INDIANS SPENDING MORE ON MILK, FRUITS AND VEG THAN FOODGRAINS:

Why in the news?

  • The latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) reveals a continuous decline in the portion of total spending allocated to food items among Indians.
  • This shift in spending pattern is evident from a reduction in the share of foodgrains and sugar, with a notable increase in expenditure on animal and horticulture products.
source:slideserve

About Rising Expenditure on Nutrient-Rich Foods:

  • The data from the HCES highlights a significant increase in spending on milk, fruits, and vegetables, surpassing the expenditure on staple food items.
  • Additionally, there is a growing preference for eggs, fish, and meat, indicating a shift towards animal proteins over plant-based proteins.
What is an Engel curve?

●   Engel Curve hypothesis, indicating higher incomes lead to a smaller food expenditure proportion.

●   Emphasis on nutrient-rich foods highlights the need for policy interventions in agricultural production.

●   Promotion of dairy, poultry, and horticulture crops recommended over traditional foodgrains incentivized by MSP.

What is CES?

●   CES stands for Consumer Expenditure Survey.

●   It is conducted every five years by the National Statistical Office (NSO).

●   The survey aims to gather data on household consumption expenditure to understand consumption patterns and economic trends.