IARI and SML Limited Collaborate to Address Malnutrition and Soil Health Crisis at World Nutrition Day Seminar

Anaemia prevalence among children under five years is 70% and among women it is over 55% in a recently concluded national study. The loss due to micronutrient deficiency costs India 1 percent of its GDP.

This amounts to a loss of Rs. 28,000 crore per annum in terms of productivity, illness, increased health care costs and death. In a bid to tackle the pressing issues of deteriorating soil health, climate change, and their impact on global agriculture and human health the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has joined forces with SML Limited (formerly known as Sulphur Mills Limited) to organize a seminar on "From Balanced Nutrition in the Farms to Nutritious Food for All."

The event took place on May 29, 2023, from 3 pm to 5 pm, at the Seminar Hall in the Division of Agronomy, IARI, Pusa, New Delhi. The event shed light on the critical concerns of malnutrition and deficiencies in the population. With the theme aligning perfectly with World Nutrition Day, experts and stakeholders from various fields were gathered to discuss and propose effective strategies for ensuring nutritious food accessible to all.

The event commenced with the Joint Director IARI, Dr Rajbir Singh gracing the occasion with his presence along with the other eminent panelists for the discussion such as Dr M Mohanty, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Dr Y S Shivay, Principal Scientist, IARI, Komal Shah Bhukkanwala, Director R&D and IP, SML Limited, Dr R S Bana, Sr. Scientist, IARI, Deepti Gulati, Industry Chair Professor: Nutraceuticals & Fortification, NIFTEM, and Dr Soumitra Das, Director, South Asia-International Zinc Association. The event was also graced by the presence of Mr. Krishan bir Chaudhary, president of Bhartiya Krishak Samaj.

The seminar served as a platform for renowned panelists from the agricultural and nutrition sectors to come together and exchange knowledge, experiences, and ideas. Also, they shared valuable insights on sustainable farming practices, resilient crop varieties, soil health management, and climate-smart agricultural techniques that can contribute to enhancing both the nutritional value and the yield of crops.

In conclusion, the seminar brought out importance of addressing the critical need for balanced nutrition right from the farm so that it is available to end consumer of the produce both Humans and animals. This forum promises to be a significant gathering of minds dedicated to addressing the critical issues of malnutrition and deficiencies in the context of deteriorating soil health and climate change. SML believes that the country’s health and productivity can be enhanced by adopting these advanced technology products like Fertis & Techno Z which will not only benefit farmer yield and income but will provide nutritious food, which is a must for the health of the nation long term.