ICAR-SBI, Coimbatore Organises Tribal Health and Nutrition Awareness Campaign in Tamil Nadu

12 May 2026, Coimbatore

ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore in collaboration with Anamalai Tiger Reserve, organized a Tribal Health and Nutrition Awareness Campaign for tribal communities in Tiruppur district of Tamil Nadu under its Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribe Component (DAPSTC) project.

The campaign focused on strengthening awareness on health, nutrition, and preventive healthcare among tribal communities residing in Karattupathy and Thippippaarai settlements. The initiative forms part of the Institute’s ongoing efforts towards the holistic development of tribal populations across Tamil Nadu and Kerala through need-based interventions.

During the programme, emphasis was laid on addressing major health concerns prevalent among tribal communities, including anaemia, malnutrition, and sickle-cell anaemia. Participants were informed about locally adaptable nutrition interventions such as kitchen garden vegetable cultivation, millet promotion, and the use of nutrient-rich food products to improve household nutritional security.

The programme also highlighted the recently launched national mission SEHAT — “Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation,” a joint initiative of Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Indian Council of Medical Research aimed at strengthening convergence between agricultural sciences and health research to address challenges such as malnutrition and nutrition insecurity.

The campaign included interactive sessions on preventive healthcare, balanced nutrition, and management of common ailments affecting tribal populations. Special training was also imparted on preparation of nutritious millet-based recipes, while encouraging value addition and entrepreneurship opportunities for tribal women through Self-Help Groups. Community representatives appreciated the sustained support extended under the project through regular follow-up programmes and distribution of essential livelihood and household support materials.

More than 200 tribal men and women from the participating settlements attended the campaign and took a pledge against malnutrition, reaffirming their commitment towards improving the nutritional well-being of women and children in their communities.

(Source: ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore)