Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) conducted an online consultation on advancing nutrition security by promotion of sustainable agri-nutrition gardens and livestock rearing practices through community-based organization. The technical partners Roshni Centre and TA to NRLM (PCI) supported in conducting this consultation.

Shri Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, MoRD delivered the keynote address and emphasized on the need for a comprehensive view on agri nutrition garden and livestock rearing promotion from the perspective of landless SHG households. He also emphasized on the need to work on hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiencies which can be addressed through bio-fortification of crops. Smt Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary, Mo RD recognized that agri nutrition garden and livestock rearing could be a potential source of affordable nutritious food for the household.

The experts from International Food Policy Research Institute, International Institute for Population Sciences, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Harsha Trust, Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, PRADAN, International Institute of Goat Management, Revitalising Rainfed Agriculture Network and Watershed Support Services and Activities Network (WASSAN), Transform Rural India, Gramya Resource Centre for Women, Project Concern International, UNICEF and Azim Premji Foundation and state leaderships of Bihar and Jharkhand shared insights from their experiences. The State Rural Livelihood Missions, other partner agencies and institutions participated in the consultation.

The key takeaways from the consultation were that strengthening community through capacity building, promotion of indigenous varieties of crops, management of seeds, community kitchen gardens, and mitigation strategies for animal health risks are crucial. Further, extension services for health care of livestock, ensuring sustainability, Social and Behaviour Change Communication approaches to promote consumption of produce and address social and cultural norms, along with nutrition literacy are key areas to focus on. Forging convergence with different departments and programmes to improve women’s nutrition could be concrete solutions for affordable, sustainable models to enhance income and improved nutrition outcomes.  

******

SK/SS