India Marks World Food Day 2025 by Showcasing Ayurveda Aahara as a Global Model for Sustainable Nutrition

As the world celebrates World Food Day 2025 under the theme "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future," India has reaffirmed its commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable planet through its unique food philosophy — Ayurveda Aahara, a holistic approach to nourishment that blends ancient wisdom with modern science.

In an announcement that marks a milestone in the evolution of India's traditional food systems, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in consultation with the Ministry of Ayush, has released the first definitive list of Ayurveda Aahara products under Category A. This list serves as a comprehensive reference framework for authentic Ayurvedic dietary formulations, based on authoritative classical texts.

The step is expected to provide regulatory clarity, industry guidance, and global confidence in Ayurveda-inspired foods — strengthening India's role as a global leader in holistic nutrition and wellness.

Ayurveda Aahara: Food as Medicine, and Medicine as Food

At the heart of Ayurveda Aahara lies the belief that food is the foundation of life and health. It emphasizes balance — between body and mind, between individuals and nature, and between nourishment and sustainability.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, said:

"This year's World Food Day theme resonates deeply with India's traditional wisdom. Ayurveda Aahara is not merely food — it is a philosophy that unites health, sustainability, and compassion for nature. Through our collaboration with FSSAI, we aim to make Ayurveda Aahara an integral part of global nutrition, ensuring that better foods lead to a better, disease-free future."

The Ayurveda Aahara framework integrates time-tested dietary principles with scientific standards of safety, quality, and labeling, enabling the global food industry to align with India's ancient wellness ethos.

FSSAI and Ayush Collaboration: Merging Tradition with Science

The Ayurveda Aahara regulations, notified earlier by FSSAI, have already set new benchmarks for bridging the gap between traditional health systems and modern food laws. The release of the Category A product list now offers specific references for validated preparations such as Ayush-approved dietary formulations, herbal mixes, and natural health supplements.

This clarity is expected to benefit Ayurveda-based startups, nutraceutical innovators, and food entrepreneurs, encouraging responsible innovation while ensuring consumer trust.

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."

He noted that the joint initiative aligns with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision — promoting preventive health, sustainable diets, and self-reliance in the wellness economy.

From Tradition to Global Transformation

Experts from academic and research institutions welcomed the move as a landmark step in institutionalizing India's traditional dietary knowledge.

Professor Anupam Srivastava, from the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Jaipur, explained that the initiative represents a major policy shift:

"By integrating Ayurvedic dietary principles into mainstream nutrition policy, India is showing the world how traditional knowledge can guide sustainable and mindful eating practices. The collaboration between Ayush and FSSAI exemplifies working 'hand in hand' for better foods and a better future."

The Ministry of Ayush and FSSAI have also been working closely to develop scientific validation frameworks for Ayurvedic foods, ensuring standardization while preserving authenticity. This includes initiatives such as:

• Creating a national repository of Ayurveda Aahara formulations based on classical literature.

• Supporting clinical research to study the nutritional impact of Ayurvedic diets.

• Developing traceability systems to promote transparency in sourcing and manufacturing.

• Encouraging international standardization to facilitate exports of Ayurveda-based health foods.

Ayurveda Aahara: India's Blueprint for Global Wellness

India's traditional food systems — symbolized by the diverse Indian Thali — are increasingly being recognized by global health and environmental experts for their nutritional balance and ecological sustainability. Ayurveda Aahara principles promote seasonal eating, local sourcing, mindful portioning, and balanced food combinations, creating harmony between nourishment and nature.

The framework's emphasis on Ahara (food) as a determinant of Ojas (vitality) aligns with modern science's understanding of nutrition, metabolism, and immunity. This synergy of ancient insight and scientific validation is positioning India as a thought leader in the global dialogue on sustainable diets.

A Response to Global Health Challenges

With lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension on the rise globally, Ayurveda Aahara provides a holistic alternative rooted in prevention rather than cure. The approach encourages people to adopt Sattvik (pure and balanced) eating habits, prioritize fresh, minimally processed foods, and understand their own body constitution (Prakriti) to tailor nutrition accordingly.

The initiative also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).

India's Food Wisdom, the World's Future

As the world works to redefine its relationship with food in the face of climate change, supply chain disruptions, and growing health concerns, India's Ayurveda Aahara offers a timeless yet timely model for resilience and balance.

By blending ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern nutrition science, the initiative demonstrates that traditional knowledge is not just heritage — it is a solution for the future.

The Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with FSSAI and other partners, continues to champion this cause through policy integration, public awareness, and global outreach. Together, they aim to make Ayurveda Aahara synonymous with nourishment, sustainability, and holistic well-being — for India and the world.

"India stands as a beacon of balance," the Ministry noted in its statement. "Through Ayurveda Aahara, we are showing that food can heal, sustain, and unite humanity with nature."