Vol. 10, Issue 12 (2021)

Author(s):
Neelu Vishwakarma, Alka Singh, Alpna Sharma and DK Singh

Abstract:
Vegetables are recognized as the most important source of micronutrients. Vegetable consumption can play an important role for eradicating micro-nutritional deficiencies. The inadequate supply of vegetables, particularly during the off-season, higher market price and lesser awareness regarding their consumption are key factors that limit the vegetable consumption rate in India. The per capita vegetable consumption in India (86 g/day) is far below the FAO’s recommendation (200 g/day). One way to achieve this goal is through nutri-garden or kitchen garden. Home gardens are a part of agriculture and food production systems in many developing countries and are extensively used as an answer to ensure food and nutritional security in the circumstances of a global food crisis. Vegetable based nutri-gardening is important especially in rural areas where people have limited income-earning opportunities and poor access to markets. Nutritional kitchen gardens were developed on farmers' fields to combat malnutrition. Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Jabalpur, has made significant strides in promoting nutritional kitchen gardening in the villages of Sihoda, Tiwarikheda, Raipura, and Bharda of Jabalpur district. From 2016-17 to 2021-22, KVK conducted a total of 84 demonstrations across Kharif, Rabi, and summer seasons, covering an area of 2.1 hectares. The nutrient content of food significantly increased after the introduction of kitchen gardens. 2230 gm Vegetable availability (gm/day/family) were increased in during the year by using the planned kitchen garden, and $2691 was earned each seasons as a result. The household's vegetable supply increased by 1460 gm Vegetable availability (gm/day/family). There was a 52.73 percent change in consumption for every day. Consuming more vegetables could help farm families combat malnutrition. Vegetable cultivation on the homestead contributes to household food security in addition to securing household nutritional security and income. These families were provided with seed kits as well as the scientific layout of the nutri-garden. While the average consumption of individual nutrients after Nutri Garden implementation showed the improved dietary diversity translated into better overall nutrient intake for farm families. Nutrition status is the condition of the body as it related to consumption and utilization of food. Improve nutrition status refers to the intake of balance amount of vegetables in diet, which supplies all the essential nutrients to meet the body’s requirements.