STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: “Consumption of organic food, return to oriental diet culture and avoiding preservatives are the key to nutritional health”.
This was the crux of the keynote address delivered by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh at the “Economic Times Nutriwell Conclave 2024”.
The Minister underlined the Government of India’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in nutrition. He outlined a multi-faceted approach to address India’s nutrition challenges, focusing on cutting-edge research, public-private partnerships, and sustainable practices to ensure long-term food and nutrition security.
Dr Jitendra Singh enunciated about the health concerns that India had to face during past decades. Mostly these were born out of undernutrition, he observed.
Dr Jitendra Singh further talked about the complex food culture in India. Earlier,depending on the particular region of India, the dietary patterns could be demarcated, but no longer so. For example, now South Indian dishes are being increasingly consumed even in North India and likewise North Indian dishes in South India, Northeast dishes in other parts of the country as well and added to this, Indians are simultaneously eating Italian pizza and Chinese noodles, he said.
Our Food Culture is evolving just as our society and nation are also in a stage of evolving at different levels, said the Minister.
Delving about the uniqueness of Indian fooding pattern and its impact on health, he mentioned how an Indian looks starkly different as compared to that of an European. Union Minister further outlined about the shifting disease pattern in the country. He mentioned the emergence of infectious diseases. Talking about the demographic situation in the country and given that India has a higher number of younger generations, he called for different sets of nutrition standards for different generations and age groups.
Among the initiatives underway at the Department of Science and Technology, the Union Minister highlighted the Young Scientist and Technologist Scheme (SYST) as a pivotal initiative in empowering innovators under the age of 35. By nurturing breakthrough solutions in nutrition, including the development of nutritional supplements and value-added food products for humans and animals, SYST aligns with India’s long-term health and nutrition objectives. Dr. Singh stressed that such programs cultivate a generation of problem-solvers equipped to combat malnutrition effectively.
He also spotlighted the National Speed Breeding Crop Facility at the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), which is advancing the development of climate-resilient, high-nutrient crop varieties through speed breeding technologies. This initiative is critical in addressing the impact of climate change on agriculture while meeting the nutritional needs of India’s growing population.
Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that such innovations ensure food security and sustainability, contributing significantly to the nation’s development goals. He also mentioned Reused Cooking Oil and how it can be a way forward for Biofuels and thereby, adding to the Circular Economy.
Emphasizing the importance of fostering partnerships, the Minister called for collaboration between public institutions, private enterprises, and research organizations to scale up innovations in nutrition. He underscored the need for robust support policies and funding mechanisms to advance scalable solutions like biofortified crops and value-added food products, ensuring their widespread adoption in India’s nutrition agenda.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted the necessity of a strong framework to ensure the safety and efficacy of nutritional products introduced into the market. A balanced regulatory environment would facilitate innovation while safeguarding public health and fostering growth in the nutritional product market.
The Minister further advocated for sustainable, climate-resilient food systems that promote locally grown, nutrient-dense foods as a means to enhance national nutrition outcomes. He urged the need to ensure that nutritional solutions are accessible, affordable and sustainable for all sections of society.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed the government’s resolve to drive India’s nutrition revolution through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. He expressed optimism that these concerted efforts would lead to a healthier and more nourished future for every Indian.