Changing Food Consumption Pattern and Its Implications on Achieving Zero Hunger in India (SDG-2)

This paper provides an account of the nutritional status of Indian households and analyses the effect of changing food consumption patterns on nutrition. Our analysis shows that despite significant economic progress, the present nutritional status of Indian households is at a sub-optimal level. The incidence and extent of under-nourishment vary across the expenditure classes, rural and urban areas and states. The available evidence reveals that the imbalanced composition of the food basket transmits to the nutrients supply as well. The co-existence of both under-nutrition and over-nutrition necessitates a differentiated strategy of providing affordable access to nutritious food to poor households and creating awareness among rich households about a balanced and nutritious diet. Cereals are the predominant source of nutrients and any change in cereals consumption has direct implications on nutrition. The existing pace of dietary diversification away from cereals is not translating to an improvement in calories and protein intake. Strengthening of ongoing efforts of promoting nutri-cereals and reviewing coverage of PDS by adopting a nutritional approach can play a critical role in achieving the sustainable development target of zero hunger.