Boosting nutritional security through kitchen gardening: Nutritional security through kitchen gardening

Abstract

Malnutrition is rapidly growing problem across the country. Malnutrition not only slows down child growth and development but also increases the risk and duration of getting sick and also hindered social and mental development. The main cause of malnutrition is lack of nutrients in the diet. Mostly people depend on grains for food, less consumption of vegetables, green vegetables, fruits and milk are the reasons of malnutrition. Diet diversification is best strategy to improve health and nutrition especially for poor. Fruits and vegetables are best way to make health better, overcoming hunger and malnutrition. A study was conducted to address the malnutrition. For combating malnutrition, nutritional kitchen gardens were developed at farmers' field. After introduction of kitchen garden, there was a significant increase in nutrient content. As compare to their traditional practice of gardening they found 240 kg more vegetable through planned kitchen garden in a year and earned Rs.3400/- . The availability of vegetables increased by 186 at house hold level. % change in Consumption gm/day was 41.6. With the availability of vegetable in the diet, farm families can reduce problem of malnutrition. Cultivation of vegetables at homestead level in systematic manner contributes to household food security as well as income also.