Empowering Rural Health: CSIR-IHBT Deploys Community-Led Nutrition Interventions

Under the aegis of the CSIR Smart Village Mission, a team of experts from the CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, visited Janakpur village in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh, from October 15 to 17, 2026. The visit aimed to introduce sustainable nutritional solutions to combat local malnutrition and improve overall public health.
During the visit, the team organized a comprehensive health camp at the Government Middle School in Janakpur. Working closely with the Department of Health and Family Welfare and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) of Raisen district, the CSIR-IHBT team surveyed and mapped the health indices of the village’s most vulnerable demographic, including Anganwadi-attending children, adolescent girls, and pregnant and lactating mothers.
To build long-term community resilience, the team conducted an awareness and training program on fortified food technologies suited to the region. Over 20 local women, along with Anganwadi workers and primary health center staff, actively participated in the session. As part of an immediate nutritional intervention, the team distributed special kits of protein- and micronutrient-fortified food products to vulnerable groups.
Local Self-Help Groups (SHGs) responded positively, expressing keen interest in adopting these food value-addition technologies to continuously improve the community’s nutritional status.
Highlighting the mission’s broader vision, the Director of CSIR-IHBT stated, “Our intervention in Janakpur under the CSIR Smart Village Mission goes beyond immediate relief. By equipping local Self-Help Groups with sustainable, fortified food technologies, we are empowering the community to take charge of their own long-term health and nutritional security.”