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International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

Volume 7; Issue 3; March 2024; Page No. 329-334
Received: 02-12-2023 Indexed Journal
Accepted: 11-02-2024 Peer Reviewed Journal

Impact study of nutritional intervention through Kitchen Gardening in Nutri Smart

Village of Shajapur District (M. P.)
1
Gayatri Verma Rawal, 2Ankita Pandey, 3Laxmi Verma, 4Suresh Chandra and 5Abhilasha Sharma
1
RVSKVV, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh, India
2, 3
RVSKVV, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, India
4
RVSKVV, R.A.K. Agriculture collage, Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, India
5
Department of Agricultural Engineering, Collage of PHT & FP SVPAUT, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/26180723.2024.v7.i3d.437
Corresponding Author: Gayatri Verma Rawal

Abstract
Malnutrition and poor health status especially in rural area is a common problem. It retards children growth, increases the risk and duration
of illness, reduces work output, and slows social and mental development. Malnutrition among women of reproductive age increases the risk
of mortality during labor and delivery and puts their new born children at risk of long term deficiencies. Nutrition garden has an importance
role in the supply of essential nutrients at the household level. It provides a diversity of fresh foods that improve the quantity and quality of
nutrients especially micronutrients available to the family with minimum effort. Vegetables are most affordable and sustainable dietary
sources of vitamin and minerals. Improved production and consumption is thus the most direct, low cost method to increase micronutrients
in the diet.
KVK, Shajapur gives on campus training on various aspects like Kitchen Gardening, value addition in fruits and vegetables, SHGs
management, Balance Diet for various ages, Child and mother care, etc. Also encourage farmwomen for other income generating activities
besides agriculture. Awareness on importance of nutritional garden was stated through demonstration on garden done in the year 2017-18 to
2021-22 among the rural women of Shajapur district of Nutri smart Village Rampura mewasa 10 families village each year were selected for
establishment of nutrition garden. The selected families were trained by giving demonstration and talk to motivate them regarding the
importance and benefits of kitchen garden. The average yield of the vegetables increased from 25-150 kg/unit in farmers practice to 45-270
kg/unit under demonstration. With the result, the average per capita consumption of vegetables increased 21%. Before plantation of kitchen
garden, average per capita availability and consumption of vegetables was 39.1% of Recommended Dietary Allowances which was
increased up to 45.14%. After demonstration, consumption of vegetables increased especially of green leafy vegetables. Data presented in
showed that 13.17% Energy, 5.54% protein, 10.93% iron, and 16.17% calcium, of RDA were more available to individual after
demonstration when compared with farmers practice and also Get benefit of extra income 1200-1500/-Rs. per month.

Keywords: Malnutrition, nutritional kitchen garden, Nutritional Security, daily diet

Introduction vegetables per day according to the dietary recommendation

Fruits and vegetables play in importance role in the of nutrition specialist. But the present level of production of
balanced diet of human beings by providing vital protective vegetables in our country can permit a per capita
nutrients. In order that the requisite quantity and kind of consumption of only 120g of vegetables per day. Madhya
fresh fruits and vegetables are available every day to family, Pradesh is one of the most unsecured states of the country in
it is advisable to have nutrition garden to grow them in the terms of food and nutritional security. The concept of
harvest and the premises of the house or near the schools. nutrition kitchen garden was promoted the selected families
Best quality of the fresh produce can be had from one’s own to create awareness and motivation about the micronutrients
nutrition garden as the time interval between consumptions in the diet.
become the least. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables has Maximum population from the rural areas is dependent on
been shown to prevent cancer, neurological disorders and agriculture. In agriculture work human labor plays an
allergies. Nutrition garden by self can offer fresh and important role, especially the participation of women is of
chemical free fruits and vegetables. utmost importance in the field of farming in rural areas of
Food security and Nutritional diversity is one of the key the country. It will not be out of place to mention that a
areas that a developing country should address. For poor woman does most of the activities in agricultural front. In
households, vegetables and fruits are often the only source rural areas neighbor surroundings are vacant which can be
of micronutrients in the family diet. For balance diet, an utilized for installing "Kitchen Garden" which will produce
adult should have an intake of 100gm of fruits and 350gm of fresh vegetables supplementing the vitamin deficiencies of

