Narrowing the Calorie Gap

GS1 – Society

Context

The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023–24 by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) reveals a notable decline in the disparity of calorie intake between India’s wealthiest and poorest households. This shift is attributed to reduced consumption among affluent groups and improved intake among economically disadvantaged populations.

About HCES

The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey is a periodic, nationally representative survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO). It assesses household expenditure patterns, including food and nutrient intake, to gauge living standards.

Key Findings

• Top 5% Households:
  • Calorie intake decreased by 11.1% in urban areas and 5.6% in rural regions, driven by healthier food choices and lower physical activity.
• Bottom 5% Households:
  • Calorie intake increased by 4.5% (urban) and 5.0% (rural), supported by better access and rising incomes.
• Overall Calorie Gap:
  • The gap narrowed by 32% in urban and 19.7% in rural settings.
• Average Calorie Intake:
  • Declined marginally by 0.4% in urban and 0.9% in rural areas, reflecting broader dietary changes.
• Protein Intake:
  • Slight increase in urban (+0.3%) and a small decline in rural areas (–0.2%), largely influenced by affordability and availability.
• Fat Intake:
  • Urban consumption decreased by 1.0% due to health consciousness, while rural consumption rose by 1.2%, likely due to increased oil use.

Dietary Trends Since 2011–12

• Urban Trends:
  • Urban calorie intake has grown by 1.5%, indicating gradual improvement in food diversity and nutritional quality.
• Rural Trends:
  • Rural calorie intake declined by 0.9%, possibly because of a reduced share of cereals and shifts in physical labour patterns.
• Fat Consumption:
  • Fat intake has seen a sharp rise—20.3% in urban and 31% in rural areas—signifying greater dietary transition in rural households.
• Protein Shifts:
  • Rural protein intake, initially higher in 2011–12, has been overtaken by urban intake by 2023–24 due to better access to protein-rich foods in cities.

Why Are the Gaps Narrowing?

Reduction Among Top Earners:

• Increasing health awareness leads to adoption of low-calorie, nutrient-rich diets.
• Sedentary urban lifestyles reduce energy requirements.
• Already high consumption levels result in lower scope for further increases.

Improvement Among Bottom Earners:

• Rising rural wages expand dietary choices.
• Strengthened government schemes like the Public Distribution System (PDS) enhance food security.
• Improved infrastructure and retail access bring diverse foods to remote areas.