Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh State Food Commission has initiated a major convergence and capacity-building exercise aimed at strengthening nutrition-related interventions across the state, with a special focus on Mid-Day Meals, Anganwadi services and food safety practices.
The meeting, chaired by Dr. S.P. Katyal on May 5, brought together officials from the Women and Child Development Department, School Education Department, Health Safety and Regulation Directorate, along with experts from CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (HPKV), Palampur and Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni.
During the discussions, emphasis was laid on inter-departmental coordination to improve nutritional outcomes and enhance implementation of food and nutrition schemes in the state. The stakeholders discussed structured training programmes for Mid-Day Meal workers, Anganwadi workers and school staff, besides focusing on nutritious recipes, menu planning and hygiene standards
The meeting also highlighted the promotion of Nutri-Gardens through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to ensure better access to fresh and nutritious produce at the grassroots level.
Officials decided to appoint nodal officers from the School Education and Women & Child Development departments for better coordination with CSK HPKV, Palampur. The university also offered technical support for developing training modules and conducting master training programmes to strengthen field-level implementation.
A coordinated action plan with defined timelines, responsibilities and monitoring mechanisms will also be prepared to ensure effective implementation of nutrition-related initiatives across Himachal Pradesh, the Commission said.
