In order to incorporate millets and sprouts into its mid-day meals, the state administration requested more than 11,000 tonnes of millets from the central government in March
In order to incorporate millets and sprouts into its mid-day meals, the state administration requested more than 11,000 tonnes of millets from the Union government in March.
According to press reports, the Karnataka department of education has recommended to the state government that eggs be provided to students in Classes 9 and 10 for 80 days instead of the current 46 days at midday meals.
To improve students' nutrition and encourage attendance, state governments provide free lunches during the middle of the school day.
Eight Karnataka regions tested serving eggs with lunch in 2021.
“Milk is not entirely protein. So we want to introduce sprouts, which are high in protein and can help fight anemia and malnutrition among children. We still have to work out the cost of introducing sprouts because we have to procure them in the open market at competitive prices,” the Indian Express report quoted a government official as saying.
In eight Karnataka districts, a trial of including eggs in midday meals started in 2021 and will now extend until May of the following year. Egg intake has been encouraged on more school days by the state's department of education for schools.