Page 23 - 10x GOOD_Issue 4_V4

The Bigger Picture research institutes, businesses and pregnant women and adolescent Closing the Gap only enriches their livelihoods but
farmers’ organisations, beyond the girls. Other vital interventions also enhances the health of their
The GFGF initiative aligns itself project consortium and support undertaken during the month Madhya Pradesh’s journey towards families. The GFGF programme
with several goals and missions at partners. It will serve as a central include training of stakeholders better nutrition is a remarkable story strives to create a ‘cycle of health’,
the national and state levels. The hub for the exchange of information (for example, mid-day meal of knowledge gathering, community where healthy farming practices lead
significant ones include: on the progress of projects and cooks, anganwadi workers and engagement, collaboration, and to nourishing food, which, in turn,
lessons learnt on best practices. It household members), establishing transforming the state’s future. In results in the holistic health and

The soybean revolution will also facilitate collaborations and and monitoring the nutrition this quest, the knowledge of the happiness of our farmers and their
In the quest for sustainable and synergy with relevant government garden to ensure healthy intake of potential of soy is unlocking new families. We are not only growing
nutritious food sources, the schemes. Ultimately, it will also vegetables, awareness meetings on culinary horizons, while community crops; we are growing a healthier
GFGF programme has embraced ensure the continuation of projects various health issues, with a special mobilisation is building bridges of future,” says Suresh Motwani,
a transformative approach beyond their prescribed periods. focus on parents of malnourished trust and awareness. Programme Coordinator, GFGF.
by promoting soybean-based children (along with discussions on
foods. Soybeans are a nutritional To this end, an MoU was signed nutrition with rural households and “Through sustainable agriculture As the sun sets on a month of
powerhouse, packed with high- with the Indian Institute of Soybean stakeholders), and culinary activities, techniques, we empower our learning and sharing, the hope for
quality protein, essential amino Research (the premier institute for especially food prepared with farmers to grow nutritious, healthier lives in Madhya Pradesh
acids, and a range of vitamins and studies in soybean) to promote ingredients available locally (plus pesticide-free produce that not shines brighter than ever.
minerals. Recognising the potential collaborative efforts on sustainable a live demonstration of soy-food
to address protein deficiencies, the soybean production technologies, preparation).
programme encourages farmers multiplication of improved food-
to integrate soybeans into their grade soy varieties, training and
agricultural practices. The promotion capacity-building of farmers, and
of soy-based food is a nutritional encouraging the consumption of
cornerstone, contributing to soy-based food in the interest of
well-balanced diets, particularly farmers and farming communities,
in communities where access to youths, entrepreneurs, processors
diverse and nutrient-rich foods is and consumers.
limited. This proactive approach
goes beyond immediate relief, and
aims for sustained improvement in Alignment with POSHAN Abhiyaan
public health. (formerly National Nutrition
Mission)
The success of the GFGF The project’s interventions are well
programme is also underscored by aligned with POSHAN Abhiyaan,
the decision to include soy chunks the Government of India’s flagship
in mid-day meals. This strategic programme to improve nutritional
move by the government of Madhya outcomes for children, pregnant
Pradesh represents a synergy women and lactating mothers.
between agricultural practices Under the programme, poshan
and public health, yielding positive maah (nutrition month) is observed
outcomes on multiple fronts. in September every year. This time
too, Solidaridad took part in the
National forum for soy-food celebrations by collaborating with
promotion the local administration in their
Solidaridad is working together with efforts. The month saw activities
The Soybean Processors Association such as slogan writing, visits to the
of India (SOPA) for the formation poshan vatika (nutrition garden)
of a forum to promote soy food in and sessions on explaining the
India. The forum will bring together importance of nutritious food to

22 23