PANJIM: The students of government-run schools across the State will now set up their own “kitchen garden” and grow fruits and vegetables of their choice which could be included in the mid-day meal for a nutritious diet. 

Following directions issued by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) to all the States, the State Education Department has decided to issue instructions to all the government, government-aided schools, up to Class VIII, to take up the initiative to set up their own “kitchen garden”. 

Education Department will also request the Agriculture Department to provide necessary support to the schools to set up the garden, initially. 

The idea behind the scheme by MHRD is to boost the nutritive value of the midday meals and also encourage children to grow plants, vegetables, and fruits. Ministry has also issued guidelines in this regard. 

"Setting up of School Nutrition (Kitchen) Gardens 

may achieve the goal of learning a lifelong skill, which is of critical importance in the arena of rapid urbanisation and environmental issues which shapes the behavioural pattern of the students. It is just one step in right direction for school students to engage and participate meaningfully in the activities so as to inculcate the habit of growing own vegetables and fruits in the schools and in their homes," MHRD letter to Goa Chief Secretary, reads. 

"We will be issuing necessary directions to all the schools and also seek compliance report. It is very good initiative. The kitchen garden concept will not only help as lifelong skill but also make sure that our kids get nutritious food," the Education Department official said. 

The Ministry said the schools that do not have land available for garden, can raise a terrace garden and use items like pots, containers, etc, to grow plants. Ministry will be providing Rs 5,000 per school every year to maintain the garden. 

Official said the schools would be encouraged, with help of Agriculture Department, to grow local species which are best suited to the local conditions, land and climate. "We need to grow more and more local produce," official said.