PM Modi inaugurates “Arogya Van’ in Kevadia, Gujarat

On October 30, 2020, PM Modi inaugurated “Arogya Van” in Kevadia, Gujarat. The Prime Minister is on a two day visit to the state and will participate in the Ekta Diwas celebrations that is to be held on October 31, 2020.

Key Highlights

The van (forest) has hundreds of medicinal plants. It also provides information about the usage and importance of the medicinal plants.

The forest is spread over 17 acres. It has more than 380 selected species. It consists of an aroma garden, a lotus pond, yoga and meditation garden, digital information centre, indoor plant selection and a cafeteria serving Ayurvedic foods.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Sardar Patel Zoological Park. It is popularly known as the “Jungle Safari” in Kevadia. He also inaugurated “Ekta Mall”. It is a nutrition park for children in KEvadia.

Background

According to the Global nutrition report 2020, India is one of the 88 countries that are likely to miss the Global nutrition target by 2025. The report says that India is one of the countries with the highest rates of inequalities in malnutrition. India is to miss 4 major nutritional targets. They are stunting among under five children, childhood overweight, anaemia among women of reproductive age and exclusive breastfeeding.

The need for traditional plants

Traditionally the diet of India was rich in green leafy vegetables, fruits, pulses, grains, milk and eggs. The essential herbs to support human living were naturally added to foods while cooking. This was also done to enhance the taste of the food as well. However, today the mix of international food systems in the country has created nutritional imbalances among children. India is also at the verge of losing several traditional plant species due to this. The Arogya Van will help India preserve its traditional plant species and its applications.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2020