This means utilisation of MGNREGA funds to create additional source of income for the farmers through fruit & timber sapling production.

No joke this.Consider the case of Michael Ekka, a resident of Silam village in the Raidih block of Gumla, is a progressive farmer.

 He is actively involved in scientific farming methods; also, he inspires other farmers to utilize scientific and modern farming techniques to better their income and bring prosperity to their families.

He is among some farmers whose dream to become entrepreneurs is taking shape, thanks to convergence of multiple government-run schemes.

In 2021, the state government demanded saplings under the MGNREGA scheme and the state was not able to get enough quality saplings for the plantation. Given this, the government launched Didi Badi Yojna under MGNREGA intending to prepare farmers of the state as entrepreneurs.

Under this scheme, the trained farmers of the state got an opportunity to grow saplings and the government ensured the purchase of saplings through MGNREGA. 

It is learnt that once the farmers received training provided by the state government, some of them got involved in sapling production. Soon after, their produce was immediately acquired by the government. 

This appears to have instilled a sense of trust among farmers. Soon,they started producing Amrapali, Malda, Mallika Mango and other saplings including Timber plants like Shisam, Gamhar and Teak.

Michael Ekka along with other farmers of the state were trained in horticulture and sapling preparation. 
 

They have reportedly grown more than 8000 saplings of Shisam, Gamhar, Teak and Mango in his nursery through Didi Badi Yojna in the year 2021-22. 

These plants were procured by the government for the implementation of Birsa Harit Gram Yojna, a scheme run by the state government. 

With this, Michael earned an income of Rs 25,000. This was an additional means of livelihood for Michael Ekka through the Didi Badi Yojna, which is helping him to meet the needs of his family.