Nutrition, herbal gardens to be established in 5,000 schools across Punjab

Punjab State Food Commission Chairman BM Sharma today said the state government had decided to establish nutrition gardens in 5,073 schools keeping in mind the future nutritional needs of students. Orders had been issued by the Punjab Government in this regard, he said.

Sharma was addressing a conference on the theme “Connecting agriculture, nutrition and wellness” during the 19th Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX), being organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, here today.

He said, “Although Punjab has no shortage of food grains, providing quality food to residents of the state is a big challenge. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt crop diversification. To provide a better future to children through nutritious food, we have decided to create these nutrition gardens.”

“Several schools have been selected where vacant lands is available. Herbal, fruit and vegetable gardens are being developed by trained teachers on this land. These fruits and vegetables will become a part of the mid-day meal of the children, ensuring that they are provided quality food at the school level,” said Sharma. He said many schools with three to four acres of additional land had been shortlisted, where these gardens would come up.

“The project will run with support of the agriculture, horticulture and education departments. Around 1,100 Anganwadi Centres in the state will also have nutrition gardens,” he said.

Earlier, Supreet Singh, coordinator, pharmaceutical, health and wellness committee, PhDCCI, addressed the gathering.