MEDICINES CANNOT make us resilient. But our lifestyle can. This wisdom is going to swell the demand for healthier and nutritious foods in this time of COVID-19, which requires us to urgently boost our immune systems and stay healthy. In India, which is a rich basket of nutrient-dense food crops, there has already been a growing demand for natural and organic food products. This is evident from the steep growth in the market share of natural and Ayurveda products of desi companies and a corresponding alignment to the trend by competing multinational companies. Aspirational consumers are going back to nature and natural products to live healthier and longer. A consumer survey by the World Economic Forum predicts that by 2030 India will no longer be an economy led by those in bottom of the wealth pyramid but by the middle-income class—some 80 per cent of the Indian households will be in a middle-income group (from about 50 per cent now) and drive 75 per cent of the consumer spending. Alongside, the government has also launched initiatives like “Eat Right India” and “Smart Food” to enhance the demand for healthier and nutritious foods.
We now need to ensure that these foods are safe, accessible and affordable to all, particularly to the vulnerable sections of society.
Empirical studies indicate that malnutrition contributes to most of the country’s child deaths as well as disability in adults. The Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) data further shows that overweight, obesity and even non-communicable diseases are no longer confined to the adult population. Saving the productive populations of the future requires a serious focus on nutrition.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Trade On Emissions
EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, a tariff on imports, is designed to protect European industries in the guise of climate action.
'The project will facilitate physical and cultural decimation of indigenous people'
The Great Nicobar Project has all the hallmarks of a disaster-seismic, ecological, human. Why did it get the go-ahead?
TASTE IT RED
Popularity of Karnataka's red jackfruit shows how biodiversity can be conserved by ensuring that communities benefit from it
MANY MYTHS OF CHIPKO
Misconceptions about the Chipko movement have overshadowed its true objectives.
The politics and economics of mpox
Africa's mpox epidemic stems from delayed responses, neglect of its health risks and the stark vaccine apartheid
Emerging risks
Even as the world gets set to eliminate substances threatening the ozone layer, climate change and space advancement pose new challenges.
JOINING THE CARBON CLUB
India's carbon market will soon be a reality, but will it fulfil its aim of reducing emissions? A report by PARTH KUMAR and MANAS AGRAWAL
Turn a new leaf
Scientists join hands to predict climate future of India's tropical forests
Festering troubles
The Democratic Republic of Congo struggles to contain mpox amid vaccine delays, conflict and fragile healthcare.
India sees unusual monsoon patterns
THE 2024 southwest monsoon has, between June 1 and September 1, led to excess rainfall in western and southern states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, while others like Nagaland, Manipur and Punjab recorded a deficit.