Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Anjaw, organised a two-day skill development training programme under PMDDKY and Khet Bachao Abhiyan Programme for Anganwadi workers and helpers on the assessment of nutritional status, identification of clinical signs and symptoms of malnutrition, the importance of breastfeeding, and appropriate complementary feeding practices for infants and young children. A total of 25 participants attended the training programme at Yatong under Manchal Circle.
        The training aimed to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of Anganwadi workers and helpers in assessing the nutritional status of children and promoting better nutrition and health at the community level. The programme also highlighted the importance of early identification of malnutrition and the role of Anganwadi centres in improving child health and nutritional security.
        Mrs. Pooja Singnale, Subject Matter Specialist (Home Science), KVK Anjaw, explained the principles and procedures of anthropometric measurements through practical, hands-on demonstrations. She demonstrated the proper use of weighing balances, stadiometers and measuring tapes for accurately measuring the height and weight of children. The participants were trained in measuring and interpreting anthropometric indicators, including height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), ideal body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI), wherever applicable.
        She also explained the importance of assessing children's growth using World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards and Z-scores to identify growth faltering, undernutrition and other nutritional concerns at an early stage. The participants were sensitised to the identification of clinical signs and symptoms associated with nutritional deficiencies and the importance of timely referral of children requiring further assessment and care.
        The programme also emphasised the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life, followed by the introduction of adequate, safe and nutritious complementary foods along with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond. The role of Anganwadi workers and helpers in counselling mothers on appropriate infant and young child feeding practices was highlighted.
        Another important component of the training was the promotion of Poshan Vatika (Nutritional Kitchen Garden) at Anganwadi centres to improve access to fresh, locally available and nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and other edible plants. Mrs. Singnale highlighted how kitchen gardens can contribute to dietary diversity, nutrition awareness and household food security. The participants were encouraged to motivate mothers of children attending Anganwadi centres to establish and maintain nutritional kitchen gardens at their homes, thereby promoting healthy food habits, dietary diversity and sustainable nutrition practices within their families.
        The two-day training provided an opportunity for the 25 participants to strengthen their practical competencies in nutritional assessment, growth monitoring, breastfeeding counselling, complementary feeding and community-based nutrition promotion. The initiative reinforced the importance of capacity building among frontline workers in preventing malnutrition and improving the nutritional well-being of children and mothers in Anjaw district. Awareness on Khet Bachao Abhiyan was provided to the workers.
        Through this initiative, KVK Anjaw reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community-level nutrition awareness and empowering frontline workers with practical knowledge and skills to support improved child health, nutrition and food security.