Mumbai: The Indian government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at promoting Ayurveda Aahara - traditional Ayurvedic dietary products - as a tool to support health-focused startups and tackle the growing burden of lifestyle diseases. The move, announced on World Food Day 2025 by the Ministry of Ayush in partnership with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), includes the release of a validated product list that offers regulatory clarity and market direction for entrepreneurs.
Union Minister of State (IC) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Prataprao Jadhav said the initiative is designed to “break the rising trend of diet- and lifestyle-related disorders” by encouraging preventive nutrition rooted in Ayurvedic principles. He added that the framework will help startups develop products that are both scientifically grounded and culturally relevant, creating new opportunities in the health food sector.
The product list, drawn from classical Ayurvedic texts and released under Category A, provides a formal reference for manufacturers and consumers, helping to standardise Ayurveda Aahara offerings. Officials say this will reduce ambiguity in the market and make it easier for new businesses to innovate without regulatory hurdles.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity now account for more than 70 per cent of global deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Many of these are linked to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles. Ayurveda Aahara, with its emphasis on balance, seasonality, and natural ingredients, is being positioned as a preventive approach to nutrition that could help reverse these trends.
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, said, “The growing global interest in Ayurveda-based food systems underscores India’s critical contribution to holistic nutrition. The Ayurveda Aahara framework, now strengthened by the definitive list, brings clarity to manufacturers and trust to consumers. We see this as a major boost for startups and innovation in the health food sector—where Ayurveda’s wisdom can help break the rising trend of diet- and lifestyle-related disorders that lead to non-communicable diseases.”
The Ministry hopes the framework will attract investment and encourage the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals that address NCDs. By aligning Ayurvedic principles with modern food safety standards, officials believe Ayurveda Aahara can become a credible and scalable solution for both domestic and international markets.
India’s broader goal is to position its traditional food systems - including the Indian Thali - as models of nutritional and ecological balance. As global interest in sustainable and health-conscious eating grows, the government is betting that Ayurveda Aahara can offer a compelling alternative that supports innovation while promoting long-term wellness.
No comments:
Post a Comment