Chhattisgarh a Indian state has Launchee Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana on World Forestry Day 2023
The Chhattisgarh government took a laudable step by launching the Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana. It is a step towards encouraging sustainable development, safeguarding the environment, and generating jobs in rural areas. The programme has great potential, and with the private sector’s active involvement, it might significantly alter the state’s economy and environment. The scheme has set a target to plant 15 crore trees on 1 lakh 80 thousand acres over a period of 5 years, at a rate of 36 thousand acres per year.
Introduction
The Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana, the country’s first-ever extensive commercial plantation programme engaging farmers, was introduced by Chhattisgarh. The programme aims to advance commercial plantation in rural areas, boost farmer incomes, and safeguard the environment. On 36,230 acres of fallow land owned by 23,600 farmers of all classes in all 33 districts of Chhattisgarh, trees will be planted as part of this programme. The initiative also offers additional income through carbon credits. The farmers will receive a yearly income of Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 50,000 per acre. This project shows Chhattisgarh’s dedication to preserving the environment and advancing rural livelihoods and is a critical step towards sustainable development.
On March 31, 2023, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel introduced the scheme in each of the state’s 33 districts in honour of World Forestry Day. The programme attempts to encourage commercial plantation in rural regions to raise farmers’ incomes.
Deforestation in India
India faces a big problem with deforestation because the nation loses a lot of forest cover every year. Deforestation has severe negative effects on the environment, local populations, and the economy, underscoring the urgency of taking immediate action. Although India has taken some action to stop deforestation, more must be done to guarantee that the nation’s forests are safeguarded and preserved for future generations. Deforestation, which affects about 10 million hectares of land annually, plays a significant role in climate change.
India experienced a high rate of deforestation
India is among the countries that have experienced a high rate of deforestation, losing 668,400 hectares of forestry over recent years. A new study has revealed the countries contributing the most to global deforestation rates – and India has ranked in 2nd place after destroying an average of 668,400 hectares of forestry between 2015-2020. The team at Utility Bidder have created the Deforestation Report by looking at the countries with the highest deforestation rates, the most significant increase in deforestation, the greatest decrease in deforestation and the agricultural products most responsible for deforestation.
Economic, environmental, and soil health interrelationships
The Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana is significant because of its positive effects on the economy, the environment, and soil health, according to the Chief Minister. To increase tree planting, he also urged officials to advertise the programme in places where there is less enthusiasm.
Benefits to the economy and the environment
The Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana has many environmental advantages in addition to helping farmers earn more money. The programme will aid in increasing the state’s green cover and lowering its carbon footprint by encouraging commercial tree planting. Also, it will support soil preservation and enhance the area’s general biodiversity. Additionally, the scheme will also help to promote sustainable development in rural areas by creating employment opportunities.
Recognising forests as heritage
The state’s identity and heritage are its woods and wildlife, the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh stressed. The government has consistently tried to preserve and advance the woods and the associated cultures.
Unique involvement in climate change
By planting commercial tree species, the Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana enables private individuals, organisations, or businesses to make the most profit possible. The Chief Minister views the programme as a pioneering effort that demonstrates engagement and dedication to combating climate change.
For annual income and carbon credits
The program’s goal is to commercially plant trees on vacant land owned by interested farmers of all classes. 23,600 farmers from various districts will cover 36,230 acres, producing an annual income of Rs 15,000 to 50,000 per acre. Farmers can also gain carbon credits.
Trees in 18 Lakh acres in 5 years for environmental balance
Mohammad Akbar, the Forest and Environment Minister of Chhattisgarh declared that the programme seeks to plant trees on 1,80,000 acres over the course of the next five years, fostering natural balance. Commercial tree planting recipients with 5 acres or less will receive a 100% subsidy, and those with more would receive a 50% subsidy.
12 different tree species
The programme is open to farmers, landowners, businesses, trusts, panchayats, and land contract holders. Under the Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana, 12 different tree species, including Clonal Eucalyptus, Rootshoot Teak, Sandalwood, and Mahaneem, will be planted this year.
Forests an important assets
Chhattisgarh’s forests are incredibly important both historically and culturally. They support a diverse range of flora and animals and are fundamental to the state’s identity. The administration has been taking various steps to conserve and protect the state’s numerous and extensive forest resources. One such programme that will assist in defending and preserving the woods while also encouraging sustainable development is the Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana.
Private sector involvement
A distinctive programme in the nation that enables private individuals, institutions, and businesses to take part in commercial tree planting is the Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana, which will not only contribute to the state’s increased green cover but also provide job prospects in rural areas. Both the public and private sectors will benefit from the scenario, as the former will increase the amount of green cover while the latter will be able to make money by planting commercial tree species.
Forrest cover and forest policy
The size of the Chhattisgarh state, at 135,192 square kilometres, represents 4.11 percent of the entire area of India. 59,772 square kilometres, or 44.21 percent of the state’s land area, are covered in forests. Chhattisgarh is the third most forested state in the nation. Within a 5-kilometer radius of the forest line, there are 50 percent of the state’s communities. Tribal tribes that are struggling economically and who significantly depend on the forests for their livelihoods are most people living in these settlements. They receive minor forest products and other necessary resources from the forests, worth about Rs 2,000 crore. As a result, the forest is essential to Chhattisgarh’s development.
( Copy Right @ India CSR)
Must Read: What is Mukhyamantri Vriksha Sampada Yojana?
Also Read: Deforestation: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
Also Read: India has lost around 668,400 hectares of forestry to deforestation – 2nd highest in the world
