Kitchen Gardens Provide Nutritious Produce While Play-Based Learning Enhances Early Childhood Development
Published on: July 18, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
In a transformative step towards child welfare, the Prime Minister’s Poshan Vatika Yojana is making waves in Rajnandgaon district, where Anganwadi centres are developing Poshan Vatikas (nutrition gardens) modeled on kitchen gardens. Launched under the Poshan Abhiyaan, this initiative is ensuring that children at these centres are becoming healthier by consuming fresh, organic vegetables and greens grown on-site. As of July 18, 2025, the program is not only improving nutrition but also fostering early education through engaging play-based methods, creating a holistic environment for young learners in Rajnandgaon.
The Poshan Vatika initiative encourages Anganwadi centres to cultivate nutrient-rich vegetables like spinach, fenugreek, and carrots, which are incorporated into the meals provided to children under six, as well as pregnant and lactating mothers. This sustainable approach addresses malnutrition by ensuring access to fresh, chemical-free produce, directly contributing to the health and well-being of the beneficiaries. In Rajnandgaon, these gardens have become a cornerstone of community involvement, with Anganwadi workers and local families collaborating to maintain them.
Beyond nutrition, the Anganwadi centres are enhancing early childhood development through innovative play-based learning activities. Children are taught foundational skills like counting, language, and social interaction through games and interactive sessions, making education both fun and effective. This dual focus on nutrition and education aligns with the goals of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and has been lauded for its impact on the physical and cognitive growth of young children.
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The success of the Poshan Vatika initiative in Rajnandgaon highlights the district’s commitment to creating a healthier and brighter future for its children. By combining nutritious meals with quality early education, these Anganwadi centres are setting a benchmark for child welfare programs across the country.