Public distribution system including small fish powder in the diets of pre-school and primary school children in the context of India's Supplementary Nutrition Programme. The specific objective is to enhance nutrient provision to children by improving access to healthy diets, thus improving nutrition and health.
Further objectives are: to build awareness amongst (pre-) school staff on the importance of improved dietary diversity and micronutrient intake involving small fish-based products; understand the acceptability of small-fish products and powder amongst children; and influence teachers, parents, caregivers and other community members to practice optimal infant and young child feeding practices and adopt a balanced diversified diets including small fish.
Enriching school meals with small fish and fish-based products is also a form of fortification that increases micro-nutrients in food provided through public distribution and in-kind social transfers.
This social protection measure is combined with social and behaviour change communication targeting officials, staff and the wider population. This includes trainings and awareness camps aimed at government officials, school management teams, parent associations, teachers, cooks etc. A local NGO and farmers association were engaged for the production, packaging, and certification of the small fish powder, using a locally available small fish species (Mola).
During the period from September 2023 to March 2024, powdered mola fish was distributed to 55 Anganwadi Centers and 43 lower primary (LP) schools in the Bongaon block of Kamrup District, Assam. Over this seven-month span, a total of 2301 kilograms of fish powder was used in the pilot program. The total number of beneficiaries was 1,000 children aged 3-5 years in Anganwadi Centers and 2,300 children aged 6-10 years in lower primary schools. The total number of portions distributed was 90,580 for Anganwadi Centers and 208,366 for lower primary schools.
The raw material, specifically local mola fish, was procured by the agency at a cost ranging between Rs. 100 and Rs. 120 per kilogram. Subsequently, the processed dried fish products were sold to the Farmer Producer Company (FPC) at a price of Rs. 450 to Rs. 500 per kilogram. Following this, the products were further processed into fish powder, which was then supplied to schools and Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) at a rate of Rs. 750 per kilogram. With portions being 7-8 grams, the cost per portion is Rs. 5.25 (USD 0.06)
The Government of Assam leads the Poshaan Maah initiative under the Prime Minister's overarching scheme for holistic nourishment. The initiative is overlooked by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and is further implemented under the Matsya Paripusti initiative by the District Administration of Bongaon Block, Kamrup District, Assam, in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and with support from WorldFish. This project is a convergence activity involving following Government of Assam entities under the administrative guidance of the Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam.
- Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agricultural Services Society (ARIASS)
- Department of Fisheries
- Department of Elementary Education
- Department of Women and Child Development
- Department of Health and Family Welfare
- Kamrup District Administration, Assam
- Knowledge Partner: WorldFish, a CGIAR institute
Roles and Responsibilities:
- ARIAS Society: It provided the financial support to the pilot on inclusion of fish under the World Bank financed Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART).
- Department of Fisheries: It has coordinated with the Fish Farmers’ Producer Company and local NGO for ensuring the production and supply of food safety certified (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) small fish powder. They have also supported the project in identifying the local source of small indigenous fish.
- Department of Elementary Education: It allowed the lower primary schools in Bongaon Block of Kamrup District which are under its jurisdiction to participate in the pilot by including small fish powder in the existing school mid-day meals for children aged 6-10 years.
- Department of Women and Child Development: It allowed the ICDS Anganwadi Centres (Kindergartens) under its jurisdiction to participate in the pilot by including small fish powder in the existing Hot Cooked Meals for children aged 3-6 years. Also, it has shared the child nutritional measurement parameters such as age, height and weight of Anganwadi (kindergarten) children collected through POSHAN TRACKER under Poshan Abhiyan program of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
- Department of Health and Family Welfare: It shared the child nutritional measurement parameters such as age, height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of school children collected through their Rashtriya Bala Swasthya Karyakram program (RBSY), which is a program by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
- Kamrup District Administration, Assam: The Deputy Commissioner, who is the head of the district administration has coordinated, guided and monitored the ground level implementation of the pilot activities. At district level, the Deputy commissioner is the head of all the development departments.
