India’s National Mission

“SEHAT – Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation”

INDEX:

What is SEHAT?

SEHAT = Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation

Launch of “SEHAT”

Union Ministers Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Shri J.P. Nadda Launch National Mission ‘SEHAT’ Integrating Agriculture and Health on May 11, 2026.

Launch of "SEHAT"

Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers, and Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development launched the national mission SEHAT — “Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation” today in New Delhi.

Shri J.P. Nadda stated that the initiative reflects the Government’s “whole-of-government” approach, integrating science, policy and implementation to build a healthier and self-reliant nation. He further underlined that Mission SEHAT, along with the Government’s “One Health” approach, will strengthen the integration of human, animal and environmental health systems, while promoting affordable, high-quality healthcare focused on prevention, early detection and continuum of care.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s foodgrain production has increased from 252 million tonnes to 357 million tonnes, and stated that the next national priority is to ensure nutritionally-rich and health-promoting food systems that can address both food security and public health challenges. He further stated that Mission “SEHAT“ marks a transformative convergence of agriculture, nutrition and health, wherein ICAR and ICMR will work together to scientifically validate bio-fortified crops, promote millet- and pulse-based nutrition systems, and develop economically viable, nutrition-sensitive agricultural models that benefit both farmers and consumers.

“SEHAT” A Joint Innitiative by ICAR & ICMR

A joint mission by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) aims to strengthen convergence between agricultural sciences and health research to address the emerging challenges of malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and nutrition insecurity through science-driven interventions and sustainable agricultural transformation.

A Joint Innitiative by ICAR & ICMR

Why “SEHAT” is Required?

India’s growing public health challenges, the country is simultaneously facing the dual burden of undernutrition and rapidly rising non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and obesity, all of which are closely linked to food systems, lifestyle and environmental factors. Scientifically validated, nutrition-sensitive agricultural solutions developed jointly by ICAR and ICMR can play a transformative role in improving national health outcomes.

Purpose or Objective of “SEHAT”

  • Aims to strengthen convergence between agricultural sciences and health research to address the emerging challenges of malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and nutrition insecurity through science-driven interventions and sustainable agricultural transformation.
  • Aimed at shifting India’s healthcare approach from reactive treatment to preventive and evidence-based wellness.
  • To strengthen the network between agriculture, nutrition, and health through science-led innovation.
  • Linking Agricultural to Health & Nutrition Outcomes
  • It’s Beyond food security i.e. Feeding a Nation – Nourishing a Future
  • Healthy Soil – Healthy Food – Healthy People

5 Priority Areas of “SEHAT”

5 Priority Areas of "SEHAT"
  1. Biofortified Crops for Nutritional Sufficiency
  2. Agricultural Interventions to control NCDs
  3. Integrated Farming Systems for Advancing Health
  4. Occupational Health of Agricultural Workers
  5. Strengthing the National One Health Mission

The mission focuses on five priority areas of national significance, including the development and evaluation of biofortified and nutrient-dense crop varieties to address malnutrition and improve nutritional status; strengthening integrated farming systems to promote dietary diversification, enhance farm incomes, and build resilience; addressing occupational health risks among agricultural workers through targeted, evidence-based interventions; advancing agriculture-enabled strategies for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases through the promotion of functional foods and nutritionally superior crop varieties; and strengthening One Health preparedness through integrated surveillance, diagnostics, and research at the human–animal–environment interface.

Conclusion

The launch of “SEHAT“ marks an important step towards adopting an integrated approach to health by leveraging agricultural transformation as a key determinant of public health outcomes.

Reference:

  1. ICAR – https://icar.org.in/en
  2. ICMR –https://www.icmr.gov.in
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._P._Nadda
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shivraj_Singh_Chouhan

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