NHAI Arogya Van
- Context: NHAI has taken the initiative to develop ‘Arogya Van’, the thematic medicinal tree plantations on vacant land parcels along the National Highways.
- The initiative aims to enrich biodiversity along the National Highways by introducing medicinal tree species that support pollinators, birds and microfauna, thereby strengthening ecosystem resilience.
Objectives
- Enhance soil and ecosystem health
- Support pollinators, birds, and microfauna
- Promote awareness of medicinal plants
- Strengthen climate resilience
Tree Species
-
- Around 36 medicinal plants selected
- Examples: Neem, Amla, Jamun, Imli, Lemon, Gular, Maulsari
- Chosen based on local climate suitability
Significance
- Promotes traditional medicine like Ayurveda
- Conserves indigenous medicinal flora
- Creates green corridors along highways
Soil Sakhis Initiative
-
- Context: The “Soil Sakhis” programme in the drought-affected regions of western Maharashtra is uplifting women from marginalised communities while also enhancing soil quality and boosting farm productivity.
- Launched (2023): By Mann Deshi Foundation under Agriculture & Climate Action Programme
- Coverage Area: Drought-prone districts of Maharashtra (Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Pune)
- Concept: Train rural women as Soil Sakhis to test soil and guide farmers
Role of Soil Sakhis
- Collect soil samples
- Get lab testing done
- Provide scientific soil health insights to farmers
Income
- ₹8,000–₹10,000/month + petrol allowance
- Soil test cost: ₹400–₹900
Objectives
- Improve soil health & crop yield
- Promote climate-resilient farming
- Provide scientific knowledge access to farmers
Significance
- Empowers women economically
- Supports sustainable agriculture
- Reduces impact of drought on farming
Womaniya
- Context: The ‘Womaniya’ initiative facilitates women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to sell their products directly to government buyers through the e-marketplace platform (‘GeM’).
- It covers the procurement of specific product categories such as handicrafts, handlooms, jute, coir products, home décor items, and office furniture.
About the Womaniya Initiative
-
- It was launched in 2019 on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- It aims to encourage the participation of women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in public procurement.
- It enables direct sales to government buyers without the involvement of intermediaries, thereby improving market access and transparency.
- In addition to covering handlooms, handicrafts, jute, coir products, textiles, and lifestyle-related goods, it also provides support to rural women producers.
- It is integrated with the ‘SWAYATT’ initiative, which further strengthens the contribution of women, youth, and startups.
In the Financial Year 2025–26 (FY 2025–26)
- More than 2.1 lakh women-led MSMEs have registered on GeM; 13.7 lakh orders have been placed.
Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
- GeM is an online portal designed to facilitate the consolidated procurement of goods and services by Central and State government departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Panchayats, and Cooperatives.
- It was launched in 2016 with the objective of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.”
