Last January, Kerala launched AMRITH (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention for Total Health), an initiative to curb the rampant use of antibiotics. The initiative builds on Kerala’s longstanding commitment to AMR prevention. Back in October 2018, the state collaborated with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the WHO to launch the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP). A year later, Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET) came about. The network aimed to standardise AMR surveillance, track emerging resistance patterns, and provide critical data to the state government and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). By restricting antibiotic sales without a doctor's prescription, such programs have led to a remarkable Rs 1,400 crore reduction in antibiotic sales, according to state health minister Veena George.

"We have adopted a scientific, strategic approach to fight AMR," George said in a statement, highlighting the state's all-round efforts, including public awareness campaigns at educational institutions and public spaces.

The All Kerala Chemist and Druggist Association reported a sharp decline in antibiotic sales as early as August 2023. "As per our assessment, there is an annual drugs turnover of Rs 15,000 crore, of which antibiotics account for around 25 to 30%. After the government increased awareness, there was a 30% reduction in the 2023-24 fiscal year from the previous year, including sales from private hospital pharmacies," said association state president and national vice-president AN Mohanan.

State action plans

In November 2023, the Family Health Centre (FHC) at Kakkodi in Kozhikode district became the country's first antibiotic-smart hospital. Just two months later, the Ozhalapathi Family Health Care Centre in Palakkad followed suit, becoming the second such facility. Such health centres are recognised for meeting ten key criteria to monitor and control antibiotic use.

While India introduced the H1 rule in 2011 to curb over-the-counter antibiotic sales, it wasn’t until 2013 that the regulation was modified to restrict sales of more powerful antibiotics while allowing the sale of first-line options without a prescription. Kerala is the only state rigorously enforcing the original H1 rule.

Expanding community efforts

In May 2023, Kerala’s Health Department issued a directive to all District Medical Officers to implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for block-level AMR committees. The committees focus on raising awareness about infection prevention, proper antibiotic use, access to antibiotic-free food and water, and the safe disposal of expired antibiotics. "It was IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) in the first phase of the KARSPA activities. We reached as many people as possible for awareness, conducting workshops and speaking on all platforms. In the second phase, we resorted to punitive action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act by conducting inspections and taking swift action against unchecked sales. Both measures resulted in a considerable reduction in sales and consumption,” said Shaji M Varghese, state coordinator of One Health and AMR and Assistant Drugs Controller, Kozhikode. The state has over 25,000 wholesale and retail medical shops, he added.

A model for the nation

Kerala’s AMR strategy exemplifies a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to public health. From community-based initiatives to pioneering healthcare facilities, the state is leading the way in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. By focusing on education, regulation, and innovation, Kerala offers a clear blueprint for other states looking to safeguard the future of antibiotics and preserve their life-saving power.

In the battle against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Kerala stands out for its innovative and thorough strategy. Dr Divya PK, an ENT specialist, played a pivotal role in transforming the Kakkodi Family Health Centre into an antibiotic-free facility. “I used every opportunity whenever I got a microphone; whether it was a festival at an Anganwadi, a Kudumbashree (State Kudumbashree Mission for Women Empowerment) gathering, or an elderly people’s meeting. Wherever I could get ten people together, I would talk about this. People initially had a reluctance to stop using antibiotics; they had an idea that only antibiotics could cure their disease. Later, people got used to the idea that doctors would prescribe them if needed."

She also reached out to resident associations, Kudumbashree units, and private medical shops, promoting the Go Blue Campaign, which raises awareness about AMR. “Most importantly, the focus was on preventing infection by promoting handwashing, stressing hand hygiene, vaccinating, etc. We distributed pamphlets to all households and informed private medical shops to raise awareness about the Go Blue Campaign (which aims to increase awareness of global AMR and encourage best practices), asking them to sell antibiotics in blue covers. Information was shared with doctors in the private sector through a WhatsApp group. I also spoke at Grama Sabha meetings and to veterinarians,” she added. Divya is now the MO of Koodaranji FHC in the district. 

I used every opportunity whenever I got a microphone; whether it was a festival at an Anganwadi, a Kudumbashree (State Kudumbashree Mission for Women Empowerment) gathering, or an elderly people’s meeting. Wherever I could get ten people together, I would talk about this [AMR].

Antibiotic classification

In 2017, the WHO introduced the AWaRe classification (later revised in 2019 and 2021) to group antibiotics into three categories: Access, Watch, and Reserve. Access antibiotics have a narrow spectrum, fewer side effects, lower resistance risk, and are cost-effective. They are recommended for common infections and should be widely available. Watch antibiotics carry a higher risk of resistance and need careful monitoring to avoid overuse. Reserve antibiotics are the last resort for severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens.

“Kerala had developed resistance even to the Reserve group–for example, linezolid (used to treat bacterial infections), which resulted in deaths. Ninety-five percent of the total antibiotic usage should be from the Access group, with only 5% from the Watch group. Data from April 2022 to March 2023 showed that Kakkodi hospital used only 5% from the Watch group, despite the usage of antibiotics during the Shigella outbreak in Kozhikode,” Divya said.

Kakkodi FHC and sub-centers set up collection points for unused and expired antibiotics, as discarded medicines can contaminate plants. The PROUD program was launched for safe disposal, training hospital staff and ASHA workers. Monitoring ensured that Kakkodi remained an antibiotic-smart centre, with the entire panchayat also becoming antibiotic-literate.

“As a first step in antibiotic literacy, dairy, poultry, and honeybee farmers were identified with the help of veterinary doctors. We also collected data on the use of antibiotics in animals and found Reserve and Watch antibiotics used among them. The use of antibiotics in animals like cows and poultry transfers to human beings through milk and poultry meat. Antibiotics are even mixed into cattle feed and poultry feed,” she further said adding that veterinarians wholeheartedly supported the campaign.

One Health approach

Kerala’s approach to AMR is rooted in the One Health concept, which encourages collaboration across sectors–public health, veterinary, environmental, and agriculture. This holistic approach recognises that human, animal, and environmental health are interconnected, making it essential to address AMR on all fronts.

In 2023, Kerala made history as the first state in India to establish AMR committees at both district and block levels, covering all 191 health blocks. The committees are composed of representatives from health, animal husbandry, agriculture, and environmental departments. “AMRITH was launched after the formation of the committees, followed by ROAR (Rage on Antimicrobial Resistance by the Drugs Control Department in September 2024). We began groundwork even before 2017; it’s just that coordinated meetings started in 2017, and the declaration came in 2018,” said Dr Aravind, state convener of the KARSAP Working Committee. He is also head of the department of Infectious Diseases Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.

