The fish at the table: Reflections on fish consumption across two coastal states in India

Abstract

Environmental impact literature needs to include changing food consumption behaviour in the era of conscious consumption especially in the post COVID period. The observations on fish consumption from two coastal states in India – Kerala and Gujarat offers interesting insights into how there has been change in consumers’ tastes and preferences and further how it can be integrated to create a sustainable fisheries value chain. However, there is a need to develop a strong statistical base on consumption studies with respect to food items such as fish given its importance as a source of affordable nutrition and the international trade aspects associated with it. In the post covid scenario, we argue that there is a need that within the broader ambit of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, we need to augment the existing momentum of augmenting awareness and advocating sustainable consumption to devise a stronger statistical base with informed policy.