"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
16 Nov 2022
To increase the consumption of leafy vegetables by women, many of whom are undernourished and anemic, the West Bengal government's agricultural department has been promoting the cultivation of vegetables by supplying self-help groups with seeds and training.
Sanjima Khatun, a 28-year-old housewife is one such beneficiary from West Bengal's Murshidabad district, who grows traditional vegetables in her kitchen garden. She also sells the extra produce in the neighborhood markets to make some money.
Self-help group leaders give out seeds to members like Khatun, who then use the seeds to grow vegetables using organic manures since seasonal vegetables and fruits grown in kitchen gardens are a good source of vitamins and other micronutrients that can help prevent anemia.
These vegetables are healthier than those sold in stores because only organic manure and compost are used as fertilizers. In the Hariharpara block, the majority of these self-help group members received training from senior members of their SHG clusters and agriculture officials around a year ago.
According to Jayati Mitra, a nutrition officer for UNICEF in West Bengal, which provides technical support and other assistance to the government for this project, seasonal fruits and vegetables are good sources of micronutrients and bring positive nutrition behavior change in terms of feeding choices and practices.
