Green Growth: Developing Nutrition Gardens in Goa's Schools

Cultivating Healthy Habits and Sustainable Learning Through Participatory Gardening

The pursuit of education often focuses on intellectual growth, but what if it also cultivated physical health and environmental awareness? Schools in Goa have begun integrating nutrition gardens into their landscapes, embracing an inclusive and participatory mode of learning. Over the past two years, these "green classrooms" have sprouted in 635 schools, a significant rise from just 121 schools. These thriving gardens, introduced under a Central Scheme, not only bring students closer to nature but also nurture their understanding of nutrition and environmental sustainability, seeding essential life skills while enriching their educational journey.

The Evolution of Nutrition Gardens in Goa’s Schools

The concept of nutrition gardens in Goa's schools has seen rapid growth over the past two years. It started with just 121 schools and has now expanded to a significant 635 schools across the state, marking a meteoric increase. This evolution is part of an initiative recommended under a Central Scheme, a response to growing urbanization and the pressing environmental challenges that accompany it.

The purpose behind the development of these nutrition gardens extends beyond merely creating a green space. The government, recognizing the crucial role schools play in shaping behavior and attitudes, has turned these gardens into interactive classrooms. Here, students actively participate in the growth of vegetables and herbs, gaining a practical understanding of their nutritional value.

These gardens also serve as an eco-friendly solution, providing an organic source of ingredients for the midday meals cooked on school premises. These nutrition gardens will not just be restricted to ensuring good health of all the students participating in this initiative. It will also play a major part in  the sustainable use of resources.

The success of this initiative is unquestionable. As we discuss this subject, 351 more schools are already in the process of setting up their own nutrition gardens. Indeed, a green revolution is developing its roots in Goa's schools deeply interwinding students with their environment.

Aims and Objectives of the Initiative

The basic premise behind this nutrition garden initiative in schools was to inculcate sustainable living practices within the curriculum. It started off with striving to foster environmental consciousness among students. By involving students directly in the growth and development of the gardens, they are providing a valuable practical lesson on the importance of nurturing and caring for the environment.

Moreover, the scheme is intended to offer a practical, inclusive, and participatory mode of learning. Instead of limiting education to theoretical lessons within the classroom, it pushes the boundaries of teaching methods to incorporate real-world, applicable knowledge. This approach empowers students to be active participants in their education, instilling a sense of responsibility and enhancing their understanding of nutrition.

A third significant objective is to shape dietary habits by teaching children the nutritional value of various vegetables and herbs. The hope is that by growing their own food, students will gain an appreciation for nutritious meals, encouraging them to make healthier choices.

Finally, the initiative also seeks to improve the nutritional quality of midday meals in schools. With the produce from these nutrition gardens getting integrated into school meals, students benefit from fresh, locally grown, and nutritious food each day.

Implementation and Progress

The implementation of the nutrition garden initiative was a substantial process. It required coordination between various departments. The Goa State Government’s success comes from the fact that it has established in 635 out of 1,247 schools with work in progress in 351 more schools.

The Project Approval Board, assigned to oversee the initiative, has recommended to the State Government that such nutrition gardens be developed in all schools. The Board also wants continuous review and adjustment of the scheme. This is important to ensure its effectiveness and to address any potential issues that might arise.

Various entities have collaborated in this endeavour, including the Local Krishi Vigyan Kendras, as well as the agriculture and horticulture departments. These collaborations aim to provide expertise and resources necessary for the gardens' successful cultivation.

Funding for the project has also been sourced innovatively, with the Board suggesting the use of funds available under the MGNREGA scheme of the Department of Rural Development. This highlights the multi-sectoral approach taken in the implementation of this initiative.

For schools without vacant plots, the guidelines encourage the development of container gardens on building roofs, ensuring that all schools, regardless of their infrastructure, can participate in this transformative project.

Impacts and Benefits

The development of nutrition gardens in schools brings about a multitude of benefits, spanning across educational, nutritional, and environmental aspects.

Educationally, the project is designed to provide students with practical learning experiences. Participating in gardening activities allows students to understand the process of growing food, while teaching them about the nutritional value of vegetables and herbs. It also encourages an appreciation for the environment and the role of sustainable practices in its preservation.

Nutritionally, the gardens have a direct impact on improving the quality of the midday meals provided to the students. With a portion of the meal's ingredients sourced directly from the school's garden, the nutritional value is enhanced, promoting better health among the students. The project also instils healthy eating habits in the students, which could lead to lifelong positive nutritional choices.

Environmentally, the gardens are a step towards reducing the schools' carbon footprint. By growing food onsite, the schools decrease the need for transportation, thereby reducing associated emissions. The gardens also contribute to urban green spaces, enhancing biodiversity and offering a solution to some of the challenges presented by urbanisation.

Overall, the initiative marks a significant stride towards fostering sustainable and health-promoting practices within the education system.

Future Goals and Recommendations

Moris Media, India's leading digital marketing agency, states that moving forward, the goal is to expand the initiative. It will be aiming for 100% coverage of all schools in Goa with nutrition gardens. The Project Approval Board is working with local Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agriculture, and horticulture departments to realize this objective. It's recommended that funds available under MGNREGA from the Department of Rural Development be converged towards the development of these gardens. Moreover, schools without vacant plots are encouraged to set up gardens in containers on building rooftops, ensuring no school is left out due to space constraints. This continuous drive for expansion reflects the state's commitment to embedding sustainable, practical, and health-promoting learning within its educational landscape.