Anaipallam: The Horticulture Department has been trying to provide better nutrition to the tribal communities living in Anaipallam near Coonoor. Therefore, a community kitchen garden has been established in the village, giving fresh vegetables to the tribal people. The garden yields green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and radish through natural farming techniques. Vegetables grown here are being consumed by the local people of villages, providing them nutrition. Officials believe that this effort will be fruitful for improving the health of the community.
As per Shibila Mary, joint director of horticulture, the garden covers about 650 square meters and is cared for by over 25 women. All the modern facilities such as net houses, seeds, fertilizers, and insecticides have been provided to support this initiative, which got underway in 2024.
Officials explained that the project was introduced after the district administration received the knowledge that several tribal people were malnourished. To provide proper diet to them, tribal community members were taken to Udhagamandalam, where they got the training on how to grow organic vegetables.
The department is ready to provide all kinds of help to the villagers if they want to expand the garden. As per the officials, the community is free to grow and sell natural vegetables in the local markets to earn extra income.
This kitchen garden must be considered a game changer for the tribal community of Anaipallam. It has given food security to the locals along with empowering women as well, making them a role model for other communities.
