Bhopal: In a major announcement aimed at enhancing women’s economic empowerment, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has launched an ambitious project titled “Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam”, set to begin on August 15, 2025. Drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, this state-level initiative will facilitate the plantation of 30 lakh fruit-bearing trees on the private land of over 30,000 women associated with self-help groups (SHGs).
Funded under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), the project will involve a massive investment of ₹1,000 crore, and is projected to be a key enabler for rural women’s livelihood and sustainable agriculture.
What the Project Involves
- 30,000 acres of private land owned by SHG women members (or their family members with consent) will be transformed into fruit orchards.
- 30 lakh horticulture saplings will be planted as part of the campaign.
- Women will receive financial support for planting, fertilizers, pit digging, barbed wire fencing, and the construction of 50,000-liter water tanks for irrigation.
- Comprehensive training will also be provided for orchard management and post-harvest care.
Launch Timeline: August 15 – September 15
The “Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam” campaign will be carried out in mission mode from August 15 to September 15, 2025, in alignment with India’s Independence Day celebrations and monsoon conditions ideal for plantation.
Who Will Benefit?
Women members of SHGs under the State Livelihood Mission who express interest in fruit tree plantation will be eligible. If the woman does not own land, the plantation can still be done on the land owned by her husband, father, father-in-law, or son, with written consent.
Tech-Powered Site Selection
To ensure land suitability and maximize yield, the SIPRI software (state-of-the-art agri-tech tool) will be used to–
- Select appropriate sites based on soil, geography, and climate.
- Recommend suitable fruit species for specific land conditions.
- Decide optimal timing for plantation activities.
If land is found unsuitable, no plantation will be carried out, ensuring efficient resource use.
CM Dr. Mohan Yadav’s Vision
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan, Dr. Yadav emphasized that the new scheme is a symbol of both environmental responsibility and women’s economic self-reliance.
“Inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s campaign, ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ will not only honor our mothers and the environment but also empower rural women to become self-sufficient contributors to our economy,” said CM Yadav.
