TERI Conducts Training Workshop to Empower ST Communities by Combating Malnutrition in Mokhada, Palghar

As part of the DST-sponsored project “Innovative Interventions in Mokhada Block of Palghar District to Address Malnutrition and Enhance Livelihoods of ST Communities,” a two-day training workshop was conducted on November 27–28, 2024, in Hirve and Gonde Khurd villages. Led by Project Associates Vaishnavi Narvankar and Dr Ninad Marathe, 37 tribal women belonging to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) received training for the cultivation of oyster mushrooms and Azolla. Malnutrition is a pressing issue in Mokhada’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities, where limited access to diverse and nutritious food sources exacerbates health challenges. Mushroom cultivation offers a highly nutritious food option that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, essential for addressing dietary deficiencies. Alternatively, Azolla, a protein-rich aquatic fern, can be used as a fodder supplement. It enhances the diet of chickens and cows, leading to improved milk, egg, and meat quality for families.

By integrating these sustainable practices into their daily lives, participants can address the issue of malnutrition at multiple levels—directly through enhanced dietary intake and indirectly through better livestock products. The training also opens opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurship, enabling these communities to secure an additional income and improve their overall quality of life.

This initiative represents a significant step towards combating malnutrition, fostering economic resilience, and empowering ST communities to build healthier futures.