Union Health & Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda introduced the “SEHAT – Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation” program, aimed at translating agricultural progress into tangible health benefits for citizens. SEHAT, a joint effort of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), seeks to integrate agriculture, nutrition, and public health.
Nadda hailed SEHAT as a significant advancement in India’s public health strategy, moving from a reactive healthcare model to a proactive and holistic approach. The program focuses on key areas such as developing nutrient-rich crop varieties, promoting dietary diversity, addressing health risks among agricultural workers, and enhancing One Health preparedness.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the vital connection between agriculture and health, highlighting the importance of aligning food production with the health requirements of the population. Chouhan stressed the significance of promoting organic and sustainable farming practices to enhance citizen health.
Secretary, DHR & DG ICMR, Rajiv Bahl, pointed out the dual challenge of undernutrition and overnutrition in India, coupled with the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases. Bahl stressed the urgent need to align agricultural practices with public health goals, emphasizing the role of agriculture in driving nutrition and health outcomes.
