St. Teresa’s College( Autonomous) Ernakulam in partnership with Kerala Agricultural University ( KAU)Vellanikkara;Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) Panangad and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK)of CMFRI,Kochi has secured a prestigious research grant from the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) Special call for Collaborative Research Projects on Vision Viksit Bharat @2047.The project titled “Impact assessment of multiple food security interventions to mitigate micronutrient malnutrition among women and children in coastal areas of central Kerala” has been awarded a substantial grant of Rs. 50 lakh.

This research project aims to investigate the effectiveness of various horticultural interventions in addressing micronutrient malnutrition among vulnerable populations in coastal areas of central Kerala. The study will focus on women and children, who are often disproportionately affected by malnutrition.

The project team comprises of Project co ordinator Dr. Shilpa Jose( Associate Professor, Dept. of Home Science and Centre for Research, St. Teresa’ s college, Ernakulam ), Project Directors -Dr. Seeja Thomachan Panjikkaran( Associate Professor and Head, Dept. of Community Science, KAU), Dr. Blossom K. L( Assistant Professor), Dept. of Fish Processing Technology,KUFOS, Panangad and Mr.Shoji Joy Edison( Subject matter specialist in Horticulture ), ICAR-KVK( Ernakulam) of CMFRI. Industry expert associated with the project is Mr. Ananthanarayanan TR( Managing partner,foodastha, Kochi.

As per ICSSR guidelines, the research project will be monitored through periodic progress reports, and the final report will be evaluated by an expert appointed by the ICSSR. The project’s success will result in improving the food security status of coastal population and enhancing the micronutrient profile of women and children. Entrepreneurship trainings will also be provided to the beneficiaries in the final phase.