‘Nutri Garden’ works to begin during summer vacation

The pesticide-free vegetables grown in the ‘Nutri gardens’ will be used by Anganwadi kitchens as a part of the nutritious-meal programme to reduce malnutrition among children.

A senior official from the School Education Department told DT Next that vegetable gardens will be set up at 2,300 anganwadi centres in government primary and middle schools at a cost of Rs 50 crore.

“The idea was inspired by the open spaces apart from playgrounds at almost all anganwadi centres,” he said, adding “Vegetables that could be quickly harvested will be grown according to the climatic condition of the region.”

Stating that each anganwadi centre will be allocated Rs 5,000 to establish gardens initially, he said that Rs 1,500 of it would be spent on garden tools, including shovels, spades and forks; Rs 700 will be used to purchase saplingsand seeds.

“Similarly, Rs 2,700 would be set aside to purchase organic manure and fence... The rest of the amount will be spent for training purpose,” the official added.

Pointing out that all anganwadi centres were instructed to begin work during the summer vacation, the official said a committee comprising of State Horticulture officials have been formed in each district to visit each centre to guide them monitor their progress.

“The Horticulture officials will also send periodical reports to their respective district education officer, who will update the data with the Directorate of School Education,” he said.

Claiming that about 24,25 lakh students are expected to benefit from the initiative, he said modern kitchen equipment will also be purchased for all centres.