Farming is medicine: Farmers need to look at agriculture in the context of health

Speaking at the India Today Group's Kisan Tak Bharat Agriculture Conference 2026, Dr Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, highlighted the need to view agriculture as an essential part of human life.Dr Mangi Lal Jat speaks at the Kisan Tak Conclave in New Delhi. (Photo: India Today)New Delhi,Nov 11, 2026 14:03 ISTAgriculture must no longer be viewed merely as a means of producing food. It needs to be understood as a critical pillar of human health, with farmers playing a direct role in determining the quality of nutrition and well-being of millions of people, experts said at the Kisan Tak India Agriculture Conference.Making a case for a shift in India's agricultural priorities, Dr Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, said farming must evolve from a production-centric model to a market-driven agro-food system that places health, nutrition, soil quality and value chains at its centre."Food is medicine, and we need to look at agriculture in that context," Dr Lal said, highlighting the need to connect agricultural research with public health outcomes. Union Minister JP Nadda during the launch of the SEHAT mission. (Photo: PTI) The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched a new programme called SEHAT – Science Excellence for Health through Agriculture Transformation – to strengthen this connection between agriculture and human health. The initiative aims to encourage a broader understanding of farming, where farmers are not simply producing crops but contributing to the health of people through the food they grow.For this transformation, soil health will have to remain fundamental. The speaker also referred to the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, an initiative that has focused attention on soil health, excessive fertiliser use and the impact of climate phenomena such as El Nino on agriculture. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan during the launch of the nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan'. (Photo: PTI) FARMERS MUST BECOME PARTNERS IN RESEARCHThe ICAR Director General stressed that agricultural research cannot remain confined to laboratories and institutions. Scientists must engage directly with farmers to understand their problems and develop solutions that respond to ground realities."We received over 500 researchable issues from farmers and initiated double-loop farming," Dr Lal said, emphasising that farmers themselves are scientists who often develop innovative solutions through experience.Agricultural research must increasingly be driven by farmers' feedback and demand, particularly as digital technologies reshape the sector. Strengthening the agricultural data ecosystem will require closer collaboration between researchers and farming communities. Farmers are seen working together in a soybean field. (Photo: PTI) FROM PRODUCTION TO VALUE CHAINSIndia's agricultural landscape has changed significantly since the Green Revolution. Foodgrain production has more than doubled since that period, reflecting improvements in agricultural policies, technology and farmers' contributions.However, the next phase requires moving beyond simply increasing production.The focus must shift towards agro-food systems, market linkages and value-chain agriculture, ensuring farmers benefit from the entire journey of food production and distribution. Dr Mangi Lal Jat is seen during a session at the Kisan Tak Agriculture Conference in New Delhi. (Photo: India Today) Climate change also demands a broader approach. Its effects do not stop at individual farm boundaries, making landscape-level planning and cooperation essential.The message from the conference was clear: the future of farming will depend not just on how much food India produces, but also on how that food nourishes people, sustains soil and protects livelihoods.- Ends