ICAR-KVK Kasaragod celebrated the Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026

In the context of the National Nutrition Month, 2026 – Rashtriya Posha Maah, ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kasaragod organized a series of Training programmes on 9th, 10th, 11th, 17th and 18th of September 2026. The topic of all the trainings were related to the preparation of Amylase rich nutrient supplements for balanced nutrition. The programmes emphasized the importance of pre treatment of the cereals and pulses rather than just powdering them as it is mostly done. This pre treatment enhances the nutrient availability to many folds, and removes the protein digestion inhibitors which could be present in them otherwise. The two products that were highlighted in the programme were Poshak and Amylase rich Ragimalt. The first programme on 9.9.2026 was a Knowledge reinforcement training programme for the ex-trainees of ICAR KVK, Kasaragod, who had done their training on Microgreens cultivation last month. During this training they were taught to prepare value added products - Nutrient rich food supplements - from sprouts, both for homescale and large scale production. A total number of 25 trainees attended the programme at ICAR KVK Kasaragod. The second programme on 10.9.2026 was for extension functionaries – anganawadi teachers and ICDS officials – who were given training on the preparation of Poshak and Ragi Malt, 2 amylase rich foof supplements made out of pre treated cereals, pulses and leafy vegetables. The training was attended by 18 anganwadi teachers and two extension stakeholders. The third training on 11.9.2026 was for the tribal community under Tribal Sub Plan of ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kasaragod. The topic was 'Promotion of Nutrient dense Amylase rich supplementary foods for upscaling Nutritional status of the community'. It was conducted as an off campus training at CDS Hall, Kinanur Karinthalam Panchayat. Total number of participants was 29. The Panchayat vice president, CDS chairperson and other extension stakeholders attended the programme along with the trainees. The next programme was a joint venture of ICAR KVK Kasaragod and Kendriya Vidyalaya No.1 at Chowki on 17.9.2026 for the school children. An awareness class was taken for the students regarding the Importance of nutrient rich diet during childhood and adolescence. They were appraised of the activities at KVK connected with preparation of nutrient rich food supplements. On 18. 9. 2026, a group of SC participants were given a practical training on preparation of Poshak and Ragimalt. Peparation of Nutrient rich laddu and Poshak drink was done by the trainees themselves under expert guidance from ICAR CPCRI. The programme was organized as an off campus training at Neerchal, Badiyadka panchayat, ward no. 1 with the participation of 21 trainees. All the above mentioned programmes were co-ordinated by Dr. KP Chandran. Prinncipal Scientist and Head, ICAR KVK, Ksasaragod and were carried out under the expert guidance and supervision of Dr. Saritha Hegde, Subject Matter Specialist in Food and Nutrition, ICAR KVK, Kasaragod assisted by Dr. Jayashree M P, Subject Matter Specialist in Agricultural Extension, ICAR KVK, Kasaragod. The trainees were motivated both to prepare and consume the nutrient supplements for themselves and also to further take it up as an enterprise on a large scale.