The state’s approach also involved creating awareness among doctors, pharmacists, students, and the general public, in that order. “It does not mean that we have achieved 100% success. We have engaged all One Health stakeholders in the process. The most visible example of our success is the increase in media coverage of AMR from 2018 to 2024. The OTC (Over-the-counter) sale of antibiotics can’t be curbed by awareness alone; that’s why AMRITH was launched to provide legislative backup. We’ve also provided a toll-free number for the public to report if antibiotics are dispensed without a prescription, making the public part of enforcement as well,” he said.

A toll-free number lets the public report medical shops selling antibiotics without prescriptions. Complaints lead to licence cancellations after verification. "Kerala’s initiative parallels Sweden’s only. Their motto is 'Antibiotic-aware Sweden,' and ours is 'Antibiotic-literate Kerala.' We can't claim that we have become an antibiotic-literate state, but all process indicators have been instituted. The decentralised, people-centred approach to make each panchayat literate is carried out through block-level AMR committees and antibiotic-smart hospitals. Customised action plans are required for each panchayat based on local AMR challenges. Gap analysis is done, and AMR hotspots in each panchayat are identified before preparing an action plan," he added.

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Direct action

The health minister released the first district-level antibiogram (helps track changes in antimicrobial resistance and guide empirical antimicrobial therapy) to prevent the misuse of antibiotics in Ernakulam district under KARSAP in February 2024.

Kerala’s commitment to AMR awareness also extends to migrant workers, with outreach efforts delivered in their native languages to ensure effective communication. In November, health workers began house-to-house visits as part of a campaign to spread awareness. By then, they had already reached 200,000 homes in Ernakulam, further solidifying the community’s role in combating AMR.

By focusing on education, regulation, and community engagement, the state is taking bold steps to protect the future of antibiotics and ensure their effectiveness for generations to come.

The once under-appreciated, delicate lotus seeds, commonly known as makhanas or fox nuts, have recently gained traction as a healthy, low-calorie snack among the health-conscious community. No longer relegated to traditional wedding gifts or prayer assortments, these airy, nutty delights are now being consumed by a wider audience, signalling a shift towards healthier snacking habits.

Makhana has a rich history, being cultivated in India for over 3,000 years. Bihar takes the lead in Makhana production, contributing over 85% of the total production in the country. On the e-commerce platform Swiggy Instamart, Makhana became the most ordered snack last year.

Makhana seeds come from a water lily species, Euryale ferox, found across Asia. The seeds undergo a lengthy, labour-intensive process, where black seeds are popped and polished until they transform into their white, edible form.

Nutritional powerhouse

The seeds are packed with essential macronutrients like calcium and magnesium, along with numerous micronutrients. Not only are they nutritious, but they’re also easy to digest.

Makhanas are low in saturated fats, calories, sodium, and cholesterol, while being mineral-rich, especially in magnesium. Their low glycemic index makes them particularly supportive for heart health and diabetes management. Plus, they’re powerful antioxidants and have a long history of use in addressing various health concerns, such as chronic diarrhoea, diabetes, gonorrhoea, kidney disorders, constipation, stomach pain and beri-beri.

In traditional Ayurvedic and Unani practices, fox nuts are valued for their potential aphrodisiac qualities. The alkaloid ‘drummine’ in the leaves is thought to contribute to the plant's anti-rheumatic effects, while all parts of the plant are known for their tonic, astringent, and de-obstruent properties.

Makhana gained significant popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. “During COVID, doctors started advising that every day in the morning, one should consume 10 or 20 raw or roasted makhanas so that it can fulfil the protein requirement, some vitamins and other minerals nutrients,” said Dr Indu Shekhar Singh, principal scientist at the Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga.

“From 2020-2021 onwards we have seen that it is now marketed and sold at medical shops also. Many farmers have been given the training to become entrepreneurs, particularly in the North Bihar region. They are now selling snacks, seeds and even Makana cookies,” he added.

GI tag

To unlock makhana’s potential, a regional centre was set up in Darbhanga under the ICAR Research Complex for the Eastern Region. The centre leads a range of research and development initiatives, including the creation of 'Swarna Vaidehi,' the first variety tailored to thrive in Bihar’s wetlands.

According to estimates from the National Research Center for Makhana, Darbhanga (ICAR), India’s makhana cultivation covers about 15,000 hectares, producing 120,000 metric tons of makhana seeds. After processing, this yields around 40,000 metric tons of makhana pop, with an estimated farm-level value of Rs 250 crore and trader-level revenue reaching Rs 550 crore.

Makhana is a high-value crop primarily grown in Bihar and parts of eastern India, and naturally found in states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Tripura, and Manipur. Darbhanga city’s Gullobara Bazar serves as a key trading hub, handling about 2,000 metric tons annually, while Madhubani sees 3,500 metric tons traded each year. In Katihar, roughly 3,000 metric tons are traded, with Katihar town and Kada Gola as major markets. Meanwhile, Purnia district’s markets (Harda, Sapni, Khushkibagh, Belauri, and Gulabbagh) handle about 3,500 metric tons yearly.

Despite Bihar’s lead in makhana production, the largest wholesale markets are outside the state, located in Khari Bowli (New Delhi), Nayaganj (Kanpur), Gola Dinanath and Vishweshwarganj (Varanasi). Makhana also reaches international markets, including the USA and the Middle East.

In 2022, makhana received a geographical indication (GI) tag, protecting its unique identity against imitation.

High value

Compared to common weight-loss snacks like peanuts and popcorn, makhanas are more expensive, typically costing between Rs 600 and Rs 1,800 per kilogram. This premium price stems largely from the labour-intensive harvesting process.

“The price [of makhana] this year is higher than the other nuts, particularly cashew and almonds. It is being sold in the market at a rate of Rs 1200 to Rs 1400 rupees per kg. We can see how important it is being given to by all the entrepreneurs and purchasers,” said Singh.

Despite its economic value, makhana production remains one of the most labour-intensive processes. Skilled workers collect seeds from muddy pond beds using long bamboo poles between 9 am and 4 pm, navigating the thorny plants. After harvesting, the seeds are stored in a traditional container called a gaanja, cleaned through a two-step process, and sun-dried for several hours.

The seeds are then graded using ten different-sized sieves, heated in cast iron pans or earthen pitchers over an open flame, and left to cool at room temperature for three days in a process called tempering. Finally, the seeds are roasted until they pop and are packaged for sale.

