SEHAT Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation
Awareness on Diet Crucial in Combating Lifestyle Diseases; Food Can Become Medicine with Right Approach
India faces a dual burden:
- Undernutrition/malnutrition
- Rising lifestyle & non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cancer.
In a significant initiative to reinforce the convergence of agriculture, nutrition, and public health, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) jointly launched “SEHAT – Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation”, a national mission-mode programme designed to translate agricultural advancements into tangible health outcomes for the people of India.
Key Objectives
- Strengthen convergence between:
- Agriculture
- Nutrition
- Public health
- Convert agricultural advancements into measurable health outcomes.
- Promote preventive and promotive healthcare.
- Address malnutrition and lifestyle diseases simultaneously.
Five Priority Pillars of SEHAT
| Priority Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Biofortified crops | Nutrient-rich crop varieties to combat malnutrition |
| Integrated farming systems | Dietary diversification + improved farmer income |
| Occupational health | Protection of agricultural workers |
| NCD prevention | Functional foods for diabetes, hypertension etc. |
| One Health preparedness | Human-animal-environment integrated surveillance |
