Chandigarh, January 9: The Punjab government has announced a statewide plan to establish ‘Nutritious Gardens’ in more than 5,000 government schools to supply organic vegetables and fruits for mid-day meals, a move aimed at improving child nutrition and food quality.
The decision, taken on the recommendations of the Punjab State Food Commission, will see unused land in 5,073 schools transformed into vegetable, fruit and herbal gardens, officials said.
“This is a sustainable solution to concerns over the quality of mid-day meals and child nutrition,” an official associated with the programme said.
The initiative will be implemented jointly by the Agriculture, Horticulture and Education departments. The produce grown on school campuses will be used directly in meal preparation, ensuring pesticide-free food for students.
Apart from schools, 1,100 Anganwadi centres have also been brought under the scheme to strengthen nutrition at the foundational level.
Officials said schools with large land parcels, particularly in districts like Amritsar, will also use the gardens as learning spaces to familiarise children with farming techniques, crop diversity and healthy food habits.
“The programme follows the principle of prioritising nutrition over taste, especially at a time when dietary patterns are changing,” the official said.
The government said training will be provided to teachers to manage the gardens, adding that the initiative reflects a shift towards practical interventions in education, health and environmental awareness.
