Gujarat has recorded more than 2.43 crore nutrition-related activities during Poshan Maah 2026, as the state intensifies its drive to combat malnutrition through dietary diversity, regular growth monitoring, and focused care during the critical first 1,000 days of a child's life. The figures, compiled up to 27 September, reflect one of the largest coordinated public health outreach efforts the state has mounted this year.

Scale of the Campaign

The statewide drive is being observed under the theme 'Aapni Anganwadi, Aapni Javabdari' (Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility) and was launched by Minister of State for Women and Child Development Dr Manisha Vakil. Of the 2.43 crore-plus activities logged, the Women and Child Development Department contributed 56.13 lakh, while the remaining approximately 1.87 crore were carried out by other departments and associated agencies. The five leading contributors were the Health and Family Welfare Department, the AYUSH Division, the Rural Development Department, the Panchayat Department, and the Education Department.

Districts Leading the Outreach

At the district level, Mahisagar, Valsad, Patan, Anand, and Mehsana recorded the highest number of activities. In Valsad, the District Collector flagged off a 'Poshan Jagruti' rally as part of the campaign. In Surat, college students are participating in awareness drives focused on healthy diets and the harmful effects of junk food, widening community ownership beyond traditional Anganwadi networks.

Focus on Local Foods and Dietary Habits

A central thrust this year is the promotion of locally available nutritious food while discouraging unhealthy dietary habits. Activities are spotlighting protein-rich foods, millets (Shri Anna), pulses, green vegetables, fruits, milk, nuts, and seeds. Nutritious recipe demonstrations, exhibitions featuring dishes prepared from Take Home Ration (THR) and millets, Poshan Melas, and balanced-diet counselling sessions are being held across the state.

Anganwadi Centres and Early Childhood Development

The campaign is reinforcing the role of Anganwadi centres as hubs of early childhood development. Centres are providing fresh, hot, and hygienic meals, while Anganwadi Management Committees are being activated to deepen community participation. SNP menu boards are being displayed at centres, and the 'Maari Anganwadi, Maari Javabdari' (My Anganwadi, My Responsibility) approach is being used to drive community ownership. Children are being weighed and measured regularly, with data registered on the Nutrition Tracker to enable early identification of malnourishment. Those found to be malnourished are being referred for treatment under the 'Poshan Sangam' initiative in coordination with the Health Department.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana at 10 Years

The campaign coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana in 2026. A saturation drive is under way to increase registration of pregnant and lactating mothers under the scheme. The state government has stated its broader objective is to make nutrition a daily social practice rather than a month-long exercise, with the overarching goal of building a 'Suposhit Gujarat' (well-nourished Gujarat). With the campaign still active, officials expect the final activity count to climb further before the close of September.