Nutrition Vatika Bihar: Government of Bihar has taken a unique initiative to fight malnutrition and provide nutritious food to students. ‘Poshan Vatika’ will be established in government schools in rural areas of the state. This initiative will be implemented by the Department of Rural Development under MNREGA scheme.
MNREGA Commissioner’s Initiative
The scheme was discussed in an online workshop chaired by MNREGA Commissioner Abhilasha Kumari Sharma. It was informed in the workshop that in the first phase, a nutrition garden will be created in every block. For this government schools are being selected which have boundary wall and hand pump facilities.
Organic fertilizers and plant preparation
Nadep tanks will be constructed to prepare organic manure for the nutrition garden. These gardens will be planted with nutritious fruit and vegetable plants, including amla, drumstick, lemon, guava, mango, jamun, jackfruit, pomegranate, litchi and custard apple.
Employment to women and villagers
This scheme will generate employment at the local level. The plants will be procured from nurseries run by women from self-help groups. In addition, local villagers will be appointed as ‘Forest Conservators’ who will look after and maintain the plants for the next 5 years.
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Improve mid-day meals
Nutrition garden will improve the quality of mid-day meals in schools. This initiative will not only provide nutritious food to the children but will also strengthen the rural economy.
The scheme is being implemented in coordination with the Department of Education and the Department of Rural Development, with nutrition experts from UNICEF also contributing. This step will provide a new direction in education and nutrition sector in Bihar.