It’s worth noting that despite the effort, only around 40% of the initial harvest reaches the market as edible makhana. The traditional techniques, passed down through generations, have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Versatile profile

Though makhana is popular as a snack, it can also be enjoyed in various ways. Makhana’s neutral taste allows it to shine in both savoury and sweet dishes, making it a versatile ingredient for chefs and home cooks alike. Puffed makhana is often seasoned with oil and spices or used in curries, complementing green vegetables and pulses when powdered, flaked, or used whole.

Makhana is also widely used in desserts, such as kheer (a porridge-like dish) made by chefs like Avinash Kumar from the Novotel hotel chain. Healthier dessert options like makhana barfi, kalakand, and makhana chapati provide high calories with low sugar, appealing to health-conscious consumers. The sweets are also commonly offered as prasad after religious ceremonies.

Recently, makhana has found new life in fusion recipes, with caramelised makhana, chocolate-coated makhana, and makhana chocolate cookies gaining popularity among those with a taste for Western-style treats.

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Let’s imagine a scenario where you and your friends are talking about inventions that have changed the course of human life. And you, obviously, are thankful for hundreds of them. Mobile phones? yes. Electricity? Always. The internet? Every waking minute. But what are the chances of one of you bringing up antibiotics? Slim at best. An average person may not count antibiotics among the list of discoveries that they are grateful for. Call it apathy or ignorance, it's one of those things we take for granted. It is as if this miracle drug has been around all along. After all, every time you are down with flu, you are handed a generous dose– prescribed or not. 

But how did this discovery, which revolutionised modern medicine, become so easily accessible? Let’s take a look.

The first antibiotic, the mighty penicillin, was discovered in 1928 (by Scottish microbiologist Alexander Fleming). 

Fun story: While researching Staphylococcus bacteria in his laboratory, Alexander Fleming noticed that a petri dish containing the bacteria had become contaminated with mould. But the area around the mould was free of bacteria. On closer examination, he identified the mould as Penicillium notatum and realised it was producing a substance that killed the bacteria. He named this substance penicillin.

Before this breakthrough, routine surgeries carried life-threatening risks due to fatal infections, organ transplants were unthinkable, and even common infections like UTIs posed a serious risk of death. Everyday activities like gardening or shaving required caution, as a small cut could lead to serious health complications. Simply put, without antibiotics, modern medicine would have been at a standstill.

The magnitude of Fleming’s discovery wasn’t immediately clear even after he published his findings in 1929. At the time, extracting and purifying penicillin in large quantities was challenging, limiting its practical use. The turning point came during World War II, as the need to treat bacterial infections in wounded soldiers became a top priority. Scientists Howard Florey and Ernst Boris Chain developed a method for mass production, and by 1944, penicillin was being manufactured at scale, turning it into a viable antibiotic. As it saved thousands of lives, penicillin quickly gained widespread acclaim. 

Cornerstone of modern medicine

The miracle drug transformed healthcare as it became the standard treatment for various bacterial diseases. But we are not here to thank our stars for Fleming’s accidental discovery, which became one of the greatest breakthroughs in medical history. But to discuss a bigger problem. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)— a situation that the World Health Organization has recognised as one of the top 10 global public health threats.

For the uninitiated, AMR is when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and develop the ability to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, which are intended to kill or inhibit them. Their ability to resist would mean that infections caused by these microorganisms become harder to treat, leading to prolonged illnesses, increased mortality, and higher medical costs.

Such a scenario can be dangerous on so many levels. A common infection such as pneumonia, which is now easily treatable may no longer respond to it, leading to prolonged illness or even death. Surgeries could become riskier because of increased chances of untreatable infections. Moreover, resistant infections could mean longer hospital stays, more expensive medications, and multiple treatments.

We were warned

If you are wondering how a lifesaving invention went on to become a threat to mankind in a matter of decades, the answer is simple. Misuse and overuse. The key contributor to AMR development is believed to be the misuse of antibiotics in humans, animals, and even agriculture.

In his 1945 Nobel lecture, Fleming expressed concern about the improper use of penicillin. Specifically how low doses or incomplete treatments could give bacteria a chance to mutate and become resistant.  

He had famously said: "There is the danger that the ignorant man may easily underdose himself and, by exposing his microbes to non-lethal quantities of the drug, make them resistant."

And this is precisely what has been happening since.

Overprescription, failure to complete courses, and the use of antibiotics in livestock for growth promotion have contributed to the rapid development of AMR.

By the ‘60s and ‘70s, scientists began to notice that bacteria were evolving to resist antibiotics like penicillin, leading to the development of newer antibiotics. However, the misuse of these drugs continued, and the development of AMR accelerated.

But it’s hard to keep up with this mutation. Developing newer antibiotics is inherently difficult. As bacteria constantly evolve, finding new compounds that can kill or inhibit them without harming human cells is a complex process. Additionally, developing new antibiotics requires heavy financial investment in research and clinical trials. Besides, the process of bringing a new antibiotic to market involves stringent regulatory hurdles and testing phases, which can take up to a decade or more. This discourages many pharmaceutical companies from investing in antibiotic development. At the same time, antibiotics continue being prescribed for viral infections (where they are ineffective) and are widely used in agriculture to promote animal growth.

As a result of the widespread misuse, superbugs or multidrug resistance organisms (MDROs) have evolved to survive treatment with multiple antibiotics. A few notorious examples include MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus): Resistant to several types of antibiotics, including methicillin; VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci): Bacteria that have become resistant to vancomycin, often causing infections in hospitals; CRE (Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae): Resistant to carbapenems, one of the last lines of defence in treating bacterial infections and Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB): A form of tuberculosis resistant to first-line antibiotics like isoniazid and rifampin. These superbugs cause severe infections that are difficult to treat, leading to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs, and increased mortality rates.

Time to act is now

In the last few decades, very few new antibiotics have been approved, with many belonging to existing classes rather than entirely new types of drugs. In fact, between 1980 and 2000, no new major classes of antibiotics were discovered. While there have been a few new drugs approved recently, they are often met with rapid resistance from bacteria.

Efforts to boost antibiotic development have included government incentives, public-private partnerships, and global initiatives like the WHO’s Global Action Plan on AMR. Yet, the number of new antibiotics remains limited, falling short of what’s needed to tackle the AMR crisis.

