The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) on Tuesday unveiled a set of guidelines for setting up of Nutrition (Kitchen) Gardens in schools.
Kitchen gardens will not only help in addressing the issue of malnutrition and micro-nutrition deficiencies among school children but will also teach them the skills of growing their own food, the guidelines said. Apart from the nutritional aspect, these gardens would be part of experiential learning for students.
Schools, both in urban and rural areas, have been asked to set up the gardens on the school premises. These institutes can seek technical, infrastructural and other assistance from agencies and various government departments.
The guidelines, formulated by the MHRD, also outlines how the gardens can contribute to reducing the effects of climate change. Procuring food locally would reduce the need for food transportation, thus decreasing carbon emission from fossil fuels and reducing the overall greenhouse gas production.
As there are 11.75 lakh government and government-aided schools in India, one nutrition garden per school can have a substantial impact on climate, the guidelines said.
The school authorities will also get assistance such as the provision of seeds, saplings, organic manure and training in convergence with various line departments, agencies like Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Department of Agriculture/Horticulture, State Agriculture Universities, Food & Nutrition Board and Forest Department.
Comments are closed.