KUTTAMPUZHA: With malnutrition posing a threat to the life of tribal people including children at Kuttampuzha panchayat, the Kothamangalam block panchayat in association with the agriculture department has chalked out a ‘healthy’ action plan.The move came after Kuttampuzha’s primary health centres reported increasing deficiency in the tribal people.The civic body will create awareness about the importance of consuming more vegetables. It has also started cultivating vegetables in the tribal settlement areas and equipping them to do so.
“While consulting experts, we realised the tribal people were in a bad shape due to lack of consuming enough vegetables,” said Kothamangalam block panchayat vice-president Wilson Illickal, who inaugurated the project at Variyam, a tribal settlement area near Ernakulam-Idukki border.
To begin with, Uriyam Petty, Variyam and Thera colonies in the Kuttampuzha panchayat were selected. Saplings of tomato, cauliflower, ladies finger, cabbage, brinjal and chilli were planted in about one acres of land. In the second phase, it will be extended to Thazhamkandam and other parts.
“Ten group of five people each have been formed to plant the saplings. The block panchayat has also set aside Rs 5 lakh, which will be distributed as an incentive for cultivating vegetables,” said block panchayat member Santhamma Pious, who works closely with the tribal people.“Price of vegetables and scarcity in tribal areas have also stopped them from consuming vegetables. With this project, we’re trying to make a difference in their life,” said Santhamma.