Barpeta district in Assam has launched an intensive campaign under the seventh edition of the nationwide “Poshan Pakhwada” initiative to fight malnutrition. Officials inaugurated the fortnight-long observance at the Conference Hall of Rhino Club in Barpeta. The campaign aims to promote awareness around nutritional needs and create lasting behavioral change at the grassroots level.
The administration chose this year’s drive to focus on reducing malnutrition among women and children. Health officials, ICDS functionaries, Anganwadi workers, and local leaders came together to support the event. They reiterated the importance of a collective and consistent effort to tackle nutritional challenges across rural and urban areas. The district plans to organize community-level activities during the fortnight, especially targeting pregnant women, lactating mothers, and adolescent girls.
Deputy Commissioner Tej Prasad Bhusal addressed the gathering and emphasized the urgency of prioritizing nutrition as a development issue. He noted that malnutrition not only affects physical growth but also cognitive development, which has long-term consequences on a child’s future. He urged every citizen to consider nutrition a personal responsibility and play a role in spreading awareness.
Poshan Pakhwada aims to align communities with the vision of the “Sahi Poshan Desh Roshan” campaign under the Poshan Abhiyaan. The Barpeta district team will intensify outreach by conducting door-to-door visits and promoting healthy food habits in schools and public institutions. The administration has mobilized various departments including education, health, and social welfare to ensure coordinated efforts.
The Health Department has already started health camps across the district, offering checkups for children, anemia screening for adolescent girls, and counseling sessions for families. These interventions are being supported with IEC materials in Assamese and local dialects to ensure effective communication. The Nutrition Mission also focuses on involving self-help groups and NGOs to maintain momentum beyond the fortnight.
Local Anganwadi workers have taken a lead in organizing food demonstrations to show families how they can prepare nutritious meals using locally available ingredients. Their role remains central in delivering nutrition education and early detection of undernourishment among children. Workers also distributed iron and folic acid supplements to address widespread micronutrient deficiencies.
During the launch event, officials praised the efforts of the Anganwadi workers who reached vulnerable communities even during difficult times like the pandemic. Many workers shared their experiences of helping mothers incorporate better nutrition in household diets despite economic limitations. These stories highlighted the crucial link between awareness and practical application.
The Women and Child Development Department has developed a micro-plan for the entire district, mapping high-risk areas and creating customized activities based on local needs. Officials said this strategy will ensure that no population group is left behind. Teams have also started involving religious and community leaders to enhance public participation and reduce myths around certain food practices.
The district administration has invited local media to play an active role in the campaign. They urged them to spread verified information and help highlight real stories of transformation within the community. Officials believe consistent media support can multiply the impact of government initiatives and foster a more nutrition-conscious society.
The fortnight will also feature nutrition quizzes, art competitions, and storytelling sessions in schools. These fun and interactive activities are designed to build a nutrition-sensitive mindset among children from an early age. Officials want the next generation to become advocates of better health, carrying the message into their homes.
As the campaign moves forward, Barpeta officials have vowed to track progress using data from Anganwadi centers and health surveys. Their goal is to document changes in nutrition indicators and refine future strategies accordingly. The district remains committed to translating awareness into action and ensuring that no child suffers from malnutrition in silence.
The district is also prioritizing tribal and remote areas where access to healthcare and awareness about nutrition remains limited. Special mobile units have begun reaching interior villages, conducting health check-ups and educating families about balanced diets. Officials reported strong community participation in these areas, with women and local youth volunteering to help spread the message.
The Agriculture Department has joined the campaign by encouraging families to grow kitchen gardens. Officials are distributing vegetable seeds and guiding communities on cultivating nutrient-rich produce like spinach, carrots, beans, and moringa. By empowering families to grow their own food, the initiative not only ensures better nutrition but also reduces dependence on market prices.
Schools across Barpeta have started organizing mid-day meal enhancement activities under the campaign. Cooks have received training on incorporating seasonal vegetables and protein sources such as eggs and pulses into meals. Headmasters have joined hands with health officers to conduct regular weight and height monitoring to flag early signs of undernutrition.
Meanwhile, social media campaigns led by district officials are raising awareness through short videos, infographics, and live sessions with nutritionists. The administration is using WhatsApp groups of Panchayat officials and Anganwadi workers to circulate timely updates and mobilize participation. These efforts are aimed at keeping the campaign vibrant, interactive, and responsive.
The district’s strategy includes post-campaign follow-up. Officials have planned a review meeting in early May to assess the impact of the campaign, identify gaps, and chart a plan to integrate the successful activities into regular governance practices. The administration wants to ensure that Poshan Pakhwada doesn’t end as a symbolic event but becomes a foundation for sustained health improvement.
Barpeta’s drive reflects a larger movement across Assam and the country, where grassroots governance is aligning with national goals to eliminate malnutrition. With focused leadership, active community involvement, and interdepartmental coordination, Barpeta district aims to create a healthier, stronger generation that can thrive and contribute to the state’s development.