 "Seeds of prosperity: India's way to food security, nutritious diet and wellness")
Food security encompasses more than just the availability of food; it also includes the accessibility, utilisation, and stability of safe and nutritious food necessary for an active and healthy life. In this context, agriculture plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the food produced is not only abundant but also safe, free from contaminants, and nutritionally adequate.
Sustainable agricultural practices are crucial in maintaining soil health, reducing the use of harmful pesticides, and minimising environmental impact, thus promoting the health of both people and the planet. Safe food contributes to better health outcomes, reducing the burden of malnutrition and foodborne illnesses.
Furthermore, healthy agricultural systems support biodiversity, conserve natural resources, and build resilience against climate change, ultimately fostering a secure and sustainable food system. By prioritising safe and healthy food production, agriculture can help achieve a balanced ecosystem, a thriving agricultural sector, and a nourished population, contributing to the overall goal of food security for all.
Agriculture and human health
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the leading cause of global disease is the consumption of non-nutritious food combined with inadequate food intake, which weakens immunity and makes individuals more susceptible to other illnesses. The Green Revolution of the 1970s brought significant changes to the agricultural sector, replacing traditional tools with mechanisation and dramatically boosting productivity. Despite the country’s achievement in food self-sufficiency post-independence and substantial growth in food grain production, a significant portion of the population, especially women and children, still suffers from malnutrition.
Concurrently, the excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, while increasing yields, has degraded soil fertility and posed serious health risks. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that 4 billion metric tonnes of pesticides are used globally each year, and the agriculture sector contributes to 12 billion kilograms of plastic waste annually. Unregulated and excessive pesticide use has long-term health impacts, causing around 400 million cases of non-fatal pesticide poisoning and 11,000 deaths annually worldwide.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe WHO and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) regularly evaluate the health impacts of pesticides, and in 2014, they jointly developed the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management. The European Environment Agency highlights that pesticides can enter the human body directly through food. In India, food regulators have recommended measures to mitigate the harmful effects of pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. Excessive pesticide application and improper storage practices pose serious risks to human health and the environment. To promote bio-pesticides as safer alternatives, training programs under the Integrated Pest Management Scheme are being conducted through farmer field schools and human resource development programs, and the availability of bio-pesticides like Trichoderma, Metarhizium, and Beauveria is being ensured in both central and state laboratories.
The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC), established in 1970 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, advises the government on pesticide-related issues. The Insecticides Act of 1968 regulates the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution, and use of pesticides in the country, with the Insecticides Laboratory in Ghaziabad, set up in 1981, conducting analysis and determining the efficacy and toxicity of these substances. Organic manure is promoted as an eco-friendly alternative to the widespread use of chemical fertilisers. Under the Prime Minister Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM) scheme, launched in June 2023 by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, states and union territories receive 50 per cent of the subsidy for reduced chemical fertiliser use as a grant, incentivising a shift towards sustainable farming practices.
Organic agriculture
India ranks first globally in terms of the total number of organic farmers, yet it remains in ninth place when it comes to the total area under organic farming. Sikkim stands as the first state in the world to adopt 100 per cent organic agriculture. To promote environmentally friendly agriculture across the country, the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD) Programme for the North Eastern Region were launched in 2015. The PKVY sub-scheme has been implemented since 2019-20 under the Indian Natural Farming System (BPKP).
Through this initiative, 4.09 lakh hectares of land have been converted to natural farming, promoting the use of organic seeds, manure, and chemical-free agriculture. As a result, food reaching people’s plates is being freed from harmful chemicals. Under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, farmers receive assistance of ₹50,000 per hectare over three years, of which ₹31,000 (62 per cent) is provided directly to farmers via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer). Beneficiary farmers use this support to produce bio-fertilizers, biopesticides, vermicompost, and vegetable extracts.
Natural farming practices require less water, and several state governments have made significant progress in this direction. Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are leading states in this movement. Dang district in Gujarat has become a completely natural farming district, with 4,32,000 farmers currently practicing organic farming. The state government has trained 12,36,000 farmers in natural farming to date.
