Ranchi schools start kitchen gardens for student nutrition

Ranchi: The education department has launched the Poshan Vatika Yojana to improve children's nutrition by creating kitchen gardens in schools. So far, 290 schools in the district have started these gardens, with 211 more in development. Badal Raj, the district superintendent of education, explained that these gardens allow students to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. This initiative also teaches them about sustainable agriculture. Of the 2,127 schools in the district, 1,502 are selected for kitchen gardens. Currently, 279 schools have active gardens, serving 63,496 students. An additional 135 schools are planned to develop gardens in the next school year. The gardens grow various crops, including papaya and okra, to provide fresh produce throughout the year. Each school receives Rs 5,000 to help with the gardens' setup and upkeep. Raj emphasized the importance of regular training and monitoring to ensure the program's success. Parmanand Kumar, principal of Government Upgraded Middle School, Kanke, shared that their garden uses natural farming methods, resulting in healthy vegetables. The program aims to increase nutrition awareness and promote healthier eating habits among students.