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the human population. In addition, extra produce will add to demonstrations were arranged, where women’s are anemic
additional income by sell of the vegetables in the market, and children are also malnourished. One of the on campus
thus increasing the earnings of the family. training on Kitchen Gardening was carried out for farm
Establishment of kitchen garden in rural areas is easy due to women and ICDS workers during 2016-17.
availability of space and farm families are already engaged KVK also conducted 50 kitchen garden kit demonstrations
in agriculture practices. Vegetables play a crucial role in under Home science discipline. Gave them seeds of 6-7
human's diet and rural generation should get the awareness vegetables and seedling of Tomato, Brinjal, Chilly as a FLD
about the importance of vegetables (Simple Jain, 2017) [4]. input. Different capacity building activities including
So, kitchen gardening would be a good mean to improve organic vegetables production techniques, exposure visits
household food security (Talukder et al., 2002) [10]. and farmers scientist interaction on various aspects
Therefore, present study was conducted to see the impact of including vegetables were planned and undertaken.
kitchen gardening in improving the nutritional security of The village were guided and advised about planning a
households in rural areas. Technical support were provided kitchen garden in scientific and organic way that all the
especially importance when new gardening techniques are seasonal vegetables could be grown fresh and thus available
being promoted such as growing new or increase number of round the year. Use of high yielded varieties of different
varieties or year- round vegetable production. Reported that vegetables and few plants of nutritious fruits like one plant
training need regarding household food security through of Guava, one plant of Lemon, two plants of papaya, one
kitchen garden is one of the major thrust area in rural and plant of curry leaf, one plant of Drum steak were also
regular training are required to fill the training gap. Training planted in kitchen garden. The size of the garden was
and other group activities around a central demonstration designed to be big enough to produce sufficient vegetables
garden can serve to demonstrate different varieties, hybrids for the family, (100sq mt).
or other importance garden techniques such as live fencing, These participants were trained and shown the area/field.
composting, use of use of bio-pesticides, year round Results were analyzed prior and after demonstration and
production etc. kitchen garden activities are centered on comparative study were done with vegetables produced and
women and it can also increase the income of women, used. In addition the income from kitchen garden as extra
which may result in the batter use of household resources income was studied and valued, along with this; the
and improved caring practices and empowerment of nutrition status was estimated by estimating the amount and
women's. daily consumption of vegetables in the daily diet of family
members.
Materials and Methods
Study was conducted in Nutri Smart Village (Rampura KVK Intervantion
mewasa), in Shajapur, district of Madhya Pradesh for the The study was conducted in Shajapur district of Madhya. In
purpose of demonstration, "Nutritional security and Self- all 50 model nutritional garden set up in two purposively
employment of village women by Kitchen Garden". The selected families. Different capacity building activities
research used both qualitative and quantitative approach to including training, exposure visit and farmer’s scientist’s
collect data from households and stakeholders. Women of interaction on various aspects including vegetable grown in
the above villages actively participated in this Homestead, homestead vegetable utilization, average
demonstration. It has been studied and found that women vegetable consumption, and nutrient contribution from
around their houses have vacant lands which are not being homestead vegetable gardening were planned and
utilized. Therefore, it was suggested to use extra land for undertaken. Pre-survey was conducted to obtain information
kitchen garden. Many of them are not utilizing this vacant regarding profile and respondent’s dietary food habits and
land in a planned way. Krishi Vigyan Kendra Shajapur nutritional deficiency diseases were also pre-surveyed. After
planned to demonstrate Kitchen Garden model and methods. one year of establishment of nutritional garden, a post-
Nutritional garden was stated through demonstration on survey was done to analyze the impact of kitchen gardens
garden done in the year 2017-18 to 2021-22 among the rural on nutritional status of selected families.
women of Shajapur district of Nutri smart Village Rampura
mewasa 10 families village each year were selected for Conceptual Framework
establishment of nutrition garden. In these village total 50

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Result and Discussion no knowledge about season and methods of cultivation of

It has been found after results of demonstration that women vegetables. Unavailability of quality seeds and planting
who are landless may also produce kitchen garden products materials of vegetables and fruits was the most important
around their house available and increase nutritional problem faced by the women. They have no knowledge of
standard plus economical growth for their family. They have planned way/methods and use of insecticides.

Table 1: Pre and post training knowledge of farm women regarding establishment of nutritional kitchen garden.
Knowledge of farm women (N=50)
S.N. Particulars Before training After training
n % n %
1 Land preparation and layout 17 34 40 80
2 Improved varieties 8 16 36 72
3 Appropriate sowing time of various vegetables and their seed rates 18 36 44 88
4 Nutrient management through organic and inorganic inputs 11 22 43 86

Data presented in [Table-1] showed that the knowledge of (16%) rural women had knowledge on improved varieties
the participant women was assessed through collection of whereas highest knowledge was observed on land
data through an interview schedule before and after training preparation aspect (34%) before the training. After training,
programs. Data obtained is presented in showed an increase their knowledge has been increased in all the aspects of
in the knowledge of participants after their participation in vegetable production through kitchen gardening.
training on various aspects of kitchen gardening. Least

Table 2: Major constraints perceived in the establishment of nutrition kitchen garden.

