Fish mint, Himalayan chives and berry pickle: how wild ingredients are transforming school dinners in India

In the remote state of Meghalaya, foraged foods are helping to diversify state-provided menus - and tackle chronic malnutritionExcited chatter and the clattering of steel plates drown out the din of the monsoon rains: it is lunchtime in Laitsohpliah government school in the north-east Indian state of Meghalaya. The food has been cooked on-site and is free for everyone, part of India's ambitious "midday meal" - PM Poshan - programme to incentivise school enrolment.The scheme covers more than 1m state-run schools across the country, but the menu at Laitsohpliah is hyperlocal, thanks to a recent charity initiative in the state.A lunch of rice, dal, potatoes with east Himalayan chives, cured dry fish and sohryngkham, a wild berry pickle Continue reading...