Punjab Showcases Nutrition Security Model at National NFSA Conference in Bhopal: PSFC Chairman

Punjab Newsline | Bhopal/Chandigarh

Punjab State Food Commission (PSFC) Chairman Bal Mukand Sharma highlighted Punjab's initiatives and achievements in food and nutrition security during a two-day National Conference organised by the Madhya Pradesh Food Commission in Bhopal.

The conference, themed "NFSA-2013: Progress, Challenges and Way Forward," brought together policymakers, experts and stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and strategies to strengthen food security across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Sharma stressed the need to move beyond food security towards nutrition security, calling for stronger coordination among the Health, Food Supply, Social Security and Education Departments to ensure better integration of welfare schemes and maximise benefits for people at the grassroots level.

Highlighting Punjab's efforts, he said the PSFC organised a high-level workshop on nutrition security in April 2025, which was attended by 39 experts from diverse fields, including agriculture, forestry and Ayurveda. The workshop was chaired by former Union Food Secretary B.C. Gupta, under whose tenure the National Food Security Act, 2013, was implemented.

Sharma underlined the crucial role of schools and Anganwadi centres in improving nutritional outcomes. He said that based on the Commission's recommendations, the Punjab Education Department directed schools in May 2025 to establish Nutrition Gardens featuring 21 varieties of fruit plants, along with Herbal Gardens and Vegetable Gardens, with technical support from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and the Horticulture Department.

He added that Poshan Vatikas are also being developed in Anganwadi centres having around 1,000 square feet of available land to promote healthy eating habits among children and communities.

To strengthen implementation, the Commission's four members have each been assigned six districts and asked to adopt one school in every district to develop a model nutrition garden. Sharma also said efforts are being made to involve NRIs through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for installing stainless steel washbasins and desks in schools.

During the conference, Sharma presented a coffee table book showcasing the Punjab State Food Commission's key initiatives and achievements to former NITI Aayog member Dr. Ramesh Chand in the presence of Prof. V.K. Malhotra, Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Food Commission.