During 2019–20, in all the four nutri-gardens, located in KVK Palghar (Maharashtra), KVK Kanpur Dehat (Uttar Pradesh), KVK Thiruvallur (Tamil Nadu) and MSSRF, Jeypore (Odisha), soil samples were collected at different points for nutrient analysis and reclamation work was done. Nutri-gardens with green leafy vegetables, vegetable crops and fruit trees were established as per the layout proposed with different sections based on particular micronutrients – vitamin A section, vitamin D section, iron and iodine section, and so on – and bee hives installed in the garden. Mother nurseries were established at all sites. Elite species from germplasm collections were selected and planted in nurseries, and routine maintenance care is followed.
In each of the sites, 25 small and marginal farmers from 10 villages were selected to form 10 farmers’ SHGs (FSHGs). These FSHGs will be part of this programme and will participate in the horticultural trainings to make their farms enriched with nutri-rich plants. Further, in each KVK, master trainers were identified and drawn from progressive farm families, faculty of KVKs and state agricultural universities and other organizations to provide training on various aspects of developing the nutrition garden.
In addition, awareness programmes were conducted on nutrition-based farming systems in 10 villages in each focus district. MSSRF, Jeypore, and the KVKs of Palghar and Kanpur Dehat organized exhibitions of nutri-rich wild vegetables. Tribal and farm families visited and interacted with the organizers. All the participating institutions distributed saplings of nutri-rich trees and seeds of nutri-rich plants and crops to farmers.