Nutrition first: PAU-KVK-Kapurthala leads post-flood drive for food security

In the wake of the devastating floods that recently impacted several parts of Kapurthala district, PAU-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kapurthala has taken a proactive step to restore food security and improve the nutritional well-being of affected farm families through its newly launched “Nutrition First” post-flood mission.

The initiative aims to support farming communities in rebuilding their household nutrition base by promoting kitchen gardening and providing essential inputs and expert guidance.

KVK distributed 200 vegetable kits to families across five adopted flood-affected villages — Sangra, Baupur Jadid, Baupur Kadeem, Ahli Kalan, and Rampur Gaura. Each kit is intended to ensure a steady supply of fresh, chemical-free vegetables, helping households to regain control over their food sources.

At the launch of the initiative, Dr Harinder Singh, Incharge, KVK Kapurthala, interacted with farmers and assured them of the KVK’s continued support through technical guidance, timely interventions, and the provision of necessary agricultural inputs. He encouraged families to view kitchen gardening not only as a source of fresh food, but also as a long-term strategy for self-reliance and resilience against future natural disasters.

Addressing the gathering, Associate Professor of Home Science, Dr Avneet Kaur, highlighted the importance of dietary diversity, immunity building, and nutritional security — all achievable through home-grown produce. She underscored that kitchen gardens offer a reliable source of safe and wholesome nutrition, while reducing dependence on external market supplies.

Dr Amandeep Kaur further elaborated on practical methods for sowing vegetables, introducing the Nutrition Garden Model (6x6 m plots) as well as alternative solutions like grow bags, buckets, containers, and old gunny bags. These approaches, she explained, are particularly suitable for flood-affected households with limited land availability. She also noted that engaging in kitchen gardening can offer psychological relief by reducing stress and anxiety among farming families grappling with the aftermath of the floods.

Other KVK members addressed village-specific challenges and reiterated the university’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to the flood-hit families.

Dr Harinder Singh assured the farmers vegetable nurseries of tomato, brinjal and cauliflower will be supplied in the upcoming season. This move is expected to further reinforce household food security and ensure sustained access to nutritious vegetables.