Nutrition sensitive annadata kitchen garden model: Growth for health and wellbeing of tribal poor – A couple of case studies

Abstract

The experience and lessons learnt from the underutilized backyards of landless women make it imperative to create alternate livelihood options. Among them horticultural practices with strict adherence to sustainable technologies will be an everlasting solution. It ensures balanced household consumption of vegetables and fruits in their daily food habits and prevents nutritional maladies. 2552 farm families of Bhumia, Paroja, Kandha and Penthia tribal women of the Kundra Block, Koraput district, Odisha are involved in an organic Annadata Kitchen Garden model in their backyards. It ranges from 5-20 cents covering three seasons in a year. Multiple nutri-crops are grown with an initial investment of Rs 1200 to 2000/-. Till date, 329 such units have been established. It was observed through research that use of organic manure, botanical preparations and Integrated Pest Management tactics could enhance the crop productivity. The landless women not only serve the entire family with nutritious food but also get a reasonable income from the surplus produce. This paper analyzes dietary habits, diversity and household consumption.