monitored using drone and satellite imagery. A dedicated dashboard will be created for supervision. A pilot project has already been conducted in villages like Bagh, Banda, Ghotiyadev, Pipariyapani, Jhaba and Chikapoti under the Janpad Panchayat Bagh in Dhar district. Based on performance, top 3 districts, 10 Janpad Panchayats, and 25 Gram Panchayats will be awarded.

Beneficiary Selection by 15 July

The selection of eligible beneficiaries will be completed by 15 July. Site inspections, physical verification and administrative and technical approvals will be finalised by 25 July. Preparations, including pit digging and fencing, will be completed by 14 August and the plantation drive will be conducted from 15 August to 15 September as a statewide campaign.