Achieving Nutritional Security through Nutri-garden in Rural Areas of Nawada District, Bihar

Abstract

Background: Various nutritional problems such as anaemia, malnutrition, stunting, wasting are prevalent among women and children. Nutri- garden promotes dietary diversification in rural household through easy availability of fresh vegetables and fruits on a daily basis, thereby, can play an important role in achieving nutritional security at household or community level. The objective of the study was to increase the availability of vegetables in rural household and to improve the knowledge of rural farm women regarding layout, technological and nutritional aspect of nutri-garden. Methods: The study was conducted in the nine villages of Kawakol block of Nawada district. Ten anganwadi centres and three backyard / kitchen garden were selected (that includes 115 respondents) for KVK front line demonstration programme on nutrition security. Result: An increase in yield of the crops was seen in demonstration unit in comparison to farmers field. This enhances the nutrient availability among rural families. Knowledge of the rural household was also enhanced through various training programmes conducted during the study. The major constraints faced by the farm women in management of nutri-garden were inadequate water supply in some areas and high input cost involved in purchasing low cost quality seed.