SHIMLA: In Himachal Pradesh 17,292 people availed the benefit of Mukhya Mantri Ek Bigha Yojna (MMEBY) that was launched in the state for strengthening the economy of rural women and self-help groups by connecting them with livelihood activities.
Under this scheme Rs 41. 87 crore has been spent so far in the state. People residing in the rural areas are being encouraged for kitchen gardening under this scheme, in convergence with MNREGA and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Women of self help groups across the state have started kitchen gardening and cultivation of cash crops through MMEBY and selling the produce in the open market to earn good profits.
A senior government official said that works like land development, nursery production, fruits and vegetables plantation, construction of vermi compost pit and Azola pit, construction of irrigation, water harvesting structures and cowsheds are also being done under MMEBY.
He said that in Bilaspur district Rs 37.34 lakh has been provided to 309 beneficiaries; in Chamba district Rs 118.43 lakh has been provided to 355 beneficiaries; in Hamirpur district Rs 146.37 lakh to 928 beneficiaries; in Kangra district Rs 304.10 lakh to 1792 beneficiaries, in Kinnaur district Rs 4.44 lakh to 41 beneficiaries; in Kullu district Rs 114.21 lakh to 1,123 beneficiaries, in Lahaul-Spiti district Rs 3.68 lakh to 5 beneficiaries, in Mandi district Rs 882.44 lakh to 3,124 beneficiaries; in Shimla district Rs 1452.09 lakh to 5,856 beneficiaries; in Sirmaur district Rs 830.21 lakh to 2,066 beneficiaries; in Solan district Rs 181.93 lakh to 1218 beneficiaries and in Una district Rs 112.25 lakh has been given to 475 beneficiaries.
Sudesh Kumari of self-help group "Pihu" of Gram Panchayat Lower Panjawar of Haroli block of Una district is also promoting natural farming through this scheme. She had applied for this scheme in the year 2019 and an amount of Rs 83,740 was sanctioned for the agricultural activities.
Besides, planting 18 mango saplings Sudesh Kumari had also cultivated gourd, pumpkin and other cash crops using kitchen garden and natural farming model. She uses only cow dung, neem astra and other natural and traditional means in farming. Produce from her farms are totally free from chemical fertilizers, harmful pesticide and insecticides. This has brought down the cultivation cost also.
Sudesh Kumari says that due to MMEBY she was able to expand agriculture works and increase her income. Now, other women are also inspired from Sudesh Kumari and they are eager to start the natural farming and kitchen gardening through MMEBY.
