SUSTAINABILITY AND DIETARY CHANGE: AN ANALYSIS OF INDIAN FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERNS

Abstract

Indian consumption pattern is diversifying towards high value agricultural products in search of a nutritious and healthier diet. The study analyses the trends of changing Indian food baskets in terms of social (nutrition), economic (affordability of a healthy diet) and environmental (global warming potential) sustainability. In terms of nutrition, the study finds that against a recommended calorie intake of 2503 kcal, the highest monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) section of urban and rural population is consuming 3143 and 3184 kcal respectively. The lower MPCE section consumes only 65% of what is recommended as a healthy diet by LANCET. A comparison of the Indian diets with the LANCET recommended diet finds the environmental impact of the latter to be 1.3 times that of the actual intakes by Indians. The cost of the LANCET diet is 1.6 and 1.2 times the cost of the actual intake and recommended diets in India respectively. While the Indian diet is environmentally more sustainable, a nutritious diet of the global standard is beyond reach of the poor. Concerted efforts are required for facilitating an affordable, accessible and sustainable diet.