Strategies for Increasing the Impact of Poshan Abhiyaan through the Concept of Ayur-Ahara: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Ayurveda has long emphasized the importance of diet, stating that “without proper diet, medicine is of no use; with proper diet, medicine is of no need.” In the present era of pesticide-based agriculture and hybrid cultivation, food quality is compromised, contributing to lifestyle disorders and malnutrition. To address these challenges, the Government of India launched Poshan Abhiyaan on March 8, 2018 as a convergence platform to achieve a malnutrition-free nation through multi-sectoral strategies. Recent initiatives, such as Poshan Pakhwada 2024, highlight the integration of AYUSH concepts to promote sustainable nutrition and health. This review was carried out according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. A literature search was conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, AYUSH ministry reports, and Poshan Abhiyaan policy documents published up to June 2024. Studies and reports that discussed Ayurvedic dietary approaches in relation to nutrition programs were selected, and the findings were narratively synthesized. The evidence suggests that incorporating Ayurvedic dietary principles – particularly Ayur-Ahara, which emphasizes diet in tune with daily and seasonal routines – can strengthen the Poshan Abhiyaan framework. Practical strategies include training Anganwadi workers, establishing village-level Poshan Panchayats, linking with organic and medicinal farming, using digital platforms, and fostering collaborations across sectors. These approaches can improve nutritional awareness, enhance food quality, and help reduce disease burden. Bringing Ayurvedic wisdom on diet into the Poshan Abhiyaan is not only a culturally relevant way to address malnutrition but also an investment in creating a healthier and more resilient India.