Andhra Schools May Add Food Habit Lessons to Syllabus
In an effort to promote a healthier lifestyle among future generations, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has proposed introducing food habit education into the school curriculum. The announcement came during a presentation on district-wise health reports at the Secretariat on Monday, where the CM emphasized the role of diet and lifestyle in ensuring a “healthy, wealthy, and happy Andhra.”
Focus on Millets, Unpolished Rice, and Lifestyle Changes
As part of the initiative, Naidu recommended the inclusion of millets and unpolished rice in daily diets. He also highlighted the importance of reducing refined food consumption, stating that small changes can make a significant difference in long-term health.
“One can easily be healthy by changing food habits and lifestyle,” said the CM. He encouraged practices like yoga, meditation, and a 30-minute daily walk to reduce stress and improve mental and physical well-being.
Salt, Sugar, and Oil Intake Guidelines
To guide families toward healthier consumption, Naidu recommended specific limits:
- Salt: Not more than 600 grams per month for a family of four
- Cooking Oil: Limited to 2 litres per month
- Sugar: Capped at 3 kilograms per month
He stated that reducing salt intake alone could lower the risk of heart attacks by 40%.
Nutriful App and Public Health Integration
The CM also promoted the Nutriful app, developed by the NTR Trust, which provides customized diet plans and already has four lakh users. He said that Andhra Pradesh is leading in implementing Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Accounts, with nearly 88% of the population enrolled.
Call for Natural Farming and Agricultural Reforms
In his speech, Naidu raised concerns about excessive pesticide use, urging farmers to adopt natural farming methods. Drawing a comparison with Punjab, he warned about health risks associated with chemical farming and highlighted Andhra’s push for safer agricultural practices.
Learning from Other States
Naidu referenced several positive health initiatives from other states:
- Kerala: Introduced sugar-free school meals
- Tamil Nadu: Supplies free glucose test strips through ration shops
These examples were cited as inspiration for Andhra Pradesh’s upcoming public health policies and school curriculum updates.
Health and Demographic Concerns
Naidu also touched on broader public health issues such as an ageing population and urged couples to consider having more children to ensure demographic balance. His overall message emphasized preventive healthcare through awareness, education, and lifestyle improvements.
With this move, Andhra Pradesh could become one of the first states in India to institutionalize food awareness and healthy habits through school education, potentially shaping the dietary patterns of millions of students from an early age.