In short, without new antibiotics, we are at risk of entering a post-antibiotic era where even minor infections or routine surgeries could become life-threatening. The race to develop new antibiotics and alternative treatments such as bacteriophage therapy (treatment for bacterial infections that uses viruses called bacteriophages to target and inactivate bacteria) is critical to avoid this scenario.

The slow pace of antibiotic development, the rapid evolution of resistant bacteria, and the prevalence of superbugs mean that we are running out of effective treatments for infections that were once easily cured. If no urgent action is taken, even routine medical procedures (think surgeries, childbirth, and cancer treatments) could become life-threatening. 

Tackling AMR requires coordinated global efforts—reducing the misuse of antibiotics, promoting responsible use in healthcare and agriculture, funding research for new treatments, and improving infection prevention measures. The cost of inaction is too high, as we risk entering a post-antibiotic era where modern medicine as we know it could be undone.

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Tears rolled down Rakshit’s* cheeks as he talked about losing his 75-year-old father six months ago. In April, his father was rushed to a top hospital after experiencing chest pain. An angiogram showed severe artery blockages, and doctors advised an urgent bypass surgery.

A week after being discharged, his father’s chest wound became infected. He was readmitted to the same hospital and treated with several antibiotics, but the wounds didn’t heal. Lab tests later showed the infection was from a bacteria resistant to most antibiotics, leaving only one or two options. The doctor suggested an expensive treatment plan but warned there were no guarantees.

"The doctor told me everything depended on my father’s response to the medicine," said Rakshit. Already deeply in debt from high-interest loans for his father’s care, Rakshit was conflicted.

Facing mounting hospital bills, Rakshit made the difficult decision to bring his father home against the doctor’s advice. “He passed away two days after we got him home. If I had enough money, I would have agreed to try the expensive medication,” he said.

Rakshit, an air conditioning mechanic, lives with his family of five on Bangalore’s outskirts. His story is not unique. Hospitals nationwide are seeing a rise in critically ill patients being discharged without medical consent, a practice known in medical terms as Discharge Against Medical Advice (DAMA) or Left Against Medical Advice (LAMA).

Experts point to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a key driver of this trend.

India is one of the world’s hotspots for antimicrobial resistance, primarily due to the uncontrolled use of antibiotics over the years. The AMR has disproportionately impacted healthcare access for economically and socially vulnerable populations. 

Data collection

Eight years ago, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) began efforts to collect antimicrobial resistance data from 20 major medical colleges across India. Meanwhile, the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) collects antimicrobial resistance information from 35 labs across India. A key partner in this initiative is Kasturba Medical College, part of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Manipal.

Dr Vandana KE, professor and head of Microbiology at the college and coordinator of the Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, and Manipal-bioMerieux Centre of Excellence in antimicrobial stewardship, said the soaring medical costs driven by antimicrobial resistance often compel patients' families to opt for discharge against medical advice. Even if they continue to receive hospital care, the health outcome is compromised. “The situation is grave, to say the least,” she said.

The centre of excellence is set up with the support of bioMerieux, a leading French firm focussing on in vitro diagnostics for more than six decades.

The recently released eighth annual antimicrobial resistance report from ICMR has shed light on rising antibiotic resistance and the decreasing effectiveness of standard treatments against common bacteria in India. The report focused on frequently used antibiotics for managing conditions such as upper respiratory infections, fever, diarrhoea, pneumonia, sepsis, community-acquired pneumonia and other bloodstream infections.

Dr Vandana said this data is invaluable for doctors to gauge the resistance levels of specific bacteria. "A few years ago, we had no comprehensive data on antimicrobial resistance. Now, things are slowly but surely improving," she said.

The report, compiled from nearly 10,000 culture-positive isolates across 21 partner hospitals, provides crucial insights. "Each of the partner hospitals collects bacterial samples, analyses their sensitivity patterns, and uploads the information to the national portal," she added.

Limited options

Rising antimicrobial resistance is making many once-common antibiotics less effective. A few decades ago, doctors prescribed antibiotics based on symptoms and physical exams. With the rise of microbiology labs and advanced tests, doctors now send patient samples to labs to identify the specific bacteria and effective antibiotics. This approach helps doctors choose the right treatment, but they’re facing a bigger problem: new antibiotics are scarce, while bacteria are becoming more resistant.

Dr Muralidhar Varma, professor and head of Infectious Diseases at the college and chairman of Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programme, said the number of antibiotics that can be used for treatment has come down drastically. “For example, doctors had seven or eight drugs at their disposal some 25 years ago to treat the common E.coli (Escherichia coli) which causes urinary tract infection,” he said.

“Now, we have only one or two medicines available to treat the same urinary infection. E.coli bacteria has developed resistance to every other antibiotic. This is a huge challenge healthcare professionals are facing now,” he added.

According to experts, antimicrobial stewardship, which encourages the proper and judicious use of antibiotics, is essential in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. The focus is on educating healthcare providers to follow guidelines based on scientific evidence when prescribing and administering antibiotics. 

The Kasturba way

At Kasturba Medical College, a team of pharmacists, physicians, and microbiologists collaborates to ensure that AMS efforts are effective. Under the team’s guidelines, high-end antibiotics can only be administered to patients after receiving approval from the AMS team. “We are not about restricting antibiotic use altogether because patient safety is paramount. If healthcare professionals have a valid reason to prescribe a particular antibiotic, we authorise it,” said Dr Varma. “Similarly, hospital pharmacies must seek AMS team approval before dispensing any new antibiotic.”

We aim to have open conversations with doctors, explaining why certain antibiotics may not be ideal. They understand our reasoning, and we can move forward collaboratively.

The biggest challenge in implementing antimicrobial stewardship is gaining the trust of senior doctors who are accustomed to having autonomy in prescribing antibiotics.

Dr Vandana emphasised that strict mandates are unlikely to work with experienced doctors. “There are two global approaches to stewardship: restrictive and handshake. With a restrictive model, doctors must justify their rationale for using certain antibiotics, but this approach can feel intrusive and harm the programme’s success,” she said.

Dr Vandana’s team primarily relies on the handshake approach. “We aim to have open conversations with doctors, explaining why certain antibiotics may not be ideal. They understand our reasoning, and we can move forward collaboratively,” she said. “The handshake approach fosters shared responsibility.”

Diagnostics is key

“Without proper diagnosis, effective infection management is impossible. That’s why we also focus on diagnostic stewardship. Diagnostic stewardship means applying the right test for the right patient at the right time, along with accurate interpretation and effective communication between the diagnostician and prescriber,” said Dr Vandana. 

