Ensure access to Healthy Food for All; World Food Day Celebrations at Nauni

The World Food Day event held at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni highlighted the urgent need to make healthy food affordable and accessible to everyone. Experts at the event emphasized that nutritious food should not be limited to the privileged few.

The event was organized by the Department of Food Science and Technology in collaboration with the Food Tech Club, the All India Coordinated Research Project on Post Harvest Engineering and Technology and the Functional Food Association of India. University Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajeshwar Singh Chandel was the Chief Guest while Padma Shri awardee Nek Ram Sharma was the Guest of Honour and keynote speaker during the event.

In his address, Prof. Chandel pointed out the troubling trend of reduced millet cultivation alongside increased reliance on wheat and rice. He highlighted that the growing preference for shifted to high-input intensive crops with low-nutrition. Prof Chandel  said that many diseases are being associated with lifestyle and unhealthy food habits. He called for the development of more millet-based products to restore their market significance.

Nek Ram Sharma praised the department's initiatives and urged a critical look at current food habits, which contribute to many modern health issues. He advocated for a return to the basics and stated that nature was aiding in growing appropriate food according to needs in different seasons. He encouraged the youth especially agricultural graduates to learn more about millets and promote its cultivation and consumption.

Earlier, Dr. Rakesh Sharma, HoD Department of Food Science, welcomed the participants and provided context for World Food Day, designated by the United Nations on October 16. This year's theme, ‘Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future,’ underscores the paradox of food production and hunger, as 733 million people still face food insecurity due to climate shocks, conflict, economic challenges, and the ongoing pandemic, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

The department also introduced three new carbonated apple juice drinks as healthier alternatives to traditional soft drinks. The event included an ‘Eat Right Rally,’ where students raised awareness about healthy eating, along with a slogan writing and poster-making competition. Sejal Thakur won first prize for her poster, followed by Navya Sharma in second, and Akshita Thakur and Chhavi in third. In the slogan competition, Kritika Sharma secured first place, with Anvi Sood and Aaanya Sharma securing second and third positions respectively. An exhibition showcasing millets and various functional foods developed by students, incubatees and farmers was displayed.

The celebration was attended by Director of Research Dr. Sanjeev Chauhan, Dean Horticulture Dr. Manish Sharma, Director of Extension Education Dr. Inder Dev, progressive farmers, department heads, scientists, staff, and students, all contributing to a fruitful discussion on the future of food.