International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Dr. Neha Tiwari, Dr. Jiju N Vyas and Dr. Mianxi K Bariya

abstract
Child and maternal malnutrition are the most critical health risks in India, 15% of our country suffering from the overall sickness burden from malnutrition. Undernourishment and poor health was very popular in rural regions. It retards children growth, increases the risk and duration of illness, reduces work output, and slows social and mental development. As per the recent report of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) – 4 conducted by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2019-21, 21.2 women (15-49 years of age) are underweight (BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2), all women age 15-19 years who are anemic 58.5 %. Lack of nutrition of throughout pregnancy can increase health problems for both the mother and her fetus. Maternal malnutrition will increase the possibility of gestational anemia, hypertension, miscarriages and fetal deaths at some stage in pregnancy, pre-term transport and maternal mortality. Ensuring adequate nutrition before and during pregnancy is crucial for the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. This includes consuming a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, taking prenatal vitamins as recommended by healthcare providers, and receiving regular prenatal care to monitor both maternal and fetal health. For newborn, it can cause low birth weight, fetal intrauterine growth retardation that may have long life consequences on newborn development, quality of life and health care costs. To overcome these problems of malnutrition among women and also her family members, Nutrition Garden (Kitchen Garden) at home is considered to be the best way to tackle all the mentioned problems. The present study was conducted in 5 village adopted of KVK, JAU, Amreli from Amreli district. Nutrition Garden (Kitchen Gardens) kits were distributed in all the 5 villages of district making the involvement of 100 farm women. Average production of all the vegetables from the Nutrition Garden (kitchen garden) Kit was 267 kg. for the Kharif 2022 season. Average income saving of rural women by the kit was Rs. 10670. The provision of fresh and organic vegetables year-round to rural families not only ensures their nutritional requirements are met but also contributes significantly to their overall well-being. Empowering women through kitchen gardens is particularly impactful as it addresses a crucial aspect of poverty alleviation by providing them with the means to generate income and improve household food security. Additionally, this empowerment leads to various socio-economic benefits, including reduced health and welfare costs due to better nutrition, lower fertility rates, and decreased maternal and infant mortality rates. It's a sustainable solution that fosters resilience and prosperity within rural communities.