However, accurate diagnostics remain a distant dream for much of India’s population, as microbiology labs are scarce or nonexistent in rural areas.

“The lack of access deprives people in these regions of the benefits of both antimicrobial and diagnostic stewardship,” said Dr Varma. “Until we establish robust facilities, a vast majority will be left out of efforts to reduce antimicrobial resistance.”

(*Name changed to protect identity)

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If you ever visit Thanamir, a quiet village on the Indian side bordering Myanmar, you’re likely to be welcomed with a glass of freshly made apple juice or dried apples–a fitting choice for a community of fewer than 800 residents that has made a name for itself as the only apple-producing village in the entire Northeast. The small yet vibrant community is not only helping Nagaland become one of India’s six apple-producing states but also establishing itself as a destination known for both its fruits and natural beauty.

Thanamir sits at over 2,000 metres high and is known for two things: its apples and Saramati, one of Asia’s tallest peaks. Nearly every home has at least one apple tree in the yard. Visit between July and September, and you’ll see trees bursting with blossoms. “For me apple means sustenance. It has become the means of my survival”, says Somuli Kips, a longtime apple farmer in Thanamir. Many others share his sentiment, seeing the apple as both a livelihood and a community symbol.

Today, the village’s apples are so celebrated that a quick google search for Thanamir online brings up pages all about its produce. Yet, despite the visibility online, Thanamir itself remains largely isolated, perched on a quiet hill in Nagaland.

Community Apple Project

In the 1970s, India was seeing a rise in apple production, but in the village of Thanamir in Nagaland, apples were unheard of. That changed thanks to a surprising act of kindness during the Indo-Naga conflict. An Assam Rifles soldier gave three apple saplings to a Village Guard in Thanamir as a peace offering. The saplings, planted in the village’s fertile soil, grew well, and soon apples became a part of daily life in Thanamir.

By 2011, apple farming had become such a success that Thanamir held its first Apple Festival. The festival grew into a yearly tradition, putting Thanamir’s apples on the map and resulting in the Community Apple Project, a local initiative to support and grow the village’s apple industry.

Today, Thanamir produces 40-50 tonnes of apples each year. The village’s cool, moist climate is perfect for apple growing, helping the apples develop a rich flavour and firm texture. With 19 inches of rainfall a year, the apples need very little irrigation, making farming here both natural and sustainable. This climate advantage has earned Thanamir the nickname Nagaland’s Apple Capital.

But the village faces challenges. Poor roads and limited phone access make it hard to reach new markets. Even so, Thanamir dreams of becoming an apple export hub. With better infrastructure, the village could expand to reach nearby countries like Myanmar and Malaysia. The demand for apple saplings is also growing, offering another way for the village to share its success.

What began as a simple gift has grown into an important part of life in Thanamir, bringing pride and new opportunities to the community. 

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Call for support

In September, the village of Thanamir celebrated its 15th annual Apple Festival, themed "Apple for Health, Wealth, and Prosperity." The event drew locals and officials alike, with the Minister for Women Resource Development & Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, making a huge announcement: plans for a new apple processing unit in Thanamir. The facility would enhance the value of the village’s apple production and support economic growth. She also encouraged farmers to explore other crops suited to the region’s unique climate, pledging departmental help in connecting them with markets and providing technical guidance.

Yet, despite the festival’s success and the enduring charm of Thanamir’s apples, challenges persist. Locals are grappling with poor road infrastructure, which severely limits their ability to fully capitalise on the apple harvest. Community members are urging the state for a more equitable distribution of funds and assistance in establishing better marketing channels to reach wider audiences.

The pandemic added to these difficulties. With the festival on hold, Thanamir’s farmers took matters into their own hands, bringing their apples directly to urban markets. This meant long, exhausting journeys–over 300 kilometres, often taking eight hours or more–to the state capital, Kohima, and beyond to Dimapur, Nagaland’s bustling commercial hub. The payoff, however, was evident: their apples sold out swiftly at a wholesale rate of Rs 1,000 per 7 kg carton. The demand was undeniable.

Thanamir’s farmers are ready and eager to increase their apple yields. All they need now is the right support to make it happen.

In 2020, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was linked to 700,000 deaths worldwide, a figure that continues each year. AMR causes severe infections in approximately 2.8 million people annually. In India alone, AMR was associated with 1,042,500 deaths in 2019, a number projected to more than double by 2050.

“While the term antibiotic resistance (ABR) is loosely used interchangeably with antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antibiotics as a group of medicines only work on pathogens that are bacterial and those that are semi-bacterial in nature. They don’t work on viruses or fungi. There are multiple types of bacteria, different ones in different living beings and different groups of antibiotics that will work on them, causing a wide variety of medicines to be circulating in our environment,” says Dr Samita Moolani Katara, an ophthalmologist from Pune.

Several studies have established the link between meat and antimicrobial resistance, and the potential risks are alarming. Resistant bacteria can travel from animals to humans through raw and cooked food, or even directly from animals on farms. 

Despite the challenge of feeding its large population, India boasts a strong agricultural sector, with a significant focus on animal husbandry. The country stands tall as the world leader in milk production, ranks third globally in egg production, and holds the eighth position in meat production. 

Moreover, the country caters to the growing international demand for meat, poultry, and agricultural products, with buffalo meat being a key export.

AMR and meat

AMR is a complex and growing crisis that connects our food, our health, and the environment. Microbial strains found in food, particularly Staphylococcus spp., extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp., highlight the spread of AMR. Today, the threat comes from multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria that can withstand multiple antibiotic classes, affecting both humans and animals.

“What’s so scary about this situation is that currently no new antibiotics are being developed globally. The same top-of-the-line antibiotics that were developed a couple of decades ago are in use today so when patients develop a resistance to these, there aren’t many other courses of action that us doctors are left with,” says Dr Samita who is seeing a lot of antibiotic resistance in her patients because even patients with a simple case of viral pink eye are being prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics. 

Antimicrobials, particularly antibiotics, are commonly used in the meat industry globally and in India, both for growth promotion in animals slated for meat consumption and to protect animals from disease. These antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiprotozoals, are effective at killing or inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms. When humans consume meat that contains antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, these bacteria can transfer to the human gut, potentially resulting in infections that are resistant to treatment. 

The same top-of-the-line antibiotics that were developed a couple of decades ago are in use today so when patients develop a resistance to these, there aren’t many other courses of action that us doctors are left with.