- WorldFish: As knowledge partner to this project, WorldFish has assisted the Kamrup District Administration and APART project of ARIAS Society to prepare the pilot proposal, pilot implementation guideline, Standard Operating Procedure for inclusion of Fish Powder in Government supplementary nutrition program, to conduct capacity building activities, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation was conducted by officials from the APART project, District Fisheries officials, the District Social Welfare Officer, and WorldFish, under the supervision of the district administration. This included a baseline study, midterm evaluation, and an endline study to assess nutritional outcomes
In the Indian state of Assam, levels of stunted growth, wasting, underweight and anaemia are high, with 35.3% of children under 5 being stunted, 21.7% being wasted, and 32.8% being underweight. In the Kamrup district, anaemia levels are particularly high at 72.9%. These outcomes result from nutrient-poor diets, and national and state government are working to improve nutrition. Nutrition-specific interventions, such as the inclusion of micronutrient powders, have been implemented in India with varying degrees of success. A study by Kapil and Bhavna (2002) demonstrated that the use of micronutrient powders within integrated child development services (ICDS) significantly reduced anaemia and improved overall nutritional status among children. However, ensuring consistent and widespread implementation of these interventions remains a challenge. Small fish are an excellent source of essential nutrients crucial for child development. Research by Thilsted et al. (2016) indicates that the inclusion of small fish in daily diets can substantially contribute to meeting the nutritional requirements for vitamin A, calcium, iron, and zinc. Similarly, a study by Bogard et al. (2015) in Cambodia revealed that households consuming small fish exhibited higher dietary diversity and better nutritional outcomes compared to those that did not. Rich in essential nutrients, small fish provide high-quality protein, vitamins (A, D, B12), and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. These nutrients are particularly beneficial for young children, who have increased nutritional needs due to rapid growth and development. Research has demonstrated that integrating small fish into diets can significantly enhance nutritional intake and status among vulnerable populations (Bogard et al., 2015). Small fish are affordable, available, and culturally appropriate in various geographies, and are also suited for processing into fish powder that can be added to meals. The consumption of small fish powder, which can be easily incorporated into various dishes, offers a practical approach to addressing micronutrient deficiencies among children. Previous studies have underscored the acceptability and nutritional benefits offish powder across various populations (Thilsted et al., 2016). For instance, a study in Bangladesh found that small fish powder significantly enhanced dietary diversity and micronutrient intake among children (Bogard et al., 2015). There is scope for nutrition-specific interventions, in the form of fish-based micronutrient powders, to yield positive outcomes in Assam, where fish is culturally accepted and widely consumed.
Links:
- Ratha, B.C., Bayan, B., Shenoy, N. and Padiyar, A. 2024. Pilot cum scaling: Inclusion of nutrient-dense small fish powder in diets among pre-school children of Anganwadi Centres and LP School Children through a partnership approach at Bongaon Block in Kamrup District of Assam, India. Penang, Malaysia: WorldFish. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12348/6243
- Ratha BC, Shenoy N,Wanjiku G. 2024. Standard Operating Procedure: Fish in Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) Assam, India. Penang, Malaysia: WorldFish. 2. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12348/6244
- Baishnaba Ratha, Vishnumurthy Mohan Chadag, Suresh Rajendran. (20/4/2022). Awareness & demonstration of fish nutrition promotion programme under APART. Bayan Lepas, Malaysia: WorldFish (WF). https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12348/5241
Throughout the process of enriching school meals with small fish and fish-based products the following lessons have emerged:
- The interventions were associated with the following outcomes: occurrence of severe stunting and (severe) underweight was reduced significantly when comparing baseline with endline measurement;
- The target group (children in the 3-6 years age bracket) showed good acceptability for hot cooked meals blended with fish powder. In Assam, the introduction of Instant Dal Khichdi and Multigrain Suji Halwa facilitated the incorporation of small fish powder into hot cooked meals. Children exhibited a preference for consuming fish powder when it was added to instant dal khichdi. Fewer than 5% of children exhibited reluctance to consume meals containing fish powder;
- This is a scalable model, provided food safety-certified fish powder is made available at affordable/competitive prices on a consistent basis and in large enough quantities to respond to the needs at the state level in Assam.
