Grow local to add nutritional value to food: Agri min

Kochi: Agriculture minister P Prasad emphasized that agricultural planning and crop production should prioritize healthcare of local population. He was inaugurating the infrastructure development and canal protection project at Eramalloor padashekaram at Nellikkuzhi panchayat on Monday."During a discussion with 27 expert doctors, it was revealed that most children today are either underweight or overweight, which is attributed to lack of adequate nutrients in their diet. There is also an increase in bone-related issues among women. These problems should be managed through dietary adjustments rather than medications," said the minister."Local crop varieties should be identified and cultivated to address nutritional deficiency among local population. Agricultural projects should be designed through consultations with health sector in each region. Each area should have its own food plate," he said.Development of Eramalloor padashekaram and protection of canals are being implemented using loans from Nabard's Rural Infrastructure Development Fund.The minister also stated that meetings of agriculture department will be broadcast live to the public, allowing them to actively participate in governance. "There should be self-sufficiency in vegetable production. Cultivation should be done in available spaces in every household," he said.Antony John, MLA, who presided over the event, said the project would benefit 327 farmers. He urged farmers and locals to cooperate for timely completion of the project.
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