INTRODUCTION
This project supported by the Department of Science and Technology aimed to enhance the nutritional status of the mid-day meal in the selected schools of Nagapattinam district through organic kitchen gardening. This project was implemented during the period of June 2008 ā June 2009.
OBJECTIVES
- To improve the nutritional status of mid-day meals in schools of Nagapattinam district.
- To create awareness about the importance of organic farming and health among children in the schools of Nagapattinam district.
WORK DONE UNDER THE PROJECT
- Project activities were implemented in a total of 10 schools in Nagapattinam district
![Spraying of biopesticide on brinjal plant](https://ciks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KG-Biopesticides-spray-to-the-brinjal-crop-2-300x225.jpg)
Spraying of biopesticide on brinjal plant
- The students of selected schools were grouped under Nature club. Each club contained 20 students and 10 clubs were formed involving 200 students in 10 schools.
![A group of student members of Nature club](https://ciks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KG-MDM-school-and-University-exp-007-300x225.jpg)
A group of student members of Nature club
- Training programmes were conducted for students, teacher coordinators and mid-day meal organizers on organic farming, importance of organic kitchen garden, setting up of organic kitchen garden, importance of nutrition and balanced diet.
![Miss.Souzaane explaining about importance of nutrition](https://ciks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KG-Miss.Souzaane-explaining-about-importance-of-nutrition-300x225.jpg)
Miss.Souzaane explaining about importance of nutrition
- Established organic kitchen garden in all the 10 schools by utilizing 2 – 5 cents of fallow land and monitored the organic vegetable garden in all the schools. Local varieties of greens and vegetables were cultivated and utilized for the preparation of mid-day meal.
![Organizer serving the meal](https://ciks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KG-Organizer-serving-the-meal-300x225.jpg)
Organizer serving the meal
- A total of ten vermicompost tank were constructed in all the 10 schools for the regular supply of vermicompost to the kitchen garden.
- Constructed low cost cool chambers in six schools. The use of low cost cool chambers have been tested and standardized. This helps to enhance the shelf life of the vegetables.
![A cool chamber constructed in a beneficiary school](https://ciks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KG-Standardisation-of-cool-chamber-5-300x225.jpg)
A cool chamber constructed in a beneficiary school
- Conducted cultural programmes, competitions such as drawing, quiz programme. The prizes for best performance have been distributed during the Childrenās day celebration.
![Prize distribuition to Allivilagam school by Mrs.Joycy Arul](https://ciks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KG-Prize-distribuition-to-Allivilagam-school-by-Mrs.Joycy-Arul-300x225.jpg)
Prize distribuition to Allivilagam school by Mrs.Joycy Arul
- Organic inputs, seeds and seedlings of vegetables, garden implements, information charts on balanced diet were distributed.
![Preserving the harvested vegetables in a cool chamber](https://ciks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KG-Students-involved-in-standardisation_2-300x225.jpg)
Preserving the harvested vegetables in a cool chamber
- Case study on āImportance and uses of organic vegetable gardenā was conducted for selected students and documented.
![Students of Kandamangalam School with provided implements.](https://ciks.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KG-Students-at-Kandamangalam-school-300x225.jpg)
Students of Kandamangalam School with provided implements.