Better Child Health: Horti Dept observes National Nutrition Week

Kohima, September 9 (MExN): The State department of Horticulture observed National Nutrition Week from September 1 to 7 under the theme, “Better Child Health”.  

The main objective of the programme was to create awareness generation on importance of nutrition for health which has an impact on productivity, economic growth and national development with children and women as target groups, a press release from S Senka Jamir, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department stated.  

Senti Longchar (DK), Research Officer from Horticulture Research Farm, Pfutsero who was the resource person stated that every household should have a kitchen garden for vegetable and fruits in order to meet the nutritional demand of the family.  

He also highlighted important nutrition contents of fruits and vegetables. Longchar further mentioned various fruits and vegetables which provides vitamins and minerals and good for blood pressure and sugar regulation, bone formation, energy production, immune system function, muscle contraction, red blood cell formation, reproduction, hormone balance and improvement of nervous system in our body.  

S Senka Jamir, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, in his key note address said that nutrition is not only health and development but also an issue of survival for present and succeeding generations. “Malnutrition is not to be viewed merely as an offshoot of poverty having adverse effects on health and development but as a national problem that results in loss of productivity and economic backwardness,” he stated.  

He further urged every pregnant and lactating woman to eat healthy and balanced diet to nourish the growing foetus and build optimal body reserves in preparation for breast feeding.  

He also mentioned that to address problem of malnutrition among women and children, Mission Mode approach can be undertaken.