To support cow-based natural farming, the state government provides ₹900 per month to 1,86,000 farmers for cow rearing. In addition to Dang, districts like Devbhoomi Dwarka, Narmada, Gir Somnath, and Anand have a relatively high number of organic farmers. The Government of Chhattisgarh has also implemented the National Scheme BPKP, taking the lead in improving organic farming. In 2019, the total area under organic farming in Chhattisgarh was 71,000 hectares, though the net percentage area under organic farming was only 1.5 per cent.
The ‘Natural Farming Happy Farmer’ scheme has been in operation in Himachal Pradesh since 2018. Under this scheme, the state government has implemented the ‘Subhash Palekar Natural Farming’ method to reduce the use of chemicals in agro-horticulture. With an initial financial provision of ₹25 crores, this scheme has helped lower cultivation costs, provided new income opportunities, and mitigated the adverse effects of chemical farming on human health and the environment, thereby contributing to the overall welfare and prosperity of farmers and horticulturists. Six years on, the ‘Natural Farming Happy Farmer’ scheme has shown promising results.
Promotion of medicinal farming
Medicinal farming plays a crucial role in the journey from health to prosperity. The Ministry of AYUSH, in collaboration with the National Medicinal Plants Board and state units, is actively promoting medicinal farming. This initiative not only provides farmers with new sources of income but also supplies local communities with products like amla, ashwagandha, tulsi, neem, cinnamon, giloy, and black pepper, which are widely used as Ayurvedic remedies and spices in daily life. India, the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally, enhances both the nutritional well-being of its people and generates employment through this sector.
On August 9, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved an allocation of ₹1765.67 crore for the Clean Plant Program (CPP). This program, led by the National Horticulture Board in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, aims to improve the quality and productivity of fruits by establishing nine world-class clean plant centers across the country. These centers will focus on developing disease-free plant species and techniques suited to India’s diverse agro-climatic conditions. The CPP will also support the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), launched in 2014-15, and is aligned with the Environment-Friendly Lifestyle (LiFE) Mission.
In Uttarakhand, farmers are cultivating the Bedu, or Himalayan fig, on a large scale. Rich in various minerals and nutrients, this fruit not only offers farmers new income opportunities but also provides significant health benefits to consumers, protecting them from various ailments. With support from the Pithoragarh district administration, dried Bedu fruit is being exported to the global market, gaining international recognition as a prized mountain fig.
Preservation of fruits and vegetables
The food preservation process allows food items to be stored for extended periods without altering their quality or causing them to spoil. Often, fresh fruits and vegetables begin to deteriorate in the field due to inadequate management. In such cases, preservation becomes essential to keep these items edible. This not only helps farmers prevent crop wastage but also ensures a steady supply of food during off-seasons or times of low production. Dehydration and drying are the most popular and cost-effective methods for preserving foods. By reducing the moisture content in fruits and vegetables to a level that inhibits the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, this method also decreases the volume of food, making storage easier. Moreover, with the reduction in moisture, the concentration of carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and other nutrients in dried food items increases, enhancing their nutritional value.
Increasing demand for biofortified food grains
Nutritious food is essential for the healthy development of human beings as it supports metabolic functions and enhances the body’s ability to fight diseases. However, traditional staples like rice and wheat often lack certain vital nutrients, vitamins, and proteins. As a result, despite adequate food intake, there can still be a deficiency of essential nutrients in the body. To address this issue, biofortification is used to enrich food crops with additional nutrients. So far more than 100 biofortified varieties of crops have been released by Indian Council of Agricultural Research. For example, the rice variety CR Dhan 310, recommended for Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, contains 10.3 per cent protein compared to 7-8 per cent in other common varieties.
