Vol. 11, Special Issue 3 (2022)

Author(s):
Dr. Vinita Singh, Dr. KP Tiwari, Dr. KK Rana and Dr. Kundan Muwel

Abstract:
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Umaria has carried out a total of 117 demonstrations in both Kharif and Rabi season in an area of 2.925 ha during the year 2018-19 to 2020-21 on nutritional kitchen gardening in Tali village of Karkeli block. Prior to this, six training programmes were imparted to 125 participants on importance and establishment of nutrition kitchen garden. The objective was to increase the availability of vegetables and nutrient intake at household level and to improve the knowledge of rural women regarding various technological aspects of kitchen gardening and its importance. Data on major constraints perceived by participants in establishing kitchen garden were also collected. For the conduction of demonstrations, families of 4-6 members were selected purposively. An area of 250m² was taken to establish kitchen garden for each family. An interview schedule was used to assess the pre and post training knowledge of participants regarding various aspects of kitchen gardening. The result of the study revealed an improvement in availability and consumption of vegetables at both household and individual level after demonstrations were laid. The average per capita availability of vegetables increased from 182.85 to 271.43 gm/day in Kharif where as it was increased from 212.32 to 298.97 gm/day in Rabi season. Various nutrients like protein, iron, calcium, beta-carotene and vitamin C has also been increased through kitchen garden. The knowledge level of beneficiaries on various aspects of kitchen gardening also improved through training programmes. Major constraints perceived for kitchen garden establishment was unavailability of quality planting material and seeds of HYV vegetables.