Most Indians cannot afford a healthy meal and millions die each year from diseases that are directly related to poor diet, a recent survey showed. Noting that the average Indian’s diet is generally lacking in essential nutritional foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, etc., the report said “a healthy meal becomes unaffordable if it exceeds 63% of a person’s income.”
A recent report published by Science and Environment Center (CSE) and Down to Earth magazine said: “Seventy-one percent of Indians cannot afford a healthy diet. The world average is 42 percent.”
The diet of an average Indian is generally devoid of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Fish, dairy, and red meat consumption are within target, according to the Global Nutrition Report, 2021.
As for diseases attributable to poor diet, the survey mentioned respiratory diseases, diabetes, cancer, strokes and coronary heart disease.
Why can’t most Indians afford a healthy meal?
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, a healthy meal becomes unaffordable if it exceeds 63% of a person’s income.
Adults over the age of 20 consume just 35.8g of fruit per day versus the recommended 200g and 168.7g of vegetables per day versus the recommended minimum of 300g.
Similarly, they consume just 24.9 g per day (25% of target) of legumes and 3.2 g (13% of target) of nuts per day.
“Despite some progress, diets are not getting healthier. In addition, they are placing increasing demands on the environment, even as unacceptable levels of malnutrition persist in the country,” the report says.
“The high human, environmental and economic costs of continuing on our current trajectory are so significant that we will pay a much higher price if we do not act. The global food system is a long way from meeting global goals for both health and the environment.” “. he said she.
How is inflation affecting food prices?
Last year, consumer food price index (CFPI) inflation saw a 327% increase, while the consumer price index (CPI), which includes the CFPI, saw a jump of 84%.
“Food seems to be the most important driver of CPI inflation. The current high levels of food inflation have been driven by rising cost of production, rising international crop prices, and disruptions related to extreme weather.
“In fact, our analysis of the CRISIL data shows that food prices increased at a faster rate in rural areas than in urban areas between March and April 2022,” said Richard Mahapatra, managing editor of Down To Earth. .
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