The Punjab State Food Commission has proposed an initiative to establish Nutrition Gardens in schools and Anganwaris across the state, announced Chairman Bal Mukand Sharma during his visit to SAS Nagar today. While chairing a review meeting of various district departments on the implementation of the National Food Security Mission, Chairman Sharma stated that a long-term plan has been prepared in collaboration with Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and the State Horticulture Department.
The plan has received the necessary approvals from the state government, keeping the health and nutritional needs of children in focus. Under this initiative, schools and Anganwaris with a minimum of 625 square yards of available land will be preferred to establish Nutrition Gardens.
These gardens will grow seasonal fruits and vegetables, which will be served to school students (as part of the Mid-Day Meal scheme) and Anganwari children (as part of the Supplementary Nutrition Programme). Chairman Sharma noted that the existing kitchen gardens in some schools and Anganwaris have yielded positive results, reinforcing the Commission’s emphasis on a balanced and nutrition-enriched diet for children.
He directed Mohali district authorities to take a lead in this initiative by coordinating with the Forest, Horticulture, Agriculture Departments, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra. Only indigenous fruit varieties recommended by PAU will be cultivated.
Earlier in the meeting, he reviewed the status of several welfare schemes including distribution of ration under Smart Ration Card scheme, e-KYC enrolment, Prime Minister Matru Vandana Yojana, Mid-Day Meal and Supplementary Nutrition through Anganwaris, Health checkups of school and Anganwari attendees by medical teams, Medical treatment follow-up for children identified with ailments.
The Chairman stressed that every institution or organisation covered under the National Food Security Mission must prominently display the Commission’s helpline and grievance redressal number – 9876764545. Non-compliance will invite strict action, he warned. Emphasizing hygiene and food safety, he also instructed authorities to ensure proper cleanliness of cooks and kitchen areas.
District Education Officer (Elementary) Darshanjit Singh informed that the State Government has released Rs 1.06 crore for the replacement of non-steel utensils with steel ones in district schools. Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal assured full cooperation and confirmed that Nutrition Gardens will be set up across the district in the coming weeks.
The meeting was attended by ADC Sonam Chaudhary, DFSC Navreet , MD Markfed Navita Rani, and District Health Officer Dr. Amrit Warring, among others.