[Watch] Odisha Govt Launches ‘Nutrition At Doorsteps’ Initiative In Malkangiri

Malkangiri: The ‘Nutrition at Doorsteps’ initiative of the Odisha government was launched by Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain in Swabhiman Anchal of tribal-dominated Malkangiri district on Saturday.

The initiative is in line with the vision of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to provide nutrition-based food security throughout the state, Swain said while launching the programme at Jantabai village in Chitrakonda block.

The initiative will be eventually implemented in all 30 districts of the state, with the initial phase targeting over 8 lakh households.

Principal Secretary of Agriculture department Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Agriculture & Food Production Director Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Horticulture Director Rohit Kumar Lenka were present at the event.

As part of the launch, vulnerable households in the village received nutri-fruits, vegetable saplings, and a vegetable mini kit containing seeds for various nutritious vegetables.

The program aims at establishing backyard plantations in participating households and provide access to fresh, healthy produce for families in need.

The Directorate of Horticulture is working in close coordination with the Mission Shakti, Health and Family Welfare, ST and SC, Women and Child development, and P&C departments to ensure the proper distribution and supervision of the programme.

The total budget for the initiative is approximately Rs 18 crore and will be funded through ongoing state plan schemes such as input subsidy management and organic farming.