New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of sustainable practices, innovation, and a return to organic and traditional diets during his keynote address at the Economic Times Nutriwell Conclave 2024. Highlighting the Government of India’s commitment to addressing nutritional challenges, Dr. Singh outlined a comprehensive strategy that includes cutting-edge research, public-private partnerships, and sustainable solutions to ensure food and nutrition security.
The Minister observed that India’s evolving food culture reflects its diverse and dynamic society. “Earlier, dietary patterns were distinct to regions, but today South Indian dishes are popular in the North, Northeast cuisines are enjoyed nationwide, and global foods like pizza and noodles have become part of daily consumption,” he noted. This evolution, he said, symbolizes the nation’s progress and its increasingly interconnected culinary landscape.
Dr. Singh stressed the need for nutrition standards tailored to India’s demographic profile, which skews younger compared to many other nations. He highlighted that younger generations require specific dietary solutions to meet their unique health needs, particularly as the country faces shifting disease patterns and increasing challenges related to undernutrition and emerging infectious diseases.
The Minister shared details of key initiatives spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology to address these challenges. The Young Scientist and Technologist Scheme (SYST) is fostering innovations in nutritional science by empowering researchers under the age of 35. These efforts include developing nutritional supplements and value-added food products for both humans and animals. Additionally, the National Speed Breeding Crop Facility at the National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) is advancing climate-resilient and nutrient-rich crop varieties to address the impact of climate change on agriculture while ensuring the nutritional needs of the population are met.
Dr. Singh also discussed the role of reused cooking oil in biofuel production as part of a circular economy approach, linking nutrition with sustainability. He emphasized the importance of promoting locally grown, nutrient-dense foods, which can enhance national nutrition outcomes while fostering environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Collaboration emerged as a central theme in his address, with Dr. Singh advocating for stronger partnerships between public institutions, private enterprises, and research organizations to scale up innovations. He also underscored the need for a balanced regulatory framework to ensure the safety and efficacy of nutritional products while facilitating their widespread adoption.
In his concluding remarks, the Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to revolutionize nutrition in India through a focus on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. “These efforts will pave the way for a healthier and more nourished future for every Indian,” he said.
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