Context:
The National Statistical Office (NSO) has published its latest report on India’s nutritional intake, derived from data collected in the Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys (HCES) for the periods August 2022–July 2023 and August 2023–July 2024.
Key Highlights:
- Average Calorie Intake (per capita per day):
- Rural India: 2233 Kcal (2022–23) → 2212 Kcal (2023–24)
- Urban India: 2250 Kcal → 2240 Kcal
- Average Protein Intake (per capita per day):
- Rural: 61.9 gm → 61.8 gm
- Urban: 63.2 gm → 63.4 gm
- Average Fat Intake (per capita per day):
- Rural: 59.7 gm → 60.4 gm
- Urban: 70.5 gm → 69.8 gm
- Calorie intake increases with Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) across both rural and urban sectors.
- Inequality Reduced:
- The gap in calorie intake between the bottom and top fractile classes narrowed in 2023–24.
- Main Sources of Protein (2023–24):
- Cereals remain the largest source: ~47% in rural and ~39% in urban areas.
- The share of cereals in protein intake has declined steadily since 2009–10, offset by increases in eggs, fish, meat, and milk products.
- Adjusted Nutrient Intake (Accounts for external meal consumption):
- Adjusted values are slightly lower than unadjusted.
- Adjusted Calorie Intake (2023–24):
- Rural: 2191 Kcal
- Urban: 2225 Kcal
PIB