“Often, human and animal health professionals over-prescribe antibiotics or advise people to use them even when they’re not required,’ says Dr Geeta Kumar, a gynaecologist from Rae Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. 

Many antibiotics given to farm animals are excreted in their waste, which is frequently used as manure in agriculture. This practice introduces antibiotics into the soil and water, contaminating food crops as well. This contamination allows resistant bacteria in animals to reach humans directly or indirectly through food, water, soil and manure.

 “The unhygienic conditions and high number of animals packed into a small space make them even more susceptible to infections, which is why meat farms introduce various antibiotics as preventives, not curatives,” says Dr Samita.

Some types of meat are riskier than others. Salmon, often eaten raw, is one such example. “Salmon is one of the worst meats to have without cooking because their breeding conditions are quite bad. There is so much sickness in the water they’re farmed in that they are pumped with antibiotics. Salmon is often eaten without cooking, which results in a high transfer of antibiotics to the consumers,” she adds.

Policies and regulation

In 2010, India ranked as the fourth-largest user of antibiotics in animal food production, following China, Brazil, and the United States, and accounted for 3% of the global antibiotic use in this sector. Despite oversight from international regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), World Health Organization (WHO), World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the widespread use of antibiotics in healthy animals persists, partly due to the predominantly non-vegetarian diets in Western countries.

In India, regulatory bodies such as the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have made some efforts - while they have made policies and a list of drugs to watch out for, the implementation of these policies has not been very stringent. There has been some tightening of regulations around the use of antibiotics in food production as recently as last week. The FSSAI lowered the permissible residue levels in foods and also put more antimicrobial drugs on its watchlist. 

Practical precautions

The UN’s One Health campaign advocates for a unified approach to treating animals, humans, and the environment with equal care in the fight against AMR.

Holistic nutritionist Aashti Sindhu points to lab-grown meat as a hopeful alternative. “Every time we eat meat that’s been pumped full of drugs, we’re adding to the problem. Lab-grown meat could be a game-changer—it doesn’t need antibiotics, so it’s cleaner, better for our health, and kinder to the planet. It’s a win-win solution that could really make a difference.”

Several organisations are now working to counter AMR in India’s National Action Plan, with initiatives focused on awareness, enhanced surveillance, infection control, and research. Although antibiotic-free poultry options exist, there is often limited verification of their claims, leaving consumers in a tricky position.

Veterinarians, too, play a critical role. “I’m personally aware of a number of times I have been prescribed antibiotics for very minor ailments. If the government increased the prices of antibiotics, I’m sure vets would reduce use of them,” says Goa-based veterinarian Dr Suvarnaraj Gaonkar. As individuals, we must take responsibility by staying informed and reducing our own antibiotic reliance.

Beyond reducing meat consumption, small actions can make a difference. “Washing hands is key. It might sound simple, but it’s a highly effective tool in preventing infection spread,” says Dr Kumar.

For those who choose to eat meat, opting for certified organic and humane sources is best. However, sourcing verification can be challenging in India. Ensure meat is thoroughly washed and fully cooked. Other precautions include using separate cutting boards for meat, washing hands between handling meat and other foods, and storing food properly to minimise infection and AMR risks.

By being mindful of the choices we make–from what we eat to how we approach hygiene–we can all play a part in slowing the AMR crisis.

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Between April 2023 and March 2024, Tamil Nadu issued corrective actions to 517 pharmacies and suspended 283 licences for violations including unsupervised drug sales, failure to maintain prescription registers, and dispensing drugs without prescriptions from registered medical practitioners, according to data we accessed from the Drug Control (DC) Department.

The department has ramped up pharmacy inspections across the state, raising awareness on restricted antibiotic use to curb antimicrobial resistance. “We are invoking the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945, to suspend the licence of pharmacies that sell antibiotics without a prescription. We find this approach more effective than court prosecution, as closing the shop brings about a behavioural change,” said MN Sridhar, joint director, Drugs Control cum Controlling Authority.

The assistant director of drugs control conducts annual awareness sessions for pharmacies across the state’s 26 zones. “We have WhatsApp groups for each zone to regularly discuss AMR (antimicrobial resistance) and stress the importance of not giving antibiotics without a prescription,” said Swaminathan Elangovan, treasurer of the Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association, which has 30,000 members across the state.

Meanwhile, the health department is streamlining infection control committees in major private and public hospitals to monitor antimicrobial susceptibility, provide guidelines, and restrict the excessive use of antibiotics. Headed by microbiologists in medical college and teaching hospitals, these committees work to control infections and encourage judicious antibiotic use.

Ground reality

India launched its National Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance in 2017. But seven years later, Tamil Nadu still hasn’t developed a state-level action plan. “Even without a plan, we’ve been consistently working to keep antibiotic use in check,” said MN Sridhar, Joint Director of Drugs Control.

Yet, the situation on the ground remains concerning. “Creating a state action plan involves coordination with various departments beyond health, such as agriculture and environment. It took us some time to bring them all under a singular umbrella to work on the plan,” said an official from the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH), who requested anonymity.

Patients who buy antibiotics over the counter often cite time constraints, avoidance of doctor fees, and a perception that the same drug is always prescribed.

Out of seven pharmacies visited by this reporter and her team to ask about Amoxicillin, one of the most commonly overused antibiotics, four were willing to sell it without a prescription. The pharmacies are located in rural areas of Trichy, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur and Thiruvallur.

A 2022 study published in the National Library of Medicine, which looked at 15 independent pharmacies in a major city and a smaller city, found that antibiotics like Amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, azithromycin, levofloxacin, and metronidazole were often bought without prescriptions. “Patients who buy antibiotics over the counter often cite time constraints, avoidance of doctor fees, and a perception that the same drug is always prescribed,” the study noted.

“Azithromycin is one of the most abused antibiotics, especially since COVID-19 when restrictions were mild and whatsapp forwards encouraged people to use the drug if they face any symptoms of respiratory distress,” said Nanda Kumar, pharmacist, Sekar Medicals, Thiruvottiyur. “We don’t sell antibiotics without a prescription. We issue sinarest for cold and Dolo 650 for fever,” he added. 

Antibiotic resistance in hospitals

Doctors are witnessing an increase in drug resistance within hospitals, signalling a serious health threat. “For example, some Fluoroquinolones, a type of antibiotics used to treat Typhoid, have become resistant due to inappropriate usage. Thus, we are going for new antibiotics, but they are sold at higher cost. This is a dangerous pattern,” said Dr Keerthy Varman, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Resident Doctors Association.

