Addressing Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies through consumption of freshly grown vegetables through development of nutrition gardens in rural villages in Odisha.
Background
HOLY EARTH TRUST is a nationalized NGO, has been expertised in the different segments of Holistic Rural development in different needy corners of India. Based on the practical understanding of ground and secondary research, we are submitting a concept note to bridge the resource & resource management gaps in the rural villages in Odisha while optimizing the CSR resources wherever possible.
To help in addressing malnutrition & micro nutrient deficiencies by consumption of freshly grown vegetables. To give children and women first-hand organized experience with nature and gardening. To enhance the knowledge of children regarding nutritional aspects of vegetables and harmful effects of junk food. The prevalence of stunting and wasting among the children less than 5 years of age are 31.0% and 18.1%, respectively. Almost 8% of children are severely malnourished (SAM) and 30% of children fall under Grade I-IV malnutrition. The infant mortality rate (IMR) is 36.3 and the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is 150.
Holy Earth Trust has observed Nutritional gardens have been a game-changer during in Covid-19 period.
According to the Govt and NGOs the Nutri-gardens have become a game-changer in the time of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. They have helped reduce malnutrition,” said Manas Ranjan Samal, block development officer, Odisha Administrative Service, Khunta. Regular consumption of chemical-free vegetables and seasonal fruits have helped villagers bridge the nutrient gap .The gardens have helped the rural community to stave off economic hardship. And rural women farmers are able to save up to Rs 1,000-1,500 a month through nutritional garden.“Buying vegetables during summer used to be a daily struggle. But the situation has now changed,” said Champa Soren, sarapanch, Bholagadia panchayat. The women sell the surplus vegetables and fruits and generate a constant source of income round the year for their family.
Ajay Kumar Nayak, district project manager, Govt. has urged “The model requires small investment and promises bigger returns. Nutri-gardens can strengthen a household’s resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related risks and natural calamities.”
Holy Earth Trust has realized the importance and benefits of the Nutritional garden and the goal is for all family members, particularly women and children, to consume at least 150-200 gm of green vegetables and fresh fruits per person per day throughout the year.
Problem Identification during Secondary Research:
Problems like lack of technical guidance , lack of family support ,lack of knowledges on Organic manure development and its utilization were also problems faced by women while developing nutrition garden in the rural areas.
Process to Follow:
• Meetings with the PRI members and other volunteers in the project villages.
• Gap Analysis and identification of the work to be undertaken
• Place identification through PWT and PRA
• Documentation process
• Execution of the work with coordination with Qualitative works at the community gate.
Convergence Plan:
• Convergence with the horticulture department will be initiated for further sustainability.
Sustainability and Replication plan:
• The PRI members and the Horticulture department will be encouraged to replicate the infra/support materials provided under the project areas.
Expected Outcome:
• Over 200 rural marginal and small farmers family will be able to know on Organized Nutrition garden with bio manure development(vermin compost,Azolla and Duckweed)
• As different varieties of vegetables and fruits are grown, the nutrition contains variety of food. It is going to be an important tool for children’s training, entertainment and exercise. Self-cultivated crops arouse more interest within the family.
• It is going to helped in maintaining C:N ratio in the soil and also increases the fertility and productivity of the soil.
• 10% income will be increased per family.
Project Areas with details-
Nimapada and Gop of Puri District, Tihidi block of Bhadrak District.
Targeted beneficiary- Women and targeted area coverage 20 acres.
Per unit development cost is Rs 15000/-(one season)
• 100 units development cost Rs 15,00,000/- and 8% Management cost
• 200 units development cost Rs 30,00,000/- and 8% Management cost
