Supply of Fodder Minikit 2026

Jharkhand's Birsa Harit Gram Yojana is a government initiative to boost green cover and create stable income Read More... sources for SC, ST, and landless families by planting trees under the MGNREGA scheme. Read less

Details

The Birsa Harit Gram Yojana (BHGY) is a significant scheme by the Rural Development Department of Jharkhand. It's all about planting trees and helping families earn a steady living, especially those who need it most.

What Is This Scheme?

This scheme focuses on planting trees, both fruit-bearing and fodder types, across Jharkhand. It's designed to increase the green cover of the state and, more importantly, provide sustainable income opportunities for marginalized communities. The planting work is carried out using the framework of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), ensuring that participants get guaranteed work and wages.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The main beneficiaries are people from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Primitive Tribes, and families living Below the Poverty Line (BPL). It also prioritizes women-headed households, people with disabilities, and beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Small and marginal farmers whose livelihoods depend on agriculture are also eligible.

Why This Scheme Is Important

BHGY serves a dual purpose: it actively contributes to environmental conservation by increasing forest cover and it directly tackles rural poverty by creating employment and a source of income through tree produce. The scheme ensures a better future for vulnerable communities by linking them with nature and economic opportunities.

Objective

Jharkhand's Birsa Harit Gram Yojana is a government initiative to boost green cover and create stable income sources for SC, ST, and landless families by planting trees under the MGNREGA scheme.

Benefits

Name of ComponentStandard of AssistanceMinimum Time Limit(In Year) for Reclaiming BenefitsSupply of Fodder Minikit under General People, Schedule Caste People and Schedule Tribe People.Free1 Year

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Must belong to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), or Primitive Tribes.
Must be from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family.
Should be a woman-headed household, a person with disabilities, or a beneficiary of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
Must be a small or marginal farmer.
Must possess a MGNREGA job card.
Livelihood should primarily depend on agriculture.

How To Apply

Applications and related processes are managed through the local administration and MGNREGA framework. Typically, beneficiaries are identified and recommended by the Gram Sabha. You can inquire about the scheme and application procedures at your nearest:

Gram Panchayat office
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) office

Documents Required

Identity Proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter ID)
Caste Certificate (if applicable, for SC/ST/Primitive Tribes)
Below Poverty Line (BPL) Certificate (if applicable)
MGNREGA Job Card

FAQ’s

Who is eligible to apply for the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana?

The scheme is open to individuals from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Primitive Tribes, and families living Below the Poverty Line (BPL). It also prioritizes woman-headed households, persons with disabilities, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) beneficiaries, provided they are small/marginal farmers with a MGNREGA job card and their livelihood depends on agriculture.

How does this scheme help beneficiaries earn money?

The scheme provides guaranteed employment for at least 100 days under the MGNREGA. Additionally, beneficiaries receive 'usufruct rights' over the trees they plant, allowing them to use and sell the produce from these trees for sustained income.

What kinds of trees will be planted under this program?

The Birsa Harit Gram Yojana focuses on planting a mix of fruit-bearing trees, such as mango and guava, along with fodder trees. This ensures both ecological benefits and economic returns for the beneficiaries.

Where does the tree plantation take place?

The plantation activities are carried out on common lands within the village and also on the private lands of eligible beneficiaries, helping to green both public and private spaces.

Is there any financial aid provided directly to beneficiaries?

The scheme doesn't provide direct financial grants. Instead, it offers employment and wages for the plantation and maintenance work through the MGNREGA. The income also comes from the sale of tree produce.

For how long is the maintenance support provided for the planted trees?

After the initial plantation, the scheme provides support for the maintenance of the trees for a period of three years to ensure their survival and growth.

How are individuals chosen to be beneficiaries of this scheme?

The selection of beneficiaries is a community-driven process, primarily based on recommendations made by the Gram Sabha (village assembly).

Where should I go to apply for this scheme?

Interested individuals can submit their applications and gather more information at their local Gram Panchayat office or the district's MGNREGA office.

Is this scheme meant for people living in cities?

No, the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana is specifically designed for rural areas and operates under the MGNREGA guidelines, focusing on improving rural landscapes and livelihoods.

What do you mean by 'usufruct rights' in this scheme?

'Usufruct rights' mean that the beneficiaries have the legal right to use the land and enjoy the benefits (like produce) from the trees they have planted. They can harvest and sell these products.