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'Annam' realizes that the major victims of
fast food culture and corporate monopoly of food sector are the
young generation, especially children. Annam recommends for ban
on sale of fast food and carbonated soft drinks in academic
institution. School/College authorities and Parent Teachers
Associations should take necessary steps to implement the ban.
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There should be sufficient additions in the
curriculum to spread the message that changes in food and life
style are the basic reasons for many of the health problems in
young generation. Awareness programmes should be initiated by
the education and health departments should take initiatives to
spread awareness on the impacts of fast food on health of the
children.
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The advertisements that spread wrong and
spurious messages about the positive contributions of fast food
should be controlled or banned, if necessary.
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Government and non-government organizations
should take initiatives to promote traditional food items. There
should also be proper documentation of traditional food items
and their recipes.
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The industrial establishments in India should
come forward to establish a chain of restaurants that supply
traditional/good food. Banks and other funding agencies should
provide generous funds for this.
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The Research & Development institutions in
India should take initiatives to do research on improving the
quality of Indian food and its processing.
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A series of 'Annam' clubs may be started
throughout India to spread the message of good food, food
security and food sovereignty, and of corporate control of food
and agriculture.
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In order to achieve sustainability in
vegetable production, terrace farming should be promoted in
urban areas. Residential associations can take a lead in this
initiative and the government should support these activities.
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There should be clear policies for food grain
production and at least half of the agricultural land should be
reserved for rice cultivation. Necessary modifications in land
reforms legislations should be made to achieve this target.
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In order to ensure food security, seed banks
should be established throughout India, especially in villages.
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Genetically modified organisms and of
genetically modified food should be totally banned in India.
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Agro-biodiversity should be integral part of
biodiversity conservation programmes in the country.
Agro-biodiversity rich areas should be protected as farm
reserves and agro heritage sites.
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There need to be an organic farming policy at
both central and state level and organic farming should be
promoted extensively. Subsidies given to monoculture plantations
and pesticides/ chemicals in farming should be re-examined and
stopped in a phased manner.
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There should be a better awareness to
popularize the fact that organic produce are not simply for
export alone, but for ensuring the health status of the local
people.
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Agro-biodiversity and good food should become
special components for discussion in the activities of eco
club/health club/tourism club/ biodiversity clubs in all the
educational institutions, and special awareness programmes
should be planned in this direction. Agriculture should be an
action programme in all these activities as far as possible.
