The recently released Household Consumer Expenditure Survey (HCES) data for 2022-23 by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme implementation points to a shift in the food consumption pattern of Indian households. The survey covered a sample of 2,61,746 households (1,55,014 rural and 1,06,732 urban) and was spread over 8,723 villages and 6,115 urban blocks.
The household consumption basket consisted of three major categories — food items, consumables and durable goods. Information was collected through three separate questionnaires for each category. In addition, a questionnaire seeking information on household characteristics and demographic features was also used. Imputed values were obtained for homegrown or home-produced items and also for food items consumed free of cost through social welfare programmes such as rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, barley, small millets, pulses, gram, salt, sugar and edible oil.
The average monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) was Rs 3,773 for rural and Rs 6,459 for urban households. The percentage share of food and non-food items was 46 per cent and 54 per cent for rural and 39 per cent and 61 per cent for urban areas, respectively. The good news is that for the first time the share of expenditure on food for rural households has come down to less than 50 per cent. This means that the earning potential of rural households has gone up, such that they can spend more on other consumer goods, indicating a better standard of living. Even better is the fact that the proportionate share of expenditure on cereals has come down along with better dietary diversity including other food groups. The percentage share of expenditure on cereals stood at 22 per cent for rural and 12 per cent for urban areas in 1999-2000 while the present data shows it to be at 4.9 per cent and 3.6 per cent respectively.
So what does India eat now? Top on the list come beverages, refreshments and processed foods with the share of expenditure being 9.6 per cent and 10.6 per cent respectively for rural and urban areas. Processed foods, known for high sugar and salt content, are not a healthy choice. This is a new development and it is striking that the proportion of processed food consumed in rural and urban areas is very similar. However, it is comforting to know that next on the list come milk and milk products at 8.3 per cent and 7.2 per cent respectively for rural and urban areas. The consumption of pulses is the lowest with the average MPCE being 2 per cent and 1.4 per cent for rural and urban respectively. While milk and dairy products are a source of good quality protein when compared to pulses, the cultivation of pulses has declined substantially with a corresponding increase in cost, which could have led to a decline in consumption levels. Micronutrient-rich vegetables and eggs, fish and meat occupy the third and fourth positions. The share of expenditure on fruits and edible oil is almost the same and there is practically no difference between rural and urban consumers. Sugar and salt account for less than 1 per cent of the total share of expenses on food.
The MPCE data shows only the consumption pattern of the entire household and does not throw light on intra-household allocation of food. Given the high level of anaemia among adult women, young children and adolescent girls as compared to men, it is important to know the food and nutrient intake of different sections of the population. Though the share of expenditure on salt and sugar is low, this by no means is an indicator of the actual intake since there is no way of estimating the amount of salt and sugar consumed through processed foods and beverages. This is particularly relevant in the context of the increasing risk of obesity, diabetes and hypertension in India. Only diet surveys can estimate the actual nutrient intake.
For a long time, the National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau (NNMB) of the Indian Council of Medical Research undertook periodic nationwide dietary surveys that threw light on macro and micronutrient intake of Indians. While the National Family Health Surveys provide information on the frequency of intake of various food groups, they do not estimate the nutrient intake. While the NNMB no longer exists, the National Institute of Nutrition is currently undertaking a nationwide dietary and nutrition survey.
Nutrition literacy will educate consumers about healthy eating practices and lifestyle modification. Front-of-pack food labelling will make consumers aware of the composition of processed foods, with a traffic light system indicating high salt, fat or sugar content. A study commissioned by the Niti Aayog recommended a 20 per cent to 30 per cent health tax in addition to GST on high fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) foods. Several countries including Denmark, France, Hungary, Mexico, South Africa, the UK and the US have a dedicated tax on HFSS foods. Since the practice of eating out is increasing, low-cost eateries run by the government should be seen as an investment in public health and not as a loss-incurring liability.
In fact, the sale of healthy alternatives such as buttermilk over sugary beverages could be taken up through these centres. Greater allocation for vegetables in government Anganwadi and school noon meal schemes would go a long way in promoting healthy eating habits and improving nutrition. Finally, the PDS basket should be expanded to provide a greater diversity of foods as a way of ensuring nutrition security.
Swaminathan is Chairperson and Narayanan is consultant nutritionist, M S Swaminathan Research Centre
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Low-cost eateries run by government should be seen as an investment in public health and not as a loss-incurring liability
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09.03.2024
The recently released Household Consumer Expenditure Survey (HCES) data for 2022-23 by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme implementation points to a shift in the food consumption pattern of Indian households. The survey covered a sample of 2,61,746 households (1,55,014 rural and 1,06,732 urban) and was spread over 8,723 villages and 6,115 urban blocks.
The household consumption basket consisted of three major categories — food items, consumables and durable goods. Information was collected through three separate questionnaires for each category. In addition, a questionnaire seeking information on household characteristics and demographic features was also used. Imputed values were obtained for homegrown or home-produced items and also for food items consumed free of cost through social welfare programmes such as rice, wheat, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, barley, small millets, pulses, gram, salt, sugar and edible oil.
The average monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) was Rs 3,773 for rural and Rs 6,459 for urban households. The percentage share of food and non-food items was 46 per cent and 54 per cent for rural and 39 per cent and 61 per cent for urban areas, respectively. The good news is that for the first time the share of expenditure on food for rural households has come down to less than 50 per cent. This means that the earning potential of rural households has gone up, such that they can spend more on other consumer goods, indicating a better standard of living. Even better is the fact that the proportionate share of........
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