ANANTNAG/SHOPIAN: A three-day training programme on ‘Preparation of Nutri-Mix Formula for Lactating and Pregnant Women,’ organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Anantnag and Shopian in collaboration with the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, and sponsored by the Mission Directorate, Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), commenced today at Anantnag and Shopian respectively.
The programme, running from January 14 to 16, 2024 aims to empower women Self-Help Group (SHG) members with knowledge and skills to improve nutritional and livelihood security. The inaugural session, jointly organized at all KVKs of SKUAST-Kashmir, was chaired by Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir A. Ganai. Prof. Ganai highlighted the critical role of balanced nutrition in ensuring the health and well-being of lactating and pregnant women and their children.
He emphasized the importance of equipping SHG members with practical knowledge that can cascade down to the community, thereby addressing both nutritional and livelihood challenges. Prof. Ganai congratulated the Directorate of Extension and KVK teams for their dedicated efforts in making this initiative a reality. Mission Director, JKRLM, Shubra Sharma addressed the gathering, appreciating the collaborative efforts of SKUAST-K and JKRLM. She expressed confidence that the training would significantly benefit SHG members and contribute positively to community health and nutrition.
At Anantnag, the technical session began with an introduction and programme overview by Dr. Ishtiyaq A. Khan, Head KVK-Anantnag. Participants included representatives from all 16 community blocks of District Anantnag, alongside the District Programme Manager and Block Programme Manager, Dooru. The training featured interactive sessions and hands-on demonstrations to enhance participants' understanding of Nutri-Mix formula preparation.
At Shopian, Dr. Zaffar Afroz Badri, Senior Scientist discussed dietary requirements of various age groups of women and deliberated how better care of our women can be taken while following the recommendations. Dr. Shaiq Ahmad Ganai, Scientist Food Technology presented a lecture on impact of nutrition on pregnant and lactating Women. Dr. Bilal Ahmad Pandit Scientist Fruit sciences deliberated on the nutritional importance of fruits for lactating and Pregnant women, and Dr. Shabir Ahmad Mir Scientist Veterinary discussed the importance of animal products in the dietary habits of adolescent girls and pregnant women.
The initiative underscores SKUAST-Kashmir's commitment to addressing nutritional challenges and enhancing livelihood opportunities, particularly in rural communities. The programme is expected to create a ripple effect, with SHG members transferring their knowledge to broader community groups, fostering improved health outcomes and economic empowerment.