Participants
S.
Particulars (N=50)
N.
n %
1 Unavailability of quality planting material and seeds of HYV vegetables 35.5 71
2 Low availability of water for irrigation 39.5 79
Lack of technical knowledge related to establishment of nutritional kitchen garden, like improved varieties, seed
3 34 68
rate, sowing time, major insect pest diseases and their management, fertilizer and manure application, irrigation etc.
4 Lack of interest in kitchen gardening 23.5 47
5 Adoption of traditional practices for growing vegetable 29 58

Data presented in [Table-2] showed that availability of included lack of interest in cultivation, traditional practices
water for irrigation is the major constraint for production of of vegetable production, not giving much priority to kitchen
vegetables in these areas. Unavailability of quality seed gardening etc. Several other studies were also conducted to
material and lack of technical knowledge ranked second and find out these constraints in establishing a kitchen garden in
third constraint in this regard. Other constraints found rural areas.

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Table 3: Impact Of nutrition kitchen garden on production and consumption of vegetables.

Average Yield Average Per capita consumption % change in consumption
Technology % RDA
(kg/unit area) (gm/ day) (gm/ day)
Farmer's Practice 25-150 137.0 39.1
21%
Recommended Practice 45-270 158.0 45.14

Data presented in [Table-3] showed that showed that the of kitchen garden, average per capita availability and
average yield of the vegetables increased from 25-150 consumption of vegetables was 39.1% of Recommended
kg/unit in farmers practice to 45-270 kg/unit under Dietary Allowances which was increased up to 45.14%.
demonstration. With the result, the average per capita After demonstration, consumption of vegetables increased
consumption of vegetables increased 21%. Before plantation especially of green leafy vegetables.

Table 4: Per capita availability of nutrients before and after establishing nutritional kitchen garden
Per capita availability of nutrients/day % RDA
Nutrients Difference (%) RDA
Before After Before After
Energy (kcal) 1048 1324 43. 21 56.38 + 13.17 2425
Protein(g) 4.42 7.74 7.36 12.9 + 5.54 60
Iron (mg) 8.72 11.78 31.14 42.07 + 10.93 28
Calcium (mg) 120.6 185.3 30.15 46. 32 + 16.17 400

Data presented in [Table-4] showed that 13.17% Energy, were more available to individual after demonstration when
5.54% protein, 10.93% iron, and 16.17% calcium, of RDA compared with farmers practice.

Table 5: Source of nutrients in daily diet

Daily need for men (In grams) Daily need for women (In grams)
Source of nutrients(gm/day)
Vegetarian Non-vegetarian Vegetarian Non-vegetarian
Cereals 420 420 420 420
Pulses 80 65 60 50
Leafy vegetables 125 125 125 125
Other vegetables 125 125 125 125
Root vegetables 100 100 100 100
Fruit 100 100 85 85
Milk 600 400 600 400

Data presented in [Table-5] showed that it indicates that in other vegetables (total 350gm) should also be included in
daily need of vitamins from food per head Root vegetables - daily diet.
100 gm. And other vegetables -125 gm. In addition to above

Table 6: Availability of Nutritional elements and deficiency produces disease in vegetables.

Nutritional elements Disease produced by deficiency Nutritional elements available in vegetables
Vitamin 'A' Night Blindness, Caritomalasia Carrot, Tomato, Radish
Vitamin 'C' Scurvy, Indigestion, Pain in gums Chilli, Cauliflower
Vitamin 'D' Rickets, weakness in bones Potato
Vitamin 'E' Infertility Leafy vegetables
Vitamin 'K' Blood clotting, Heart Disease Tomato, Cabbage
Calcium Improper growth of bones Palak, Chilli, Radish leafs
Iron Anemia Palak, Cabbage, radish leafs
Iodine Thyroid gland disease Leafy and root vegetables

Data presented in [Table-6] showed that availability of will be produced in the body of the humans. The above
vitamins in different vegetables has been shown, and if knowledge was given to women participants.
insufficient quantity of vitamins is being taken then disease

