ICAR–MGIFRI, Motihari Organizes Health and Nutrition Awareness Programme under Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada–2026

12 November 2026, Motihari, Bihar

ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar, organized a community awareness programme on “Health, Nutrition and Household Food Security” today as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada–2026, being observed from 1 to 15 November to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The programme aimed to create awareness among rural and tribal communities about balanced nutrition, healthy dietary practices, household kitchen gardens and the role of diversified farming systems in improving food and nutritional security.

During the programme, the ICAR–MGIFRI team interacted with community members and highlighted the importance of consuming a balanced and diversified diet, including locally available seasonal vegetables, fruits, pulses, millets and other nutrient-rich foods. Special emphasis was placed on improving dietary diversity through affordable, locally available food resources to help prevent nutritional deficiencies and promote family health.

The team encouraged participants to establish household kitchen gardens (nutrition gardens) for regular access to fresh and nutritious vegetables. Technical discussions highlighted the importance of growing seasonal vegetables, utilizing available household spaces and adopting simple, low-cost cultivation practices to improve year-round food availability and nutritional security.

Participants were also sensitized to the benefits of integrated farming systems (IFS), including the integration of crops, horticulture, livestock and other suitable agricultural enterprises. The programme emphasized that diversified farming practices can improve household food availability, enhance dietary diversity, promote efficient resource utilization and strengthen livelihood opportunities.

he importance of traditional food systems, indigenous crops and locally available nutritional resources was also highlighted. Community members were encouraged to preserve traditional dietary knowledge while adopting improved agricultural practices for sustainable food production and better nutrition.

The programme provided an opportunity for direct interaction with local communities and reinforced the close relationship between agriculture, nutrition, health and sustainable livelihoods. The initiative reaffirmed ICAR–MGIFRI's commitment to promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture, community awareness and inclusive rural development under Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada–2026.

(Source: ICAR–Mahatma Gandhi Integrated Farming Research Institute, Motihari, Bihar)