India is a wellness nation: Minister of State Tourism

The launch edition of Krishi India 2018 expo and the second edition of Wellness India 2018 expo is being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from until August 22.

The inaugural session of Krishi India 2018 expo/Wellness India 2018 expo saw Union Minister of State for Tourism, KJ Alphons speak about India being the country of wellness, and Kerala – being at the heart of the wellness tourism industry owing to the numerous wellness retreats offering a combination of Ayurveda, yoga and other Indian systems of medicines.

"The healing powers (of traditional Indian systems of medicines) don't depend on chemicals; it rather depends on the earth. The products that heal us are actually Ayurvedic," he said.

Yasuro Koizumi, Executive Vice President, CFO, and CIO, FiNC, Japan – pointed out that India's efforts of staying healthy should be connected with Japan's efforts.

Dr Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, said, "The per capita consumption of cereals has remained more or less the same for about 50 years though per capita consumption of edible oils, for instance, has grown by 300 percent since 1992-93."

"However, India has not taken advantage of this growth and 70 percent of our edible oil demand is still met by imports," he added.

He also pointed out that exporting water-guzzling crops like paddy was not in the interest of the nation or its farmers.

The session also witnessed discussions around private sector investment in supply chain infrastructure and services that would lead to a reduction in waste and more added value.

During the session, bringing wellness to you, MasterChef India winner Pankaj Bhadouria and an advocate of 'Think Global, Eat Local,' said, "With an increase in population and urbanisation, lifestyle changes have taken place and diseases have increased. FAD foods and diets don't have any benefits. All the damage we've done to our body, cannot be undone overnight. It needs a time of over a decade, and we should start making healthy choices today itself. Ayurvedic food, which is not seasonal, is healing."

Stressing on the fact that we should take pride in our products, Nitin Puri, Senior President, YES Bank, gave the example of Modena in Italy, famous for its balsamic vinegar made from carefully harvested grapes grown there.

"Italian farmers sell the top quality balsamic vinegar at a price that is four times higher than others."