Table 7: Impact Of nutrition kitchen garden before and After KVK intervention.
S. Before KVK
Particulars After KVK intervention
No. intervention
Grown only 3-4 vine ▪ She well establish kitchen garden with 6-7 types of vegetables including leafy
or cucurbits outs type vegetables in her kitchen garden like Brinjal, Okra, Chilly, Tomato, Spinach,
vegetables like fenugreek, French bean, Cabbage etc. with vine vegetables.
1 Kitchen Gardening
Cowpea, Indian bean, ▪ She planted drumstick, papaya, guava, lemon, curry leaves, Giloy and
Bottle gourd and lemongrass fruit plants and other meditational plants.
sponge gourd ▪ Also prepared compost pit for organic fertilizer for her kitchen garden.
2. Income (Rs./ Month) - ▪ Get benefit of extra income 1200-1500/-Rs. per month

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Layout Plan of a Nutritional Garden Total number of beds for vegetable growing=10
Model 1 (100 square meter) Area of one bed = 10 square meter (2 x 5 m)
Total Area 100 square meter (4 x 25 m)

2M 2M
4.5M 1 6
0.5 M
2 7
3 8
4 9
5 10
Fruit plants on bunds

Table 8: Plot Kharif Rabi Summer

Plot Kharif Rabi Summer
1 Tomato Cauliflower Brinjal
2 Brinjal Cabbage Tomato
3 Okra Carrot Pumpkin /Bottle Gourd
4 Chilly French Bean Pumpkin /Bottle Gourd
6 Pumpkin /Bottle Gourd Pea Okra
7 Cauliflower (Early) Tomato Onion
8 Cowpea Spinach Chilly
9 Leafy vegetables Onion Cowpea
10 Pumpkin /Bottle Gourd Pea Okra
Size of each plot 10 m2

Table 9: Vegetable Crops for the kitchen garden

Seed Rate (per Line to line Plant to Plant Harvesting Production
Vegetables
10sq Meter) distance (cm) distance (cm) time (kg) (per 10sq Meter)
Okra 20g 60 30 July-September & March-June 10
French bean 30g 60 15 February To April 22
Cowpea 30 g 60 15 August-Sept 15
Pea 30g 20 5 December to February 15
Cabbage 3g 45 45 November to March 20
Carrot 5g 45 30 October to Feb 15
Cauliflower 2g 60 45 October to February 20
Brinjal 2g 90 60 October & February 30
Onion 15g 45 5-0 April & October 22
Chilly 2g 60 30 July – December 15
Pumpkin 5g 150 50 March & October 20
Radish 10 g 30 2-5&3-5 November& February 15
Spinach/ leafy vegetables 30 g 30 5&10 October & January 17
Tomato 2g 60 30 October & February 32

Table 10: Fruits Plants for the kitchen garden manner. This way around the year the family requirements
Plant Spacing No of plants of vegetables and fruits is full-filled. By using different
Acid Lime 6x6 ft 01 types of vegetables and fruits they would grow through
Guava 6x6 ft 01 kitchen garden they would also get essential micro nutrients
Curry leave 6x6 ft 01 and macro nutrients in their diet. If surplus any, they can sell
Drumstick 6x6 ft 01 it in the market for additional income. Despite having good
Papaya 6x6 ft 02 amount of vegetable production at national level, the per
capita availability of vegetables is still less from the
In above model diagram has been showing how they get the recommended dietary allowances. Kitchen garden can be
fruits and vegetables throughout the year season wise and established at household or community level in order to
earned additional income. ensure the daily supply of fresh vegetables in the diets.
Even this low level of average supply does not fully reflect
Conclusion the consumption pattern of the rural household and those
This study highlights that how kitchen gardens can help in below the poverty line where per capita vegetable
improving the Nutritional Security and rural revenue all consumption is very low, even lower than 40g per day. It is
over India and also acts as a major source for women now well conceived that by simply adding greens and other
empowerment. The practicing farm women will be able to vegetables to the available food grains the diet of the
raise vegetables and fruits in backyard in a systematic average Indians can substantially be upgraded. To make this

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recommendation realistic adoption of kitchen garden is the

best option which can supply required vegetables in daily
diet to the rural families.

Suggestions and Recommendations

Following suggestions and recommendation were made to
promote kitchen gardening as hobby.
1. Longer-term interventions required to support
livelihoods in target area.
2. Explore joint agency collaboration at the community
level.
3. Strategies with communities to improve access to
products and services.
4. Provide gender specific tool kits at community level to
improve food
5. Sustainability.
6. Establish improved seed sale point in community.
7. to conduct different more productive training and
seminars to encourage the Community.

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