Assam Launches Fish Powder Program to Address Child Malnutrition

Last updated Aug 16, 2024 12

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has introduced a pioneering initiative in Kamrup district to combat child malnutrition through the innovative use of fish powder. The Matsya Paripushti program, part of the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, aims to enhance children’s diets by incorporating nutrient-rich fish powder into meals.

This pilot project, implemented across 55 Anganwadi Centers and 43 Lower Primary Schools, benefits around 3,300 children aged 3 to 10 years. The program’s early results demonstrate notable improvements in nutritional status:

Severe stunting decreased by 3.63%.
Underweight prevalence dropped by 5.46%.
Severe underweight cases fell by 1.67%.
Average BMI increased from 15.54 to 16.11.
Average weight rose from 23.83 kg to 25.12 kg.
Average height grew from 122.83 cm to 123.95 cm.

Chief Minister Sarma highlighted that the initiative not only improves child health but also supports local fish farmers, creating a sustainable model for nutrition enhancement. The success of this program in Kamrup district is expected to lead to its expansion across other regions of Assam.