Peer-reviewed article
Nutri-Garden as an Extension Model for EnhancingHousehold Nutritional Security in Malda District
Pavuluri Yasaswini, DUSHYANT KUMAR RAGHAV, Shivam, Anbazhagan P, T Damodaran ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5The document describes the nutrition situation in Malda district, where undernutrition and lifestyle-related diseases exist side by side. Anaemia, child stunting and underweight are high among women and young children, and household diets lack diversity even where calorie intake is adequate. In response, a local agricultural extension centre (ICAR-CISH KVK) promoted structured homestead nutri-garden models, circular and rectangular, with season-wise crop planning. The authors present these gardens as a practical, affordable and locally adaptable way to improve diet quality. The abstract does not report any measured results.
Key points
- Malda district has both undernutrition and rising lifestyle-related diseases.
- High levels of anaemia, child stunting and underweight persist among women and young children.
- Dietary diversity is poor, particularly among women, even where calorie intake may be adequate.
- Circular and rectangular nutri-garden models with season-wise crop planning were promoted to supply vegetables, fruits, legumes and herbs year-round.
- The models align with ICMR–NIN dietary guidelines.
Limitations
The abstract gives no data on outcomes, sample size, study design or any change in children's diets or nutritional status, so it cannot tell us whether the nutri-gardens work. Its claims about being practical and affordable are stated, not shown, and its focus is on households and women as much as on children.
Abstract
Malda district is presently facing a complex nutrition challenge marked by the co–existence of undernutrition and rising lifestyle-related diseases. High levels of anemia, child stunting and underweight persists among women and young children, while overweight, diabetes and hypertension are increasingly observed among adult women. Although calorie intake may be adequate in many households, poor dietary diversity and limited intake of nutrient-rich foods contribute to hidden hunger. Field-level assessments by ICAR-CISH KVK indicated inadequate diversity in household diets, particularly among women. In response, structured nutri-garden models were promoted to enhance yearround availability of vegetables, fruits, legumes and herbs within homesteads. The circular and rectangular models, supported by season-wise crop planning, align with ICMR–NIN dietary guidelines and offer a practical, affordable and locally adaptable strategy to improve diet quality and strengthen household nutritional security in Malda district.