Mathari Kushwaha, a resident of Maholi village in the Berasia cluster of District Bhopal had maintained a modest kitchen garden for several years. However, it was limited to a few beds and just a couple of vegetable varieties. Her journey took a transformative turn with the support of the Good Farming–Good Food (GFGF) programme.

Under the guidance of the initiative, Mathari received seven varieties of vegetable seeds and practical training to establish a full-fledged nutrition garden. With this support, she began cultivating a diverse range of vegetables in her backyard. Today, her kitchen garden provides fresh, chemical-free vegetables daily, significantly improving the nutritional quality of her family's meals.

This shift not only enriched their diet but also brought tangible economic benefits. By growing her own produce, Mathari now saves approximately ₹600–₹800 per month, which was previously spent purchasing vegetables from the market. Over the year, this adds up to savings of around ₹7,200–₹9,600— a substantial amount for a rural household.

Her children, who once consumed market-bought vegetables, now enjoy home-grown, pesticide-free food daily. Seeing my children eat healthy and safe food every day gives me immense satisfaction, she shared.

Another key learning came through Maya Kushwaha, a Nutrition Worker with GFGF, who introduced her to the nutritional value of soybeans. With Maya’s guidance, Mathari processed 5 kg of soybeans and began blending soybean flour with wheat flour. This simple change enhanced the protein content in their daily rotis, contributing to better strength and overall health for the entire family.

Through the Good Farming–Good Food programme, Mathari has discovered effective, low-cost methods to enhance her family’s nutrition and well-being. Today, she stands more confident and empowered, proud of the healthier future she is cultivating for her loved ones.