How Urmila reaped the benefits of better nutrition

Urmila Chauhan, a 30-year-old resident of Dhatariya Ram village and an active farmer, has experienced remarkable improvements in her health and well-being thanks to the nutrition awareness programme organised by Solidaridad under the Good Farming–Good Food–Good Health initiative.

Before joining the programme, Urmila, like many women in her village, relied on a limited diet based on wheat and rice, with minimal access to vegetables or protein-rich foods. During a training session conducted at the village, she received valuable information on balanced nutrition, the importance of grain and pulse diversity, and the health benefits of seasonal fruits, green vegetables, and soybean consumption.

Encouraged by the training, Urmila began growing a kitchen garden of 100 sq. ft., which now yields fresh produce like fenugreek, spinach, brinjal, and bottle gourd. Her household's weekly vegetable intake has increased by 50%, while soybean-based dishes like soy chapatis and soy dal have become a regular part of their meals at least four times a week. She also diversified her grains, including millets and lentils into her diet.

These small but impactful changes have led to major health improvements. Urmila reports a 60% reduction in fatigue and significant relief from knee and back pain, which previously hampered her work in the fields and at home.

Currently in her second trimester of pregnancy, Urmila highlights a stark difference from her first pregnancy. Earlier, I used to feel constantly weak and dizzy. This time, I feel stronger, more active, and able to take care of my family and farm work better, she shares. Her local health worker also noted an improvement in her hemoglobin levels, which rose from 9.5 g/dl to 11.2 g/dl over the last two months.

Inspired by these benefits, Urmila has become a vocal advocate for good nutrition in her village, encouraging at least 15 other women to adopt soybean-based meals and start small kitchen gardens.

She expresses her gratitude to GFGF programme, saying, The knowledge I received has changed my life and my pregnancy journey. I hope more women get access to this kind of support.