Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Indian Farm Scientists Urged to Focus on Nutrient-Rich Traditional Crops
Scientists in India are being asked to focus their research on old, often overlooked, crops that are packed with important nutrients.
The goal is to make sure everyone in India has access to healthy food and to help farmers earn more money.
These traditional crops can also help farms deal with changing weather.
Experts mentioned that people are eating more fruits and vegetables than before.
The government is also supporting initiatives to protect different types of seeds and develop better ones.
This effort aims to make India's farming system work together better, like a team, to ensure good food for everyone.
Farm scientists are directed to prioritize research on nutrient-dense, traditional crops.
The focus aims to strengthen local food systems and improve public health.
Collaboration between agricultural and medical research councils is highlighted for nutritional studies.
Traditional crops are seen as key to achieving nutritional security and climate resilience.
The horticulture sector is noted for its growing role in India's nutritional security, with increased fruit and vegetable consumption.
- Who
- Farm scientists in India, led by ML Jat (Director General of ICAR)
- What
- Urged to focus research and development on nutrient-dense, underutilised, and traditional crops to strengthen food systems and improve public health.
- When
- At the 11th Indian Horticulture Congress
- Where
- India
- Why
- To achieve nutritional security, improve public health outcomes, increase farmer income, and enhance climate resilience.
- Event
- 11th Indian Horticulture Congress
- Keynote Speaker
- ML Jat, Director General of ICAR
- Focus Areas
- Nutrient-dense, underutilised and traditional crops, bio-fortification, harnessing biodiversity, bio-based inputs
- Collaboration Highlighted
- ICAR and ICMR for translational studies on bio-fortified crops
- Horticulture Trend
- Increased fruit and vegetable consumption per capita
- Publication Date
- November 6, 2025