ICMR, ICAR Launch SEHAT Initiative

The Indian Council of Medical Research and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research launched SEHAT, or Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation, on 11 May 2026 in New Delhi. SEHAT is a national mission-mode programme that links agricultural research with health outcomes in India.

SEHAT Initiative

SEHAT is designed as a joint programme of ICMR and ICAR for convergence between agriculture, nutrition, and public health. The initiative is associated with the shift from curative healthcare to preventive healthcare in India.

Key Focus Areas

The programme gives priority to biofortified crops, integrated farming systems, occupational health of agricultural workers, and One Health preparedness. It also addresses malnutrition and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.

Biofortification and Clinical Validation

ICAR has developed 203 biofortified crop varieties, and these varieties are to undergo clinical trial validation with ICMR’s involvement. Biofortification is the process of increasing the nutrient content of crops through breeding or other agricultural methods.

Important Facts for Exams

• ICMR stands for the Indian Council of Medical Research, and ICAR stands for the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
• One Health is an approach that links human health, animal health, and environmental health.
• Biofortified crops are used to improve the micronutrient content of staple foods.
• Integrated farming systems combine crops, livestock, fisheries, and allied activities on the same farm.

Public Health Context

India faces a dual burden of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases in public health planning. SEHAT is structured as a whole-of-government and whole-of-system programme for science-based implementation.