Gujarat’s nutrition campaign clocks 2.43 crore activities; districts step up outreach
Gandhinagar, Sep 29 (IANS/WISHAVWARTA) Gujarat has recorded more than 2.43 crore nutrition-related activities during ‘Poshan Maah-2026’, with the state focusing on tackling malnutrition through dietary diversity, regular growth monitoring and care during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
The statewide campaign, being observed under the theme “Aapni Anganwadi, Aapni Javabdari” (Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility), was launched by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Dr Manisha Vakil.
The campaign involves the Women and Child Development Department along with health, panchayat, rural development and education departments, local self-government bodies, Anganwadi and health workers, self-help groups, parents and communities.
Of the more than 2.43 crore activities recorded up to September 27, the Women and Child Development Department accounted for 56.13 lakh, while around 1.87 crore activities were carried out by other departments and associated agencies.
The Health and Family Welfare Department, AYUSH Division, Rural Development Department, Panchayat Department and Education Department were the five leading contributors.
At the district level, Mahisagar, Valsad, Patan, Anand and Mehsana recorded the highest number of activities. In Valsad, the District Collector also flagged off a ‘Poshan Jagruti’ rally as part of the campaign.
A major focus this year is promoting locally available nutritious food and discouraging unhealthy dietary habits. Activities are highlighting protein-rich foods, millets or Shri Anna, pulses, green vegetables, fruits, milk, nuts and seeds.
Nutritious recipe demonstrations, exhibitions featuring dishes prepared from Take Home Ration (THR) and millets, Poshan Melas and guidance on balanced diets are being organised across the state.
In Surat, college students are also participating in awareness activities focused on healthy diets and the harmful effects of junk food.
The campaign is also seeking to strengthen the role of Anganwadi centres in early childhood development.
Centres are being used to provide fresh, hot, hygienic and nutritious meals, while Anganwadi Management Committees are being activated to increase community participation.
SNP menu boards are also being displayed, alongside efforts to promote community ownership under the “Maari Anganwadi, Maari Javabdari” (My Anganwadi, My Responsibility) approach.
The state is simultaneously focusing on early childhood care and education, early stimulation and responsive caregiving during the first 1,000 days and the first six years of a child’s life.
Children are being weighed and measured regularly, with their details registered on the Nutrition Tracker to facilitate early identification of malnutrition.
Children identified as malnourished are being referred for treatment and follow-up in coordination with the Health Department under initiatives such as ‘Poshan Sangam’.
The campaign also coincides with 10 years of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana’ in 2026.
A saturation campaign is being undertaken to increase the registration of pregnant and lactating mothers under the scheme.
The state government has said its objective is to make nutrition a daily practice and a shared social responsibility rather than limiting related activities to Poshan Maah, with the broader goal of building a “Suposhit Gujarat”.
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