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

11 May 2026, New Delhi

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.

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.

Shri J.P. Nadda stated that Mission SEHAT represents a transformative convergence of agriculture, nutrition and public health, aimed at shifting India’s healthcare approach from reactive treatment to preventive and evidence-based wellness. He emphasized that the initiative reflects the Government’s “whole-of-government” approach, integrating science, policy and implementation to build a healthier and self-reliant nation.

Highlighting India’s growing public health challenges, Shri Nadda stated that 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. He stressed that scientifically validated, nutrition-sensitive agricultural solutions developed jointly by ICAR and ICMR can play a transformative role in improving national health outcomes.

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.

Highlighting the importance of integrated farming systems, Shri Chouhan stated that diversified agriculture involving crops, horticulture, livestock, fisheries and beekeeping can simultaneously enhance farmers’ incomes, improve household nutrition and strengthen sustainable rural livelihoods.

Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR; and Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research also graced the occasion.

Dr Bahl stated that agriculture and health can no longer function in isolation, and that Mission SEHAT marks a transformative step towards integrating scientific agriculture, nutrition and public health to address both undernutrition and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.

He further emphasized that the future of healthcare begins with what people grow and consume, adding that through Mission SEHAT, ICAR and ICMR will jointly develop evidence-based agricultural innovations aimed at promoting better nutrition, healthier lifestyles and long-term national well-being.

Dr Jat highlighted that ICAR has developed and released more than 203 bio-fortified crop varieties over the last decade, covering cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables, and emphasized that Mission SEHAT will help generate robust scientific and clinical evidence to validate their direct impact on human health and nutrition outcomes.

He further stated that Mission SEHAT represents a first-of-its-kind convergence of agriculture, health and nutrition systems, bringing together multiple ministries and scientific institutions to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture and advance the “One Health” approach for sustainable public health and farmer well-being.

The event brought together senior policymakers, scientists, researchers and stakeholders from the agriculture and health sectors to deliberate on the role of integrated research and inter-sectoral collaboration in improving public health outcomes and building resilient food systems.

On the occasion, a compendium titled “Biofortified Crop Varieties: Sustainable Way to Alleviate Malnutrition” was released, showcasing India’s advancements in the development and dissemination of nutrient-rich crop varieties aimed at combating hidden hunger and improving nutritional security.

The programme also featured short films on crop biofortification research and the SEHAT mission, highlighting scientific innovations and collaborative initiatives promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

The SEHAT mission envisions establishing a robust framework for interdisciplinary collaboration between the agriculture and health sectors through the integration of agricultural innovation, nutrition research and public health strategies. The initiative is expected to accelerate research-led solutions for enhancing nutritional security, promoting healthy diets and advancing sustainable development goals.

Earlier, Dr D.K. Yadava, Deputy Director General, (Crop Science) ICAR delivered the welcome address while Ms Anu Nagar, Additional Secretary, Department of Health Research proposed the formal vote of thanks.

All senior officials from ICMR and ICAR were present during the launch.