Vegetable cultivation in Anganwadi centres soon

Srikakulam: The state government has taken a decision to start growing vegetables and leafy vegetables at Anganwadi centres through organic mode of farming across the state with an aim to provide healthy food to women and children.

With this decision, the state government can save the expenditure. Besides, they can get pesticides-free vegetables. They will also be made available to pregnant women and lactating mothers and children up to six years of age.

“At present Anganwadi teacher and one helper are available at each centre. Hence, the cultivation of vegetables would be an additional burden. As a result, the targeted work will be defeated and welfare of children and women may be affected at these centres. It will be a huge burden on us without appointment of additional staff”, opined in-charge Project Director of ICDS Srikakulam P Roja Rani.

In all, 4,200 Anganwadi centres are being maintained across the district while 17,700 pregnant women and 20,500 lactating women are availing the facilities at these centres by getting healthy food.

In addition to these women, 20,000 children up to six months, 71,500 children up to three years and another 71,950 children up to six years are getting food from these centres. So far, the officials identified suitable lands at 120 villages across the district for cultivation of vegetables.

“It will be burden on us without appointment of additional staff”, opined in-charge Project Director of ICDS. “Work load is heavy on us as two staff have to attend all works at least two additional employees are required for vegetable cultivation,” an anganwadi teacher Ch Krishnaveni, helper Ch Ammayi said.

By Chowdari Lakshmana Rao