‘We are exploring options to promote floriculture under BHGY'
Excerpts:-
Q: Your department plays a key role for overall development of people at the grassroots. Tell us about the action plans.
A: Right from day one, our govt's focus has been mainly to bridge the gap between have and have nots. A state like Jharkhand is still confronted with several developmental challenges. During the first stint of Hemant Soren led alliance govt between 2019-24, several flagship schemes were conceptualised with focus on creating livelihoods and empowering lives at the grassroots.
The successful execution has benefitted several people which is why public brought this alliance govt back to governance for the second consecutive time.
As rural development minister, me and my team's mandate is to reach the last mile to upgrade people's lives through various interventions. Results are gradually getting visible now.
Q: Can you elaborate?
A: For example, the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana (BHGY), the state govt's flagship scheme under MNREGA.
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During the previous stint of our alliance govt, it was renamed, repackaged and relaunched during Covid-19 to address challenges of pandemic induced migration and joblessness. In the last five years, it is now silently leading to a new revolution of economic empowerment in rural areas. Beneficiaries under this scheme, who took up mango plantation, are now feeling financially empowered.
Q: The drive is also leading to environmental cause.
A: Exactly. In the last five years, under this scheme, we managed to plant 2 crore saplings, of which around 1.5 lakh are fruit bearing ones, and 50,000 timber. This year, we are eyeing to plant one lakh more trees under the scheme. These certainly add to the green cause. We are now eyeing to monetise the carbon credits generated through this scheme so that beneficiaries can earn additional income. Plans are underway.
Q: What more innovations BHGY is planning?
A: Along with fruit bearing trees, I have asked the department to now focus on flowers (floriculture). There is an immense scope for it in Jharkhand as we are currently dependent on other states to meet our requirements of flowers. This will further help scores of women self help groups to get new market and options for livelihood. Also, besides mangoes, we are now also planning to promote litchi plantation. This apart, we are exploring ways for proper market linkages to beneficiaries.
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