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Integral Components of the Programme Bestowing Health: Hema’s Journey to Wellness

Training of beneficiaries The GFGF campaign in Hema’s protein intake. She also cultivated
village transformed things for the a small vegetable garden around
The women farmers are trained in soy-food processing through method demonstrations and culinary activities better by providing educational
at the village level. These trainings, carried out by trained nutrition experts with the support of Nutri Sakhis, also materials, conducting workshops her home, growing a mix of beans,
sensitise spouses and in-laws. tomatoes and leafy greens, relying
and spreading awareness on the on the gardening techniques she
need for balanced diets, especially has learnt in the GFGF programme.
Ensure crop diversification during pregnancy. Since early 2022, The GFGF has also been providing
Hema has eagerly participated in nutritional counselling during the
Encourage farmers to cultivate a diverse range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Diversification
enhances the nutritional quality of diets by providing a broader spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals. these sessions, learning and making time of her pregnancy.
use of everything the programme
has to offer. Now, she finds Her commitment to a nutritious
Promotion of nutrient-rich varieties herself at the forefront of a health lifestyle has not gone unnoticed;

• Advocate for the cultivation of nutrient-dense varieties of staple crops to enhance their nutritional content. revolution. it has inspired other women in
• Select and promote crop varieties that are rich in essential micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A. her village to do the same. More
In Hema’s village, the programme and more women have started
focused on one key aspect: the participating in the GFGF initiative,
Reduction of chemical inputs inclusion of soy-based food and leading to a positive ripple effect.
• Encourage the judicious use of fertilisers and pesticides to minimise chemical residues in crops. homegrown vegetables in daily
meals. Hema was drawn to this Hema’s personal success story
• Promote regenerative farming methods to ensure the production of chemical-free and nutritionally rich food.
aspect as it seemed practical and itself has become a useful tool
accessible. To further help matters, in subsequent GFGF awareness
Promotion of indigenous and traditional food the nutrition team distributed soy campaigns. She has shared the story

These food staples are often well-adapted to local environments, have high nutritional quotient and can Like many others in the village of seeds and provided instructions on of her journey numerous times in
contribute significantly to a balanced diet. Karadiya Pari in Dewas district, setting up home gardens. Guided by community meetings, highlighting
Hema had limited knowledge of this knowledge, Hema decided to the health benefits of soy and

Nutrition education for farmers the importance of proper nutrition implement these changes in her own homegrown vegetables. The dietary
during pregnancy. Malnutrition was life. changes have been wholeheartedly
• Provide training and conduct educational programmes for farmers on the nutritional benefits of different widely prevalent — and Hema, in embraced by the villagers, leading
crops. her role as an anganwadi worker, She started adding soy products to a visible reduction in the number

• Equip farmers with knowledge on how their practices can positively impact the nutritional content of the food had witnessed its adverse effects on such as soy chunks and soy milk of cases of malnutrition, especially
they produce. pregnant women and their infants. into her diet, to ensure an optimum among pregnant women.

Develop kitchen gardens

Support the establishment of community and kitchen gardens to empower communities to grow fresh produce.
These smaller-scale initiatives can enhance access to a variety of nutritious food items for local communities.

Behavioural change communication (BCC)
• BCC includes a set of interventions that combines elements of interpersonal communication, social change and
community mobilisation activities with the objective to support targeted beneficiaries for adoption of good
nutrition practices.
• The strategy was implemented to re-emphasise the same messages through continuous interactions during
home visits, group counselling, community meetings and through mass media (WhatsApp messages, video
clips and nutrition choupals and soy-tasting events, for instance).

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