Districts Mahisagar, Valsad Lead Gujarat’s Massive Nutrition Awareness Effort
The Gujarat government’s "Nutrition Month-2026" initiative has logged an impressive 2.43 crore activities aimed at curbing malnutrition. Districts Mahisagar, Valsad, Patan, Anand and Mahesana have emerged as the top performers, delivering the highest numbers of nutrition interventions.
Under the banner "Apni Anganwadi, Apni Jimmedari," the Women and Child Development Minister inaugurated a collaborative campaign that blends the efforts of the Women and Child Development Department with Health, Panchayat, Rural Development and Education ministries, as well as local self‑government bodies, Anganwadi staff, community health workers, self‑help groups, parents and neighbourhood volunteers.
By September 27, over 24 lakh activities had been captured. The Women and Child Development Department accounted for 5.613 million actions, while allied agencies contributed close to 1.8 million. The Health and Family Welfare, Ayush, Rural Development, Panchayat and Education departments were the primary contributors.
In Valsad, the district collector green‑lit a "Poshan Jagruti" rally, reinforcing government backing at the grassroots level. The campaign’s nutritional focus centres on protein‑rich foods, millets such as bajra, legumes, leafy greens, seasonal fruits, dairy, nuts and seeds, with a parallel push to curb unhealthy dietary habits.
Across Gujarat, the state has organised demonstrations of nutritious dishes, Tech‑Home Ration (THR) showcases, millet‑based recipe exhibitions, nutrition fairs and dietary guidance workshops. In Surat, college students are actively involved in awareness drives that warn against the harmful effects of junk food.
Anganwadi centres have been revitalised to serve fresh, warm, hygienic meals, while Anganwadi Management Committees are being empowered to raise community participation. Visible SANS menu boards and the "Mari Anganwadi, Mari Jimmedari" approach aim to foster a sense of ownership among locals.
The government’s overarching objective is to provide intensive early childhood care during the first 1,000 days and the first six years of life. Regular measurements of weight and height are recorded on a nutrition tracker, enabling swift identification of at‑risk children. Those diagnosed with malnutrition are routed to interventions such as "Poshan Sangam" for treatment and follow‑up.
This extensive mobilisation coincides with the ten‑year anniversary of the Prime Minister's Matri Vandan Scheme, underscoring Gujarat’s commitment to long‑term child health and nutrition.