Applied Nutrition Programme (ANP)

The ANP was first implemented in Orissa and Andhra Pradesh in 1962. By 1973, the whole country was covered by the scheme. This programme till date is the best  conceived nutrition programme but it could not achieve the desired results due to management failure. The programme was initiated as a centrally sponsored scheme but now is implemented by the stats. Due to shift in thrust in the recent years, the ANP is at present a non-expandable, low priority programme as compared to other nutrition programmes implemented by the states. 

(Source : Indian Pediatrics 1992,29: 1601-1613) 

Objectives : The objectives of the programme are: 

• to make people conscious of their nutritional needs, 
• to increase production of nutritious foods and its consumption, and 
• to provide supplementary nutrition to vulnerable groups through local production of food.

The programme aimed at the approach of "self reliance" to be developed at the community and individual level. 

Beneficiaries : The programme reaches out to : 

• Children between 3-6 years 
• Pregnant and lactating mothers. 

Activities : ANP envisaged production of nutritious bod by people themselves and to be consumed by them to improve their own nutritional status. Poultry farming, horticulture, beehieve keeping, kitchen gardening and nutrition education were main activities in the programme. 

The supplementary nutrition was provided to children and women beneficiaries. 

Organisation : The programme is implemented under the supervision of block development officer. The Balsevikas with the help of a helper undertake the programme activities at the village/community level.