Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 01 2010:
The inaugural programme of the National Nutrition Week and one-day State Level workshop on 'nutrition promotion for stronger nation' organised by Community Food and Nutrition Extension Unit of union Ministry of women and Child Development, Chingamathak was held today at the Conference Hall of Department of Social Welfare.
The nutrition week observance will continue till September 7 .
Commissioner (social Welfare) Letkhogin Haokip and Imphal West Deputy Commissioner K Radhakumar singh attended the inaugural function as the chief guest and president respectively with Joint Director (Social Welfare) K Sanajaoba Singh, ICM Chairman Kh Borkishore and Assistant Technical Advisor of the programme host Dr S Premi Devi as the guests of honour.
In his address, Letkhogin Haokip pointed out absence of aptitude on food selection as most people have developed a habit of consuming food items which 'we get around' rather than pick, cook and consume according to nutritional content.
Noting that inspite of availability of a number of literatures that relates the food we consume and its nutritional values people seldom scour such books, the Commissioner strongly advocated constant awareness programmes and conducting training on nutrition so as to promote a healthier society.
Letkhogin also suggested that instead of relying on imported and packaged food products that claim to contain vitamins or minerals locally grown/available vegetable and fruits should be the preference for such food items have natural vitamin and mineral contents.
DC (IW) Radhakumar expressed strong desire that workshop related to training on nutrition should be expanded so as to ensure participation by the women folk, especially mothers for they are the decisive factor in the selection and preparation of food which the family consume.
Suggesting that special training programmes on nutrition target the mothers, he also called upon the programme hosts to be eloquent and comprehensive whenever technical terms are to be mentioned.
ICM Chairman Borkishore emphasised on proper training with regard to nutritional value and selection of food items.