Empowering communities through nutritional gardens: Telangana regions Medak district story of impact

The implementation of Nutritional Gardens (Nutri Gardens) at Anganwadi centers and household levels is a promising approach to improving nutrition and health outcomes in rural communities. This study focuses on the sowing of 12 varieties of vegetables, including green leafy vegetables, in rainfed farming conditions during the Kharif season of 2023. The demonstration of Nutri Gardens aimed to empower farmers, particularly women and marginalized communities, with the knowledge and resources to enhance their nutritional intake, reduce expenditure on vegetables, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The feedback from Anganwadi teachers, Self- Help Group (SHG) women, and other beneficiaries demonstrated positive outcomes in terms of improved health, income generation, and community engagement in agriculture. This paper presents an overview of the initiative, its impact, and the feedback received from stakeholders involved in the project.