Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic has prompted a few experts to look at consumption of Mushrooms, Honey known for their immunity-boosting anti-viral properties with renewed vigor. In fact Immunity has been one of the most-searched keywords on the internet since last few months. With the ongoing Pandemic in India, it has become all the more important for us to boost our immunity as much as we can. Immunity is basically the foremost defense system against all sorts of viruses, flu and infections like cold, cough or fever and Honey is one such wonder ingredient that comes with many virtues with most important being so also MushroomAccordingly Government of India has advised the State Government to include Honey and Mushroom in the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and Mid Day Meal(MDM).While Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Kailash Choudhary has proposed for inclusion of Honey and Mushroom in ICDS and MDM, Sanjay Dhotre, Minister State for Education has endorsed the proposal, said sources.Accordingly Ministry of Education has requested the State Government to include Honey and Mushroom in MDM Program. Honey is a complete meal, it contains major components of a meal, and micronutrients that enhance digestion and absorption of major dietary components.Honey production in the country has seen 200 percent increase in last decade and consumption is also on rise, admits, Minister Mr.Choudhary.National Beekeeping and Honey Mission has have developed awareness among the farmers and production is more than 1.5 Lak Metric Tons per annum.So availability is not a problem and children are in need of such ingredients as is it particularly beneficial for growing children.Mushroom is also a proven super food and supplementation of Mushroom base recipe in the diet will bridge the protein deficiency gap and thereby improve general health of the children, said Union Minister.Mushroom is rich in folic acid, which is known beneficial for brain health as it contains protein and Vitamin B2, Potassium, Zinc, and is an excellent sources of Vitamin-D, said an expert.Ministry of Education has requested the State Government for inclusion of Honey and Mushroom in MDM Scheme run in the schools.Considering the nutritional value and positive benefits of Honey and Mushroom, Ministry of Education has requested for the same, said a senior official.Ministry of Education is in continuous touch with the State Government and pursuing the matter as it will improve the conditions of the school going children and they will get enriched nutrition during the time of COVID-19 Pandemic, said sources.