Another approach to enhancing nutritional content involves the external addition of nutrients to food, a process approved by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Fortified rice, wheat flour, milk, oil, and salt are now being distributed through the Public Distribution System, significantly aiding in the fight against malnutrition. Fortified wheat flour, enriched with folic acid, iron, and vitamin B-12, helps combat health issues like anaemia. As the world’s second-largest producer of rice, India can benefit greatly from rice fortification, providing nutritious food to a large portion of the population. Iodized fortified salt plays a crucial role in addressing iodine and iron deficiencies, with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) contributing significantly to the development of Double Fortified Salt (DFS) by providing technology and quality control support to manufacturers.
Every year, approximately 9 million pregnant women and 8 million newborns in India are at risk of iodine deficiency. Nutritional security depends not only on the physical availability of food but also on its economic accessibility. Many in the country cannot afford the necessary nutrients due to limited purchasing power. Fruits and vegetables are vital sources of proteins, salts, and vitamins, making the production of horticultural crops crucial for ensuring the availability of nutritious foods.
Nutrition-rich Shri Anna
Coarse grains play a significant role in the country’s food system. However, over the past few decades, they have gradually vanished from the common man’s diet. Thanks to initiatives by the Central and state governments, interest in coarse grains has been revived. These grains are highly nutritious and serve as a valuable source of protein. They not only offer diverse culinary options but also help combat malnutrition. Being gluten-free, they are suitable for individuals with celiac disease, and their low glycemic index aids in diabetes prevention. Rich in iron, zinc, calcium, and other minerals, the country produced 17.32 million tonnes of coarse grains during 2022-23. To position India as a global hub for coarse grains, the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) in Hyderabad has been designated as a centre of excellence, promoting best practices and research at both national and international levels.
Home garden becomes nutrition garden
Women play a crucial role in food production in developing countries and are key to ensuring the nutritional security of their families while managing social responsibilities. Promoting the cultivation of fruits and vegetables in home gardens can be an effective way to provide fresh produce at minimal cost. A study by the Central Arid Zone Research Institute highlights that the success of home gardens depends on choosing suitable plant species, preparing the area, considering climatic conditions, and utilizing available resources effectively. Vegetables from the Solanaceae family (such as tomatoes, eggplant, and chili peppers), Cucurbitaceae family (including pumpkin, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, parwal, cucumber, and muskmelon), Leguminaceae family (like peas, beans, and cowpea), and Cruciferae family (such as cabbage and cauliflower) can be easily grown in home gardens using vacant spaces around houses. To support this, the Poshan Abhiyaan (formerly National Nutrition Mission), launched in 2018, has established around 4 lakh nutrition gardens across the country to promote dietary diversity and the consumption of locally grown nutritious produce. Additionally, under the Deendayal Antyodaya National Rural Livelihood Mission, women in Self Help Groups receive training to develop and manage these nutrition gardens.
Better health from clean fuel
Indoor air pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues globally. According to a World Health Organization report, it is responsible for the deaths of 3.2 million people annually, including 237,000 children under the age of five. In rural areas, the use of traditional fuels like wood, dung, crop residue, and charcoal has contributed to numerous respiratory and lung-related illnesses. Developing and promoting clean fuel alternatives is crucial not only for the health of women and children but also for the environment.
The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), launched on May 1, 2016, has significantly addressed these fuel-related health concerns in rural India. As of January 31, 2024, over 10.15 crore LPG connections have been distributed across the country, revolutionizing traditional cooking methods. LPG, as a cleaner fuel, not only reduces cooking time, allowing women to engage in other livelihood activities, but also minimizes deforestation and environmental degradation. Additionally, LPG is safer than conventional fuels, with a lower risk of accidental burns and injuries.
Jakariyapura village in Gujarat’s Anand district has emerged as a model for small-scale biogas plants, an initiative led by the National Dairy Development Board. Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana and Gobardhan Yojana aim to provide farmers with new income sources while supplying clean fuel to rural households, thus positively impacting health. The Union Budget 2023-24 includes plans to establish 500 new ‘waste to wealth’ plants under the Gobardhan initiative, including 200 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants, promoting a circular economy. Financial assistance is being provided for biomass collection and bio-compost distribution, and GST exemptions on compressed biogas have been introduced to prevent tax cascading on blended natural gas.
