Tackling Child Malnutrition: Kamrup District’s Innovative Pilot Project Yields Promising Results

Guwahati, August 16, 2024: In a significant stride towards addressing child malnutrition, the Kamrup district administration has successfully implemented a pilot project titled “Matsya Paripushti”. This initiative aimed to enhance children’s dietary diversity by incorporating small fish as an alternative source of protein. The project focused on including nutrient-dense small fish powder in the diets of children aged 3-10 years across Anganwadi Centers (3-6 years) and Lower Primary Schools (7-10 years).

The results of the project are promising, showcasing measurable improvements in children’s health. Key outcomes include a 3.63% reduction in severely stunted kids, a 5.46% reduction in underweight kids, and a 1.67% reduction in severely underweight kids. Additionally, the average Body Mass Index (BMI) of the children increased from 15.54 to 16.11. Significant gains were also observed in children’s average weight and height, with weight increasing from 23.83 kg to 25.12 kg and height from 122.83 cm to 123.95 cm.

The pilot project involved 55 Anganwadi Centers and 43 Lower Primary Schools, reaching approximately 3,300 children. The children received fish powder, made by local lady fish farmers, three times weekly as a supplement to their regular meals. This innovative approach has set a precedent in the fight against malnutrition, marking a pioneering effort in India.

The Matsya Paripushti project is a testament to the potential of locally sourced, sustainable nutritional interventions in improving children’s health and addressing malnutrition at the grassroots level.

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