By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 18: The ICAR-KVK West Garo Hills has launched an initiative to empower farm women by establishing Nutri Gardens in villages under Gambegre Block. The project, aligned with the NARI (Nutri Sensitive Agricultural Resources and Innovations) programme, aims to promote family farms for enhanced family nutrition through the skill development of women and the promotion of dietary diversity.
Anemia, prevalent in the Garo Hills due to dietary deficiencies, can be mitigated by cultivating and consuming nutritious crops. Through the dedicated efforts of ICAR-KVK West Garo Hills, 30 Nutri Gardens have been established in the villages of Aminda Simsang, Aminda Rangsa, and Allabagre. These gardens aim to improve family health by providing a source of iron-rich and diverse vegetables.
A training programme on ‘Scientific Nursery Management in Vegetable Crops’ was conducted in Aminda Simsang by KVK scientist Ramavatar Yadav On Thursday. The programme included a method demonstration by Dr Joyoshree Mahanta on using organic micronutrients (Arka Vegetable Special) to enhance plant growth and yield. Additionally, micronutrients and vegetable seeds, including okra, cowpea, and ridge gourd, were distributed from IIHR, Bengaluru, a leading research institute in horticultural crops.
The training was attended by 45 farm women who showed keen interest in growing nutritious vegetables to improve family nutrition and generate income by selling their produce. The progress of the Nutri Gardens is being monitored by KVK scientists, and feedback is being collected to ensure the initiative’s success.