‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ and ‘Gangotri’ schemes to promote women-led plantation and river conservation

IN NEWS: ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ and ‘Gangotri’ schemes to promote women-led plantation and river conservation

Introduction

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced two major plantation initiatives—‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ and ‘Gangotri’—aimed at integrating women empowerment with environmental sustainability. The schemes focus on fruit-based plantation on private land, afforestation, and river conservation, with financial and infrastructural support for beneficiaries.

ANALYSIS

Convergence of Women Empowerment and Environmental Sustainability

The ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ scheme represents a policy innovation where gender empowerment is linked with ecological restoration. By targeting women self-help groups (SHGs), the initiative ensures:

• Direct income generation opportunities for women
• Strengthening of community-based livelihood systems
• Promotion of women-led environmental stewardship

This reflects a shift toward inclusive green development models.

Agroforestry-Based Livelihood Model

The scheme promotes fruit tree plantation on private land, effectively adopting an agroforestry approach. This has multiple benefits:

• Diversifies farm income sources beyond traditional crops
• Provides long-term income through horticulture produce
• Enhances soil fertility and ecological balance

Agroforestry is increasingly recognised as a sustainable land-use strategy combining agriculture and forestry.

Financial Incentives and Infrastructure Support

The provision of up to ₹2 lakh assistance per beneficiary indicates strong financial backing. The support includes:

• Fruit saplings and organic manure
• Fencing (barbed wire)
• Land preparation support
• Construction of 50,000-litre water reservoir (Jalkund)

This comprehensive support ensures end-to-end implementation, addressing both initial investment barriers and sustainability concerns.

Water Resource Integration and Climate Resilience

The inclusion of Jalkund (water reservoir) highlights a focus on:

• Water conservation and irrigation support
• Enhancing climate resilience in agriculture
• Supporting plantation in water-scarce regions

This aligns with the need for integrated water management in climate-sensitive agriculture systems.

Technology-Driven Site Selection

The use of SIPRI software for site selection indicates adoption of data-driven governance:

• Analyses soil and climatic conditions
• Recommends suitable crop types and timing
• Prevents inefficient allocation of resources

Such technological integration enhances efficiency, success rates, and scientific planning.

Afforestation and River Ecosystem Restoration

The parallel launch of the ‘Gangotri’ scheme focuses on:

• Plantation of over 6 crore saplings
• Targeting river sources and catchment areas

This contributes to:

• River rejuvenation and watershed management
• Reduction in soil erosion and land degradation
• Improvement in groundwater recharge

It reflects a broader ecological strategy linking forests, water, and climate systems.

Scale and Economic Impact

With:

• 30,000 women beneficiaries
• 30 lakh fruit trees
• Coverage of ~30,000 acres

the scheme has the potential to:

• Generate large-scale rural employment
• Strengthen horticulture-based rural economy
• Promote sustainable livelihoods

Inclusive Eligibility Framework

The eligibility conditions allow plantation on land owned by:

• The woman herself
• Or close family members (with consent)

This flexible approach ensures greater inclusion of women in land-based economic activities, despite existing land ownership constraints.

Implications

• Promotes women-led livelihood generation through SHGs
• Encourages agroforestry and sustainable agriculture practices
• Strengthens water conservation and climate resilience
• Supports river ecosystem restoration and afforestation
• Enhances technology-driven governance in agriculture
• Contributes to rural economic diversification and income stability

Static Part

Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam Scheme

• Total allocation: ₹900 crore
• Beneficiaries: 30,000+ women (SHGs)
• Coverage:
  • 30 lakh fruit trees
  • ~30,000 acres land
• Financial support:
  • Up to ₹2 lakh per beneficiary
• Components:
  • Saplings, manure, fencing
  • Digging support
  • 50,000-litre Jalkund (water reservoir)
• Eligibility:
  • SHG member under State Livelihood Mission
  • Land owned by self/family (with consent)

Gangotri Scheme

• Objective:
  • Afforestation and river conservation
• Target:
  • Plantation of 6 crore saplings
• Focus areas:
  • River sources
  • Catchment zones

Technology Component

• SIPRI Software
  • Soil and climate analysis
  • Crop suitability recommendations
  • Plantation timing guidance

Key Governance Objective

• Integration of:
  • Women empowerment
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Income generation

Updated - 15 August 2025 | Bhaskar English