IN NEWS: ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ Scheme for Women Empowerment through Horticulture in Madhya Pradesh
Introduction
The Government of Madhya Pradesh under Mohan Yadav has announced the ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ scheme, aimed at economic empowerment of women through horticulture-based livelihood generation. Implemented via MGNREGA, the initiative focuses on plantation of fruit-bearing trees on private land of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), combining environmental sustainability with income generation.
ANALYSIS
Women-Centric Livelihood Model through Horticulture
The scheme represents a shift from wage-based support to asset-based livelihood creation:
- Plantation of 30 lakh+ fruit-bearing trees
- Coverage of 30,000+ SHG women
- Utilisation of ~30,000 acres of private land
This creates long-term income streams rather than short-term employment, strengthening women’s financial independence.
Integration with Rural Employment Framework
The scheme is implemented under MGNREGA, ensuring:
- Employment during plantation phase
- Creation of productive rural assets (orchards)
- Convergence of livelihood + sustainability goals
This reflects policy convergence between employment generation and asset creation.
Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience
The plantation of fruit-bearing trees contributes to:
- Afforestation and green cover expansion
- Improved soil quality and moisture retention
- Promotion of climate-resilient agriculture
Additionally, linkage with the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign highlights behavioral change towards environmental responsibility.
Technology-Driven Site Selection (SIPRI Software)
A notable feature is the use of SIPRI software for:
- Scientific land suitability analysis
- Identification of appropriate fruit crops
- Determining optimal planting time
This ensures efficient resource utilisation and higher survival rates of plantations, reflecting data-driven governance.
Comprehensive Financial and Infrastructure Support
The scheme provides end-to-end support, reducing entry barriers:
- Subsidy for:
- Saplings
- Organic manure
- Pit digging
- Fencing support (barbed wire)
- Construction of 50,000-litre जलकुंड (water reservoir)
- Training for orchard development
This ensures sustainability of orchards and capacity building of beneficiaries.
Inclusive Eligibility Framework
- Beneficiaries:
- Women from Self-Help Groups under State Livelihood Mission
- Flexibility:
- Plantation allowed on family-owned land (with consent)
This increases coverage and inclusivity, especially in rural households where land ownership is often male-dominated.
Economic and Social Impact
The scheme is expected to:
- Increase household income via fruit production
- Promote women-led agripreneurship
- Strengthen rural economy through horticulture value chains
- Enhance nutrition security through fruit availability
Implications
- Transition from subsistence agriculture → commercial horticulture
- Strengthening of SHG-based rural economy
- Promotion of climate-smart agriculture practices
- Empowerment of women through asset ownership and income generation
- Integration of technology in rural development planning
Static Part
Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam Scheme
- State:
- Implementing Framework:
- Objective:
- Economic empowerment of women through fruit plantation
- Key Features:
- 30 lakh+ fruit plants
- 30,000+ SHG women beneficiaries
- Coverage of ~30,000 acres
- Financial outlay: ~₹900 crore
- Subsidy + infrastructure support (fencing, जलकुंड, manure)
- Training support for orchard development
Supporting Mechanism
- Technology:
- SIPRI software for land and crop suitability
- Campaign Inspiration:
Beneficiary Conditions
- Women must be part of Self-Help Groups
- Plantation allowed on:
- Own land
- Family land (with consent)
Updated - 30 June 2025 | 06:14 PM IST | Navbharat Times