Mongolian Farmers Grow New Vegetables to Improve Health
- Mongolian farmers are growing tomatoes, cucumber, and celery to combat poor health and high cancer rates.
- Nearly a third of under-fives in Mongolia suffer from anemia due to a lack of vegetables in their diet.
- The cultivation of new vegetables is expected to improve the overall health of the population.
In Mongolia, where nearly one-third of children under five suffer from anaemia, a significant lack of vegetables has been linked to poor health outcomes and rising cancer rates. Zaya, a seamstress from the 1970s, recalls her childhood in the Mongolian People’s Republic, where vegetables were scarce, and factory lunches provided the only opportunity to consume them. Today, she and her daughter, Naranchimeg, are among the few in their community growing a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and broccoli. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Mongolia, particularly cancer and cardiovascular diseases, is alarming, accounting for 44% of annual deaths. The situation has prompted initiatives aimed at improving dietary habits through vegetable cultivation. Over the past two decades, the Mongolian Women Farmers Association, led by Byatshandaa Jargal, has been instrumental in promoting vegetable gardening in Ulaanbaatar. Jargal's vision is to empower women by providing them with training and resources to grow their own food, thereby enhancing family nutrition and generating income. Collaborating with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, the association has introduced essential tools like greenhouses and irrigation systems to help women adapt to Mongolia's challenging climate. Zaya, who turned to vegetable gardening after a car accident in 2006, exemplifies the positive impact of this initiative. The local nursery has also improved its menu, now serving creamy vegetable soups three times a week, a significant upgrade from the previous reliance on meat and potatoes.