SKUAST-K takes nutrition awareness to Baramulla village, empowers women with healthy eating, affordable recipes

SRINAGAR : In a bid to promote healthier families through better nutrition, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) reached out to women in Village Ijara, Boniyar, Baramulla, with practical lessons on balanced diets, anemia prevention and affordable nutritious cooking.
The Division of Community Science, Faculty of Horticulture, organised a lecture-cum-demonstration programme for beneficiaries of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), combining expert guidance with hands-on recipe demonstrations that participants could easily replicate at home.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Masarat Shafi, Professor and Head, Division of Community Science, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K.
Delivering the technical sessions, Prof. Iffat, spoke on health, nutrition, maternal and child nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices. Prof. Afsha, highlighted the importance of balanced diets and explained how simple dietary changes and iron-rich foods can help prevent anaemia, particularly among women and children.
The highlight of the programme was a live cooking demonstration by Dr. Saima Paul, who showcased the preparation of low-cost, nutrient-rich recipes using locally available ingredients. The interactive session encouraged participants to ask questions, learn practical cooking techniques, and explore ways to make everyday meals healthier without increasing household expenses.
The programme witnessed participation from ICDS beneficiaries and local women, who actively engaged in discussions on improving family nutrition and adopting healthier food habits. Abdul Hamid, who provided programme support, assisted in the smooth organisation and successful conduct of the event.
Concluding with the message, “Right Nutrition Today for a Healthier Tomorrow,” the programme reinforced SKUAST-K’s commitment to taking scientific knowledge beyond classrooms and laboratories to rural communities.