- There is government support through NITI Aayog, which has identified aspirational blocks with high percentages of impoverished and nutritionally challenged populations, and has recommended scaling up this programme to these aspirational blocks. Incorporation of dried fish in meals offered to children in targeted AWCs is an effective approach to improving nutritional status.
International and Indian knowledge institutions:
The website link is not yet available
Media coverage:
- Fish powder in diet curbing malnutrition among kids: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/fish-powder-in-diet-reducing-child-malnutrition-in-kamrup-district/articleshow/113076372.cms
- Himanta Biswa Sarma: Assam's fish powder initiative slashes malnutrition in Kamrup: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/himanta-biswa-sarma-assams-fish-powder-initiative-slashes-malnutrition-in-kamrup-1072750-2024-08-16
- Assam- Pilot project successfully combats child malnutrition in Kamrup district: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/assam-pilot-project-successfully-combats-child-malnutrition-in-kamrup-district/articleshow/112430392.cms
- Fish powder in meals helps Assam district reduce child malnutrition: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/fish-powder-in-meals-helps-assam-district-reduce-child-malnutrition/article68533248.ece
- Assam: Fish powder becomes nutritional food supplement for school children: https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/assam-fish-powder-becomes-nutritional-food-supplement-for-school-children-666851
- Assam District Introduces Innovative ‘Matsya Paripusti’ Program to Enhance Child Nutrition: https://www.fishery.news/assam-district-introduces-innovative-matsya-paripusti-program-to-enhance-child-nutrition/
- Assam's Matsya Paripushti Project Boosts Child Nutrition with Fish Powder: CM: https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/assams-matsya-paripushti-project-boosts-child-nutrition-with-fish-powder-cm
- Assam: Fish powder becomes nutritional food supplement for school children: https://icsf.net/newss/assam-fish-powder-becomes-nutritional-food-supplement-for-school-children/
SDG 2 (zero hunger): Target 2.2 By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons.
- Indicator 2.2.1. Prevalence of stunting (height for age <-2 standard deviation from the median of the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age.
- Indicator 2.2.2 Prevalence of malnutrition (weight for height >+2 or <-2 standard deviation from the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age, by type (wasting and overweight).
SDG 2 (zero hunger): Target 2.2 By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons.
- Indicator 2.2.1. Prevalence of stunting (height for age <-2 standard deviation from the median of the World Health Organization (WHO) Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age.
- Indicator 2.2.2 Prevalence of malnutrition (weight for height >+2 or <-2 standard deviation from the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards) among children under 5 years of age, by type (wasting and overweight).
Public distribution system including small fish powder in the diets of pre-school and primary school children in the context of India’s Supplementary Nutrition Programme. The specific objective is to enhance nutrient provision to children by improving access to healthy diets, thus improving nutrition and health.
Further objectives are: to build awareness amongst (pre-) school staff on the importance of improved dietary diversity and micronutrient intake involving small fish-based products; understand the acceptability of small-fish products and powder amongst children; and influence teachers, parents, caregivers and other community members to practice optimal infant and young child feeding practices and adopt a balanced diversified diets including small fish.
Enriching school meals with small fish and fish-based products is also a form of fortification that increases micro-nutrients in food provided through public distribution and in-kind social transfers.
This social protection measure is combined with social and behaviour change communication targeting officials, staff and the wider population. This includes trainings and awareness camps aimed at government officials, school management teams, parent associations, teachers, cooks etc. A local NGO and farmers association were engaged for the production, packaging, and certification of the small fish powder, using a locally available small fish species (Mola).
Throughout the process of enriching school meals with small fish and fish-based products the following lessons have emerged:
- The interventions were associated with the following outcomes: occurrence of severe stunting and (severe) underweight was reduced significantly when comparing baseline with endline measurement;
- The target group (children in the 3-6 years age bracket) showed good acceptability for hot cooked meals blended with fish powder. In Assam, the introduction of Instant Dal Khichdi and Multigrain Suji Halwa facilitated the incorporation of small fish powder into hot cooked meals. Children exhibited a preference for consuming fish powder when it was added to instant dal khichdi. Fewer than 5% of children exhibited reluctance to consume meals containing fish powder;
- This is a scalable model, provided food safety-certified fish powder is made available at affordable/competitive prices on a consistent basis and in large enough quantities to respond to the needs at the state level in Assam.
