Port Blair, Sept. 19: The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, South Andaman, organized a National campaign on Poshan Abhiyan and Tree Plantation with great zeal & enthusiasm by inviting farmers, farmwomen and public representatives. The objective of the programme was to raise awareness about healthy eating habits especially among women and children.

Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director CIARI, graced the occasion as chief guest. Speaking on the occasion he highlighted about the role of Nutri-Cereals in improving the health of the family and also motivated rural women to prepare nutritious home-made food for the children and requested mothers to replace junk food with traditional foods. He also inspected and appreciated the items displayed in different categories of competitions viz. Traditional Recipe, Millet based recipes and Handicrafts.

Dr. Y. Ramakrishna, Pr. Scientist & Head, KVK in his key note briefed about the activities of KVK and also emphasized about eating locally grown fruits and vegetables. Dr. B.K Nanda, SMS (Agrl. Engg.) highlighted about the present status of malnutrition in India and ways of combating it.

Dr. N. Bommayasamy SMS (Agronomy) discussed about importance of pulses and oilseeds in our daily diet. Dr Pooja Kapoor, SMS (Home Sc.) discussed about the importance of consuming a wholesome balanced diet by including food from all the food groups. An extempore competition was organized by Dr. Nitu Sindhu and prizes were distributed to the winners.

Principal Scientist and Head, KVK also distributed 450 planting material to the participants. A total of 90 farmers, farmwomen and others were benefitted from the programme.