National Times Bureau :- At the ongoing 19th Punjab International Trade Expo in Amritsar, a significant announcement was made regarding the future of school nutrition in the state. During a special conference on “Agriculture, Nutrition and Wellness Integration,” Punjab State Food Commission Chairman B.M. Sharma revealed that nutrition gardens will soon be established in government schools across Punjab.
Sharma said that the initiative aims to strengthen the Mid-Day Meal programme by ensuring the availability of fresh, chemical-free fruits and vegetables for students. He added that locally grown produce will not only improve the nutritional value of school meals but also help educate children about sustainable farming, food diversity and healthy eating habits.
According to officials present at the event, the proposed nutrition gardens will be developed with the support of teachers, students and local communities. Schools will be encouraged to grow seasonal vegetables, leafy greens and fruit plants within their premises, depending on available space and climatic suitability.
Experts attending the conference noted that Punjab, despite being an agrarian state, continues to face challenges related to child malnutrition and poor dietary diversity. The introduction of nutrition gardens is expected to address these gaps by providing children with regular access to fresh produce.
The initiative was widely appreciated by participants at the expo, who emphasised that such steps are essential for improving the overall health and well-being of schoolchildren. Further guidelines and implementation details are expected to be shared with schools in the coming months.
