Some people think the government should subsidise fruits and vegetables to make healthy food more affordable. Others argue that the government should tax unhealthy food instead. Discuss

 Some people think the government should subsidise fruits and vegetables to make healthy food more affordable. Others argue that the government should tax unhealthy food instead. Discuss 

In contemporary times, some believe that it is the duty of the state to keep citizens of the nation hale and hearty. Consequently, some advocate state contribution in the prices of healthy nourishment, while others believe that unhealthy food should be rather taxed.  

To begin, if governments subsidise healthy food such as fruits and vegetables, it will promote a shift in eating habits. People, the impoverished, will be persuaded to consume something that ensures their well being; they will be able to afford otherwise expensive edible goods. For instance, in India, healthy breads were subsidized in many provinces which enabled even poor people to afford them, boosting their consumption, and improving their health. The enormous availability of healthy goods at a lower rate, compels farmers and producers to use healthy additives which ultimately minimises the usage of lucrative unhealthy additives.

However, if unhealthy food is taxed then younger people will not consume them anymore as it will become out of reach for certain individuals, and they will automatically get inclined towards healthy food. Moreover, this shift to healthy food will help the  state as the revenues can be invested in supporting organic farming and food production practices.  Similarly, overpriced unhealthy food will become unpopular with manufacturers, and they will substitute these for healthier ingredients.  For instance, in many parts of India unhealthy foods were heavily taxed on which manufacturers responded by shifting towards healthy additives; biofertilizers.

In conclusion, I feel that policy makers should adopt a balanced approach. Both the arrangements can contribute towards a healthy nation. Where one will help create inclination for healthy food habits, the other can dissuade the populace from faulty food habits.