Odisha has a rich heritage of indigenous fruits and vegetables. They are rich in minerals and vitamins. Cultivation of these crops by gardening in a systematic manner in small pieces of land available in households is known as “Nutrition Garden”.  The nutrition garden ensures access to safe, diverse and nutritious diets.

Short production cycle of seasonal vegetables allow multiple cropping and an adequate volume of vegetables for household consumption can be grown in small plots.

Vegetables are important sources of protective nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, folic acid and dietary fibres. Vegetables are quite low in protein content when compared to dry pulses. Protein rich vegetables are peas, drumstick leaves, and French bean. Okra, cowpea, spinach (palak), fenugreek (methi) leaves and onion are also sources of protein. The diversified and highly nutritive vegetables are locally appropriate solutions to improve dietary diversity.

Salient features of Nutrition Gardens

A 1200 sq-ft garden can provide a family with five adult members 1500g–1800g vegetables every day.