SKUAST-K, Mission Poshan sign MoU to establish Poshan Vatika at Anganwadi Centres

Collaboration to promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture, sustainable nutrition gardens and capacity building across Jammu & Kashmir

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 14: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) and Mission Directorate Poshan, Jammu and Kashmir, have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture and establish sustainable Poshan Vatika at Anganwadi Centres across the Union Territory.

The collaboration aims to support the implementation of Mission Poshan 2.0 and improve nutritional outcomes among children aged 0–6 years, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

The MoU was signed in the presence of SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai. The partnership will combine the university’s expertise in agriculture, horticulture and nutrition with Mission Poshan’s nutrition outreach network to provide technical guidance and capacity building for nutrition gardening.

Focus on sustainable nutrition gardens

Under the agreement, SKUAST-K will provide technical expertise in agriculture, horticulture, nutrition gardening and sustainable management of Poshan Vatika at Anganwadi Centres.

The university will also conduct capacity-building programmes for Anganwadi Workers and field-level staff, besides supporting research, innovation and mentorship in nutrition gardening.

Mission Poshan J&K will provide logistical and field-level support for training, demonstrations, exposure visits and awareness programmes.

The collaboration will also promote awareness about balanced diets, micronutrient-rich crops and local food diversity, with a focus on improving access to fresh and nutritious local produce.

Officials highlight role in addressing malnutrition

Speaking on the occasion, Mission Director Poshan/ICDS Sajad Hussain said SKUAST-K’s expertise would provide valuable technical support for establishing and sustaining Poshan Vatika at Anganwadi Centres.

“We are hopeful that this collaboration will strengthen efforts to address malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers,” he said.

The MoU provides a framework for joint efforts over a period of three years, covering technical support, training, awareness generation and the promotion of nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices.

Officials present

The event was attended by Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension; Prof. Irfan Bisati, Directorate of Research; Prof. Massarat Shafi, Head, Community Science; Prof. Ishfaq Abidi, Head, Vegetable Sciences; Dr. Sajad Bhat, Head, Food Science and Technology; and Dr. Iffat Ganai, Community Science, along with other university officers.

Officials from Mission Poshan/ICDS present included Sajad Hussain, Mission Director, Poshan/ICDS; Bureeda Majeed, District Programme Officer, Poshan/ICDS, Srinagar; Sobia Fatma, CDPO, Srinagar; and Aqeel Ahmed, CDPO, Batwara.