Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], September 29 (ANI): Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Government of Gujarat is celebrating ‘Poshan Maah-2026’ across the state with the spirit of “Aapni Anganwadi, Aapni Javabdari.”Minister of State for Women and Child Development Manishaben Vakil launched the statewide celebrations.
Aimed at turning nutrition into a people’s movement, the campaign features a range of activities involving concerned departments, local self-government bodies, Anganwadi workers, health workers, self-help groups, parents, and the wider community.
As of September 27, 2026, Gujarat has recorded over 2.43 crore nutrition-related activities, placing the state among the leading performers nationwide. Of these, the Women and Child Development Department carried out 56.13 lakh activities, while other associated departments undertook around 1.87 crore activities.
Among these activities, the Health and Family Welfare Department, AYUSH Division, Rural Development Department, Panchayat Department and Education Department have emerged as the top five contributing departments.
Additionally, Mahisagar, Valsad, Patan, Anand and Mehsana have emerged as the leading districts in the state in terms of activities. In Valsad district, the District Collector also flagged off a large-scale Poshan Jagruti rally.
During Poshan Maah, special efforts are being made to raise public awareness about dietary diversity and protein-rich foods, with emphasis on locally available nutritious foods, millets, pulses, green vegetables, fruits, milk, nuts and seeds.
Under these programmes, nutritious recipe demonstrations, exhibitions showcasing dishes prepared from THR and millets, Poshan Melas, and guidance on balanced diets are being organised. In Surat district, college students are also raising awareness about healthy diets and the harmful effects of junk food.
Anganwadi centres are being transformed from service centres into active hubs for nutrition and early childhood development, providing quality, hygienic, fresh and hot meals. Community participation is being strengthened by activating Anganwadi Management Committees, displaying SNP menu boards and promoting community ownership under "Maari Anganwadi, Maari Javabdari".
Guidance is being provided on Early Childhood Care and Education, Early Stimulation and Responsive Caregiving during the first 1,000 days and the first six years of a child’s life. Regular weight and height measurements, registration on the Nutrition Tracker, and timely identification of malnourished children are being undertaken, with referrals and treatment coordinated with the Health Department through initiatives such as ‘Poshan Sangam’.
In 2026, marking 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, a saturation campaign is being undertaken to increase the registration of pregnant and lactating mothers. The Government of Gujarat is committed to making nutrition not just a month-long activity, but a daily lifestyle and a shared social responsibility, working towards building a “Suposhit Gujarat.” (ANI)
Gujarat leads the country with over 2.43 crore activities undertaken during Poshan Maah
