Queen of Sweet Gourd

Prior to enrolling in a Farmer Nutrition School (FNS) session, Piyara's knowledge on health, nutrition, and pregnancy care was limited. However, after participating in the FNS program, she gained essential knowledge on antenatal care, iron tablets, and nutritious foods necessary for maintaining her and her baby's health. Piyara's FNS training also equipped her with skills on cultivating diverse, seasonal vegetables in limited spaces. She successfully utilized the small courtyard of her home to produce a variety of vegetables, including red amaranth, sweet gourd, and okra. The production of sweet gourd, in particular, was highly successful, earning her the nickname "Queen of Sweet Gourd." Piyara's garden produced seven to eight types of vegetables during a growing season, with sweet gourd being the most prominent. Piyara's family benefited significantly from her homestead food production. She and her family consumed the nutritious vegetables, while also distributing them among relatives and neighbors. The remaining sweet gourds were sold at a profit, with Piyara and her husband earning Tk. 2,000 (approximately $25 USD) from the sale of half of the produce. The family also preserved the rest of the sweet gourds for future use. Piyara's participation in the FNS program had a profound impact on her family's health and well-being. She exclusively breastfed her youngest child for six months, which she attributes to the child's good health and robust growth. Piyara's eldest child, on the other hand, suffered from frequent illnesses due to inadequate nutrition and care during her early years. However, Piyara's knowledge and practices learned from the SPRING program have enabled her to provide a diversified diet and continued breastfeeding for her youngest child, resulting in improved health and reduced illness. Piyara's vegetable garden is considered one of the most successful in the village, with her sweet gourd production being particularly notable. Her success has earned her the admiration and respect of the villagers, who have come to affectionately refer to her as the "Queen of Sweet Gourd."