NURTI-GARDEN: An Innovation to increase Nutrition Efficiency of Aganwadi Centres. For the purpose of self-sustainability and supplementing of Anganwadi Centres in their daily nutrition intake, Anganwadi Centres that have readily available space for maintaining small gardens, where fruits and vegetables (Leafy & non-leafy vegetables and tubers) can be grown, take the opportunity to create and maintain Nutri-Gardens for supplementing daily nutritional needs of the Anganwadi Centres. Funding for the purchase and procurement of relevant seeds of vegetables and fruits, gardening tools and organic fertilizers are being provided for the purpose of creating Nutri-Gardens at the Anganwadi Centre premises. The maintenance and sustenance of the Nutri-Garden are being taken care of by the respective Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers. Training of Anganwadi Workers and Anganwadi Helpers in creation and maintenance of Nutri Garden are being taken from the Department of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) as per the requirement or on need basis. Locally available nutritious fruits and vegetables such as Banana, Broccoli, Mustard leaves, Pumpkin, Beans, Lettuce, Carrots, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Capsicum, Beetroot, Onions, Ginger, Garlic, Tomatoes etc. are being grown in the vicinity of the Anganwadi Centres. All these ensure sustainable nutrition intake by the Children at the Anganwadi Centres.

A balanced nutritional intake of every child at every Anganwadi Centre in the State is being increased and is expected to increase and improve gradually. This make an indirect positive impact and thereby reflect in the following indicators (viz. Stunting in children (0-5 years), Underweight in children (0-5 years) and Anaemia in children (6-59 months)

Pictures of Nutri-garden in 8 district