Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kargil-II, Zanskar successfully organized an awareness-cum-exhibition program at its premises as part of the 7th Poshan Pakhwada, observed from April 8 to 22, 2025, in response to a communication from ICAR Headquarters, New Delhi.

The event saw active participation from two supervisors and 51 Anganwadi Workers representing 51 ICDS Centres from Zanskar and Karsha blocks. The program was formally inaugurated with a welcome address by Dawa.

Delivering the keynote session, Dr. Mohammad Mehdi, Chief Scientist, spoke extensively on the nutritional value of locally grown fruits, vegetables, pulses, and cereals, encouraging their integration into traditional diets. He emphasized the benefits of value addition and advocated for the chemical-free, scientific cultivation of nutrient-rich crops in kitchen gardens.

Participants were also given practical tips on preparing nutritious and affordable meals, followed by an exposure visit to the Nutri-Garden developed on the KVK campus. Detailed discussions were held on the establishment of similar Nutri-Gardens at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs).

Padma Choton, Supervisor, speaking on behalf of the CDPO, ICDS Zanskar, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the KVK team for organizing the much-needed awareness program. She noted that such sessions were crucial as many field workers previously lacked awareness on these critical issues.

In alignment with ICAR’s directives, KVK Kargil-II initiated various activities during the 7th Poshan Pakhwada 2025, including, promotion of Sustainable Poshan Vatikas (Nutri-Gardens) around AWCs,expert-led sessions on diet diversity, and distribution of Beneficiary/Citizen Modules to enhance nutrition literacy at the grassroots level.

This initiative forms part of a broader national mission to improve nutrition and health awareness, especially among rural women and children, contributing to the community's overall well-being.