Rajasthan schools may get nutrition gardens as govt plans 11,000 green spaces

Jaipur: Government schools and Anganwadi centres in Rajasthan could soon have their own community nutrition gardens, with the state government planning around 11,000 such gardens across the state.

The gardens are being planned to grow vegetables, fruits, herbs and medicinal plants. The produce will be used in school mid-day meals and nutrition programmes, giving children access to fresh, locally grown food.

Officials discussed the plan at a state-level multi-stakeholder workshop in Jaipur on Wednesday. The education department has also identified schools and Anganwadi centres where space could be used for the gardens.

“Wherever an Anganwadi and a government school share the same premises and space is available, community nutrition gardens will be developed,” officials said.

The government is also looking at involving women-led self-help groups in maintaining the gardens. Any surplus produce could be sold in local markets, helping these groups earn additional income.

The initiative is backed by a Rs 500-crore budget allocation and will be implemented through convergence under the VB-G RAM G Act. Community nutrition gardens have been included under works classified as livelihood-related infrastructure.

For schools, the initiative could turn unused spaces into small green patches while also linking nutrition, gardening and hands-on learning for students.

Image Source: https://www.indiafoodbanking.org/school-nutrition-garden/