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge for the medical community. “For patients who are at a higher risk of infection, we rely on blood cultures and organism identification to determine appropriate treatment. A drug sensitivity test is performed in the lab, and I’ve often seen reports where the infection shows resistance to all standard antibiotics, particularly in critically ill ICU patients. In such cases, we have to resort to different classes of drugs, but the success rate is unfortunately lower,” Varman added. 

According to the 2023 annual report by the National AMR Surveillance Network (NARS-Net), certain antibiotics, like methicillin and, to a lesser extent, linezolid, show significant resistance, especially in ICU environments. Research from 41 hospitals across the country, including two in Tamil Nadu, highlights resistance to many drugs.

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Status quo

State Action Plans on AMR align with India's National Action Plan and adopt a One Health approach that encompasses animal health, agriculture, and the environment for a comprehensive fight against AMR. “Health is a state subject with major decisions happening at the state level. A state action plan on AMR will provide a clear direction to tackle AMR for all stakeholders,” said Dr S S Lal, director of ReAct Asia Pacific, a global network dedicated to the problem of AMR. 

Tamil Nadu hospitals analyse resistance patterns from their patients and periodically submit data to the WHO. The state is working to create a plan, following the examples of other Indian states like Kerala and Delhi, to limit antibiotic use across all sectors.

“There is a desperate need for local antibiotic usage/consumption and antibiotic resistance data from both human and animal sectors. While resistance data among patients are available in major tertiary care hospitals, the same is limited at the secondary care and community levels. Adopting a State Action plan should be seen as a starting point to fill these gaps, to promote awareness among different stakeholders, and to allocate health resources in a better manner,” said Dr Jaya Ranjalkar, former deputy director, ReAct Asia Pacific, who has been working on this issue for over six years.

A model state

Kerala serves as an inspiring model among states with action plans. Through initiatives like the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET), the state collects drug resistance data from public and private hospitals. Awareness of AMR is being raised not only in major medical college hospitals but also in primary care centres.

Earlier, ReAct Asia Pacific had developed and piloted the ‘Antibiotic Smart Communities’ model in Kerala to empower residents and key stakeholders within local government organisations. The model identifies local drivers of AMR and gaps within the community to design context-specific interventions. “A 15-point indicator framework is used to assess the antibiotic smartness of a community,” Dr Jaya said, adding that community engagement is essential to address complex One Health challenges such as AMR besides identifying synergies with other health plans across sectors, engaging private entities and civil societies.   

Although Tamil Nadu is taking steps to combat AMR, a unified approach and intersectoral coordination among departments such as health, agriculture, animal welfare, environment, and veterinary services are vital. Adopting a well-funded state action plan on AMR will enhance effectiveness in addressing this issue.

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“If we use antibiotics when not needed, we may not have them when they are most needed,” Dr Tom Frieden, former director of the US CDC.

Antimicrobial resistance is knocking at humanity’s door, and the warnings have been ringing loud and clear. Since the advent of antimicrobial medicines in the 1920s, these drugs have increased our average lifespan by 23 years and saved countless lives. However, the overuse and misuse of antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and antiparasitics have created a vicious cycle of resistant pathogens, rendering these life-saving medicines increasingly ineffective.

We now stand at the brink of a post-antibiotic era, where common diseases are no longer treatable by these drugs.

Global health crisis

But what happens when bacteria adapt, and our bodies stop responding to these medicines? That’s when antimicrobial resistance (AMR) sets in. “Common diseases are becoming untreatable.” That’s the blunt warning issued on page one of a 2019 United Nations report on drug resistance.

When antibiotics and other antimicrobials lose effectiveness, infections become harder—or even impossible—to treat, raising the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. Misuse, such as taking antibiotics when they’re not needed or failing to follow prescriptions, enables bacteria to adapt and become resistant, complicating future treatments.

As antibiotics lose their effectiveness, experts have warned for years of a ‘silent’ global health crisis. Some argue that the rise in AMR cases could make the COVID-19 crisis pale in comparison.

“Antimicrobial resistance could unwind 100 years of medical progress, making infections that are easily treatable today a death sentence,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization director-general, at a news conference in September. “No country is immune to this threat, but low- and middle-income countries bear the greatest burden.”

Indian picture

One out of every eight people worldwide lives in India, and with that concentration of humanity comes an equally concentrated problem of antimicrobial resistance. India’s struggle with AMR is paradoxical, with people suffering both from a lack of access to antibiotics and from fatal AMR infections.

According to a analysis, between 300,000 to 1.1 million Indians lost their lives to AMR in 2019. The superbug crisis has taken a toll on India's healthcare system. 

The three most common antibiotic-resistant pathogens here are E. coli, causing gut infections; Klebsiella pneumoniae, which leads to pneumonia and urinary tract infections; and Acinetobacter baumannii, associated mainly with hospital-acquired infections.

A concerning number of children in India are born with infections resistant to most antibiotics, resulting in over 58,000 infant deaths within a year. Just five years ago, the situation wasn’t this severe. The rapid rise of AMR in India stems from multiple factors: lack of clean water, harmful bacteria prevalent from soil to sewage, and widespread environmental contamination.

With a population of 1.5 billion, India is well aware of the urgency of addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The Indian government has already created a national action plan to tackle the issue, which recognizes the importance of tackling all four key drivers of AMR: humans, animals, food, and environment.

Recognizing the country-specific challenges like untreated water waste, improper discard of livestock, and use of sludge in agriculture, the plan takes a comprehensive approach to address the issue from multiple angles.

While similar factors drive AMR in other countries, India lacks adequate data and research on AMR trends. Researchers, scientists, and doctors are charting new territory in the fight against AMR, with experts calling for a unified data system and standard operating procedures to monitor AMR effectively. Planning, monitoring progress, and reassessing the approach are critical steps to ensure India can manage this growing crisis effectively.

Unschooled 

AMR has always been an integral part of our everyday lives, but it's been largely ignored in the pages of our science textbooks and in public discourse. However, after spending nearly two years cooped up in our homes during the pandemic, AMR has suddenly been thrust into the spotlight.

With a newfound focus on health, food, and medicine, people have become increasingly aware of the importance of AMR and the urgent need to address it. The global COVID-19 lockdown has served as a wake-up call, making AMR one of the hottest topics in health and science today.

Every year since 2015, the World Health Organization has designated November 18-24 as World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) to draw attention to the alarming problem of antimicrobial resistance, which is affecting the health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment alike. In 2024, the theme for WAAW is “Educate. Advocate. Act Now.”, chosen after receiving valuable input from around 200 stakeholders from diverse areas of health.

