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Introduction

India today faces a dual nutritional challenge of persistent undernutrition on one hand and rapidly rising obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) on the other. This has exposed the limitations of calorie-focused ‘energy security’ approaches and highlighted the need for a broader shift towards ‘nutritional security’ through nutrient-rich agriculture and integrated public health interventions.

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Role of Bio-fortification

• Nutrient Enrichment: Bio-fortification improves micronutrient content in crops to address hidden hunger and dietary deficiencies.
  Eg: IARI developed zinc-enriched wheat, iron-rich pearl millet, and vitamin A-rich carrots.
• Affordable Access: It delivers nutrition through regular food crops without dependence on costly processed fortified foods.
  Eg: Bio-fortification avoids market pricing and production constraints affecting food fortification.
• Balanced Nutrition: Bio-fortified crops naturally provide multiple nutrients instead of isolated nutrient supplementation.
• Diet Diversity: Crop diversification through nutrient-rich varieties supports healthier and more diverse diets.
• Climate Resilience: Research combines nutrient-rich crops with climate resilience to secure future food systems.

Role of Multi-Sectoral Initiatives 

• Integrated Farming: SEHAT promotes integrated farming systems linking crops, livestock, fisheries, and horticulture for holistic nutrition.
• Health Linkage: The initiative connects agriculture directly with prevention of nutrition-related NCDs.
• Scientific Validation: It generates evidence-based assessment of health outcomes from bio-fortified crops.
  Eg: IARI partnered with ICMR to scientifically estimate health benefits of crops like pearl millet.
• One Health: SEHAT adopts a One Health framework integrating human, environmental, and agricultural wellbeing.
• Preventive Care: The initiative supports preventive healthcare through early detection and continuity of care against NCDs.

Way Forward

• Nutrition Policies: Shift public policy focus from calorie sufficiency towards balanced nutritional outcomes.
• Research Expansion: Strengthen agricultural and medical research collaboration for evidence-driven nutrition interventions.
  Eg: IARI–ICMR partnership under SEHAT provides a model for interdisciplinary coordination.
• Farmer Support: Promote bio-fortified crops through MSP incentives, extension services, and seed distribution.
  Eg: Government support can scale nutrient-rich varieties like iron-rich pearl millet.
• Public Awareness: Encourage healthier dietary behaviour through nutrition education and preventive healthcare campaigns.
• Food Diversity: Strengthen millet, pulses, fruits, and vegetable consumption through PDS and school nutrition schemes.
  Eg: POSHAN Abhiyaan promotes diversified and nutrition-sensitive food practices.

Conclusion

India’s nutrition transition demands integrating agriculture, healthcare, and scientific innovation to address both undernutrition and NCDs. Bio-fortification and initiatives like SEHAT can strengthen nutritional security, improve public health outcomes, and support the vision of a healthier Viksit Bharat.

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