- There is government support through NITI Aayog, which has identified aspirational blocks with high percentages of impoverished and nutritionally challenged populations, and has recommended scaling up this programme to these aspirational blocks. Incorporation of dried fish in meals offered to children in targeted AWCs is an effective approach to improving nutritional status.
School meals programmes
International and Indian knowledge institutions:
The Government of Assam leads the Poshaan Maah initiative under the Prime Minister’s overarching scheme for holistic nourishment. The initiative is overlooked by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and is further implemented under the Matsya Paripusti initiative by the District Administration of Bongaon Block, Kamrup District, Assam, in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and with support from WorldFish. This project is a convergence activity involving following Government of Assam entities under the administrative guidance of the Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam.
- Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agricultural Services Society (ARIASS)
- Department of Fisheries
- Department of Elementary Education
- Department of Women and Child Development
- Department of Health and Family Welfare
- Kamrup District Administration, Assam
- Knowledge Partner: WorldFish, a CGIAR institute
Roles and Responsibilities:
- ARIAS Society: It provided the financial support to the pilot on inclusion of fish under the World Bank financed Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART).
- Department of Fisheries: It has coordinated with the Fish Farmers’ Producer Company and local NGO for ensuring the production and supply of food safety certified (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) small fish powder. They have also supported the project in identifying the local source of small indigenous fish.
- Department of Elementary Education: It allowed the lower primary schools in Bongaon Block of Kamrup District which are under its jurisdiction to participate in the pilot by including small fish powder in the existing school mid-day meals for children aged 6-10 years.
- Department of Women and Child Development: It allowed the ICDS Anganwadi Centres (Kindergartens) under its jurisdiction to participate in the pilot by including small fish powder in the existing Hot Cooked Meals for children aged 3-6 years. Also, it has shared the child nutritional measurement parameters such as age, height and weight of Anganwadi (kindergarten) children collected through POSHAN TRACKER under Poshan Abhiyan program of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
- Department of Health and Family Welfare: It shared the child nutritional measurement parameters such as age, height, weight and body mass index (BMI) of school children collected through their Rashtriya Bala Swasthya Karyakram program (RBSY), which is a program by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
- Kamrup District Administration, Assam: The Deputy Commissioner, who is the head of the district administration has coordinated, guided and monitored the ground level implementation of the pilot activities. At district level, the Deputy commissioner is the head of all the development departments.
- WorldFish: As knowledge partner to this project, WorldFish has assisted the Kamrup District Administration and APART project of ARIAS Society to prepare the pilot proposal, pilot implementation guideline, Standard Operating Procedure for inclusion of Fish Powder in Government supplementary nutrition program, to conduct capacity building activities, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
During the period from September 2023 to March 2024, powdered mola fish was distributed to 55 Anganwadi Centers and 43 lower primary (LP) schools in the Bongaon block of Kamrup District, Assam. Over this seven-month span, a total of 2301 kilograms of fish powder was used in the pilot program. The total number of beneficiaries was 1,000 children aged 3-5 years in Anganwadi Centers and 2,300 children aged 6-10 years in lower primary schools. The total number of portions distributed was 90,580 for Anganwadi Centers and 208,366 for lower primary schools.
The raw material, specifically local mola fish, was procured by the agency at a cost ranging between Rs. 100 and Rs. 120 per kilogram. Subsequently, the processed dried fish products were sold to the Farmer Producer Company (FPC) at a price of Rs. 450 to Rs. 500 per kilogram. Following this, the products were further processed into fish powder, which was then supplied to schools and Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) at a rate of Rs. 750 per kilogram. With portions being 7-8 grams, the cost per portion is Rs. 5.25 (USD 0.06)
Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation was conducted by officials from the APART project, District Fisheries officials, the District Social Welfare Officer, and WorldFish, under the supervision of the district administration. This included a baseline study, midterm evaluation, and an endline study to assess nutritional outcomes
The website link is not yet available