Ampati, Apr 25: Promoting the value of organic, nutritious food for children, schools across South West Garo Hills marked School Nutrition Garden Day on Friday with vibrant celebrations under the theme “Grow to be Healthy”.
Holding a special programme at Hathisil Government Lower Primary School in Ampati, the event drew enthusiastic participation from students, educators, and local leaders.
The Vice Chairman of State Reforms and Development Commission, Government of Meghalaya, Clement G Momin, attended the programme as the chief guest and underscored the significance of kitchen gardens, stating, “The purpose of the kitchen garden is to provide purely organic food, essential and safe for our growth and development.”
Guest of honour, Jogodish Hajong, Director of the Implementation and Monitoring Committee, encouraged schools to foster a culture of kitchen gardening to ensure access to fresh, nutrient-rich produce.
Emphul Ch. Marak, Sub-Divisional School Education Officer, Ampati, highlighted the district’s achievement, noting that South West Garo Hills was awarded last year for maintaining nutrition gardens in all schools.
Apojit Koch, Horticulture Development Officer, emphasized organic gardening practices, advising against chemical pesticides, while Agriculture Development Officer, Giting Ripamchi R. Marak, introduced the “Nutrition Rainbow” concept, encouraging a diverse diet of colorful foods to provide essential vitamins and nutrients.
During the celebration, the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments distributed seeds to schools with local leader Q.M. Sangma voicing strong community support.
The Chief Guest and officials participated in a ceremonial seed and sapling planting in the school’s kitchen garden.
The event concluded with a Tithi Bhojan, a communal feast uniting students and community members as part of the celebrations.