Silent threat

Year after year, medical journals and publications report on this “invisible killer,” often referred to as the “silent pandemic” or even “evolution in action.” Beyond human health, antibiotics are used heavily in agriculture, livestock farming, and aquaculture, further fueling their spread across our environment.

Throughout November, the Good Food Movement will cover these topics and more as part of the World Health Organization’s AMR awareness week.

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The apple harvest in Himachal Pradesh's famed orchards has come up short this season, as the state’s collection centres have received only 3.61 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of apples, a big drop from last year's 3.84 LMT. The dip has been attributed to several factors, according to Rakesh Thakur, an apple orchard owner in Shimla. “This year, the season, which typically runs from June 27 to October 25, started late. Ageing orchards are being replaced, and some farmers are shifting to other crops for year-round income. We’ve also faced setbacks from fungal infections.”

While the old adage about an apple a day keeping the doctor away may still hold some truth, the stakes are higher. According to a 2022 mBio study, 13% of sampled apples from northern India were found to harbour the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris, which has been linked to severe infections and carries a mortality rate of 34%, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.

With such high risks associated with this potentially deadly pathogen, the message is loud and clear: keep your apple safe by thoroughly washing it before taking a bite.

The presence of drug-resistant fungus on fruits like apples is just the tip of the iceberg. The broader, underlying issue is antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in our food systems, where once-healthy soil has become a breeding ground for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The increasing use of antimicrobials in agriculture, often used to boost crop yield and protect plants from diseases, is contaminating the soil with these substances. “Increasing use of antimicrobials in agriculture is contaminating the soil, leading to the emergence and selection of resistant strains,” said Rajesh Bhatia, former director of communicable diseases for WHO's South-East Asia regional office.

How AMR enters our soil

As global food demand rises, so too does the use of antibiotics to speed up livestock growth and protect crops from disease. While these practices may offer short-term gains, they also inadvertently create a long-term problem: antibiotic-resistant bacteria in soil. 

These resistant bacteria can spread and survive in soil through multiple routes, including seeds, soil additives, irrigation water, and especially animal manure used as fertiliser. Antibiotics given to livestock often remain in their manure, and when this manure is applied to fields, it releases antibiotic residues and resistance genes into the environment.

AMR bacteria can contaminate crops, get into water supplies, and pass resistance to bacteria that infect people. As a result, common infections could become harder to treat, causing longer illnesses and more deaths. “The food we eat plays a critical role in the dynamics of AMR, largely due to the overuse of antibiotics. Intensive farming practices often involve giving animals antibiotics to promote growth and prevent disease, leading to resistant bacteria that can enter the human food chain,” said Dr Akhlesh Tandekar, head consultant of critical care at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road.

A recent study confirmed that animal manure often contains antibiotics like tetracyclines, sulfonamides, and fluoroquinolones, all of which contribute to the growth of AMR in soil. These resistant microbes can easily find their way onto nearby crops.

The food we eat plays a critical role in the dynamics of AMR, largely due to the overuse of antibiotics. Intensive farming practices often involve giving animals antibiotics to promote growth and prevent disease.

“Antimicrobials and bacteria from these sources also adapt and exchange genetic material, creating more resistant strains. Through the food chain, humans and animals can become exposed to these resistant pathogens,” said Bhatia. 

In a 2021 study, researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that over 60% of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes found on lettuce leaves were traced back to soil that had been fertilised with animal manure.

Moreover, antibiotics are sometimes applied directly to plants, enhancing crop health and yields. However, this practice also fuels the spread of resistant bacteria in the soil. "For instance, tetracyclines are injected into tree trunks to combat citrus diseases like huanglongbing (HLB) and sprayed on pears and apples to prevent fire blight. Although effective, such practices add to the growing issue of resistance in soils, posing risks across the food chain," said Vidyut Singh, a pear farmer in Kullu.

Climate change then compounds the issue. "Rising temperatures create favourable conditions for bacteria to multiply, while excessive rains and water accumulation create an ideal environment for pathogens," said Bhatia.

Why it matters to you

In 2023, the WHO identified AMR as one of the top global public health threats. And the alarming part? These bacteria don’t respond to common antibiotics. "If they cause infections, doctors have fewer treatment options, turning a mild infection into a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. When people consume foods carrying antibiotic-resistant bacteria, they face the risk of infections that require longer hospital stays and can increase mortality rates," said Dr Tandekar.

According to the WHO, bacterial AMR caused an estimated 1.27 million deaths and contributed to an additional 4.95 million in 2019 alone. If left unchecked, the impact of AMR is predicted to be catastrophic, with an estimated 10 million deaths worldwide by 2050. India, with its vast population, carries a disproportionate burden of drug-resistant pathogens, highlighting the urgent need for action and interventions to mitigate this crisis.

For farmers, the impact is even more immediate. "Resistant bacteria degrade soil health, reducing crop yields. This forces farmers to rely on even more chemicals, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break. Addressing AMR is crucial not just for our health, but for the sustainability of agriculture and food security," said Thakur.

Solutions for AMR-free farming

The challenge is significant. “India’s National Action Plan on AMR (2017-2021) highlighted the importance of a One Health approach, integrating efforts across human, animal, and environmental health. However, implementation faltered due to the pandemic and limited engagement from the environmental sector,” said Bhatia.

Despite setbacks, experts believe India's farming sector can still turn the tide. Here are their recommendations:

But India’s farming sector can still turn the tide. Here’s what the experts recommended:

• Go organic: Organic farming avoids antibiotics and synthetic pesticides, fostering healthier soil microbes that combat resistant bacteria. India has 2.6 million hectares under organic farming, fifth largest in the world, supported by the GOI’s Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, but broader adoption is needed.
• Integrated pest management (IPM): By using natural pest predators, crop rotation, and habitat modifications, IPM reduces reliance on chemicals, limiting resistant bacteria in the soil.
• Stricter regulation & awareness: Stronger enforcement of antibiotic regulations and educating farmers about AMR risks are essential. Public health campaigns should target rural areas to ensure greater awareness.
• Monitoring soil health: Focus on Soil Health Management (SHM) under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), by combining chemical fertilisers with organic manures and bio-fertilisers to improve soil health and productivity.

Protecting our soil from resistant bacteria means safeguarding our crops, health, and the future of Indian agriculture. That future depends on the choices we make today–in the fields, in research labs, and at our dinner tables.

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