- Kosa production will increase the income of villagers, MNREGA will provide employment
In furtherance of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai’s vision of environmental protection and conservation, a large-scale plantation of saja and arjun trees has been initiated in Jashpur district. This initiative aims to increase green cover and empower women from self-help groups and rural families. The plantation drive is being conducted in the development blocks of Farsabahar, Duldula, Pathalgaon, and Kunkuri during the year 2026-27 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA)’s Vikasit Bharat Ji Ram Ji Yojana. The district administration has approved the planting of saja and arjun trees across 66.5 hectares of land at 19 sites. The plantation work has begun by preparing nurseries for a total of 2,72,650 saplings, with approximately 14,350 saplings per site.
“Cocoon Production to be Boosted”
The primary objective of this scheme is to strengthen the rural economy and increase the income of local people. Saja and Arjun trees are considered most suitable for cocoon rearing. Once the plants are developed, tribal and farmer families will be able to earn a sustainable and better income through natural cocoon production. Employment is being provided to families holding MNREGA job cards through this project. The plants are being cared for and maintained under the technical guidance of the Silk Department. Additional employment opportunities are also being provided to local laborers by providing them with the tasks of guarding and protecting the plants.
According to the district administration, this initiative will not only protect the environment but also provide a new direction to rural livelihoods. Once the Arjun trees are developed, they will become major centers for cocoon production, increasing rural incomes, creating local employment opportunities, and reducing migration.