In the remote village of Vardada, located in Kumbhalgarh tehsil of Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district, the introduction of solar-powered vaccine storage equipment has transformed the local healthcare landscape. The village, home to the Gamti, Kharwara, and Desana tribes, previously relied on distant district health centers for routine vaccinations, leaving many without timely immunization due to a lack of awareness and education. Health workers, such as ANMs and ASHAs, faced long delays in obtaining vaccines. However, the installation of solar-powered cold-chain equipment has ensured the safe storage of vaccines and streamlined the vaccination campaign at the Primary Health Center in Vadodara.
India, with its geographical diversity, relies heavily on primary health centers as the backbone of its healthcare system. Yet, irregular electricity supply often poses a significant challenge. Solar energy is helping bridge this gap by providing reliable power for rural healthcare, ensuring the uninterrupted refrigeration necessary for vaccine preservation in areas with limited or unstable electricity.
Maintaining food security is essential for public health. However, the increasing use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides has introduced various toxins, contaminants, and adulterants into the food chain. In this context, promoting environmentally friendly, natural, and pure agricultural practices is crucial for steering the nation towards health and prosperity.
Diet discipline
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released the updated Dietary Guidelines for Indians as the Dietary Directory 2024, aligning with traditional food habits. Developed by researchers and nutritionists at the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) in Hyderabad, this comprehensive food guide emphasizes the importance of physical activity and regular exercise. It advises limiting the consumption of salt, high-fat foods, sugar, and highly processed items while promoting measures to prevent abdominal obesity, overweight, and overall obesity. The guidelines have been crafted with consideration for India’s diverse geographical and climatic conditions, as well as the country’s cultural specificities. In recent years, non-communicable and lifestyle diseases have posed significant health challenges due to poor dietary habits, leading to issues such as stunting, anemia, and obesity. The guidelines aim to balance individual dietary needs with family and community traditions.
The guidelines consist of 17 key recommendations:
1. Consume a balanced diet.
2. Increase nutrient intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding: During the first six months of breastfeeding, the diet should include at least 600 additional calories and 13.6 grams of protein daily.
3. Exclusively breastfeed infants for the first six months: Continue breastfeeding for at least two years or more.
4. Introduce homemade semi-solid supplements after 4-6 months.
5. Ensure adequate nutrition for healthy and sick children and adolescents.
6. Include sufficient vegetables and legumes in the diet: The guide specifically highlights the benefits of microgreens, which are harvested at the early germination stage of crops and vegetables.
7. Moderate the use of oil and fat: Choose a variety of oilseeds and nuts to meet daily requirements of fats and essential fatty acids.
8. Obtain protein from a balanced diet: Avoid protein supplements for muscle building; focus on getting protein and essential amino acids from natural sources.
9. Adopt a healthy lifestyle to prevent obesity: This includes measures to reduce abdominal obesity, overweight, and overall obesity.
10. Stay physically active and exercise regularly.
11. Limit salt intake.
12. Consume safe and clean food.
13. Use proper cooking and serving methods: High cooking temperatures can destroy nutrients, and excessive washing of rice and lentils can diminish their nutritional value.
14. Stay hydrated: Water constitutes 70 per cent of body weight; an average person should drink at least two liters of water daily.
15. Reduce consumption of highly processed foods and foods high in fat, sugar, and salt: Such foods contribute to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
16. Ensure adequate nutrition for senior citizens: According to the 2011 census, seniors constitute 8.6 per cent of the population, projected to reach 20 per cent by 2050. Hence, policies for their health need prioritization.
17. Read food labels: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates food quality. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides ISI marks for water bottles and certain processed foods, while Agmark and certifications for organic and fortified food grains indicate quality.
These guidelines are designed to promote health and well-being, considering the unique dietary needs of individuals across various stages of life.
The author is a public policy expert. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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