In a unique initiative, the state Education department has introduced the concept of Nutrition garden or nutri garden in some of the government schools. The move is aimed at preventing Malnutrition among children, sensitizing them about the importance of healthy food and getting them connected to nature.
Under the scheme, students grow vegetables, use the organic waste from theirmidday mealkitchen to make vermicompost and also learn about nutrient values of different vegetables and fruits practically. The scheme, implemented under Ankuran Pariyojana by education department’s directorate of midday meal and Unicef, had started on a pilot basis in 40 schools in two districts – Purnia and Sitamarhi – last year. The main motive was preventing malnutrition among children coming from economically poor backgrounds.
Citing the data of National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) and Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS 2016-18), an official said the nutritional status of children and adolescents in the state was not encouraging.
For instance, as per NHFS-5, stunting is prevalent among 42.9% of under-five children and 22.9% of them were suffering from wasting. The same survey also revealed that 69.4% are anaemic in the state. Even the adolescents had nutrition issues. As per CNNS data, malnutrition was found in one out of two adolescents between the age group of 10 to 19 years.