Sundargarh: Spirulina Programme of the Sundargarh administration has helped to enhance child nutrition. This programme is being implemented in the entire district with the help of 3,809 Anganwadi centres by providing spirulina fortified sugar to children between 7 months to 2 years and spirulina fortified chikkis to children from 2 to 6 years, covering about one and a half lakh children.
Incidentally, Sundargarh is the first district in the state to provide spirulina for child nourishment. Likewise, Odisha has become the first state in the whole of eastern India to initiate such a programme.
“My son was not eating properly before. I was also worried about his growth. He is keen to eat all kinds of foods after having spirulina. He has also gained weight and plays with other children,” said Sasmita Samal, a mother from the Liploi slum in Rajgangpur.
According to Chumuki Khudia, a mother from Podamundi village in Kutra block, her baby was underweight at birth. Under the special nutrition programme, the Anganwadi worker came home and gave Spirulina sugar for her baby. After regular consumption, now the baby has gained weight and remains jolly.
With this strategic intervention, the nutrition of children has been supplemented and there is visible growth in their health.
The Sundargarh administration, under the aegis of the Department of Women and Child Development and Mission Shakti, launched the programme on August 15, 2020. The distribution of spirulina fortified chikki and sugar in the Lephripara block began on a pilot basis. It was later extended to Rajgangpur, Tangarpali, Kutra and Hemgir blocks and the Rajgangpur Municipality.
Spirulina chikki is prepared with spirulina powder, groundnut and jaggery. In the same way, spirulina powder is mixed with sugar to prepare a soft mix. Children are fond of eating spirulina items provided through the ICDS network.
The District Mineral Foundation (DMF), Sundargarh, is providing financial assistance for this special nutrition initiative. The district administration conducted a survey in different areas to find out how spirulina is helpful in children’s health. Parents gave positive feedback on their children’s growth. Based on the feedback, Spirulina chikki and sugar is now being distributed across the district.
“Spirulina has a lot of nutrients. It is very beneficial for the health of children. Consuming Spirulina also boosts the immune system in children and they are protected from various infectious diseases,” said Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO), Sundargarh, Dr Saroj Kumar Mishra.
The Anganwadi workers have been playing an important role in the success of this nutrition programme, particularly in managing the distribution. As the Anganwadi centres are closed due to the COVID pandemic, they go from house to house distributing spirulina sugar and chikkis.
Anganwadi workers have also been regularly monitoring the development and growth of the beneficiary children. The weight and height of the children are regularly monitored and recorded.
“We go from house to house to feed the children. We take weight, height and arm measurements to see to what extent their health is improving after eating Spirulina. We have observed that the children who consume spirulina are growing both physically and mentally,” said Umarani Badi, an Anganwadi worker in Rajgangpur Municipality area.
Spirulina fortified chikki and sugar are now being brought to the district from outside the state. However, chikki making has just started in one unit at Sundargarh subdivision, which is managed by women SHGs. Additional units will be set up at Bonai and Panposh subdivisions in the coming days. The district administration has planned to encourage and support farmers for spirulina cultivation in Sundargarh. So, while augmenting the nutrition of the children, this initiative, in the long run, will ensure the livelihood of rural women as well as farmers.
“To ensure nutritional support to children, we started the pilot project in one block. After getting positive feedback from parents, it is being extended to all villages in the district. Whatever nutritional deficiency is found in children will now be the things of the past,” said Sundargarh Collector Nikhil Pavan Kalyan.
Spirulina is a plant-based alga safe for human consumption. It is also known as a nutrition powerhouse being rich in nutrients, amino acids, proteins, minerals, sugars, vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4, B-12, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and Vitamin H. Spirulina is good for the eyes and helps in activating the brain. It boosts the immune system in the body and eliminates anaemia.
To ensure nutrition in children Sundargarh has also been running another programme for over a year by introducing Ragi Laddus in the morning snack of Anganwadi children. Ragi Laddu Mix, prepared by women SHGs, is delivered by Anganwadi workers at doorsteps to over 63,000 beneficiary children.
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