NSO REPORT ON NUTRITIONAL INTAKE IN INDIA

CURRENT CONTEXT : Recently, the National Statistical Office (NSO) released nutritional data based on Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys (2022–23 & 2023–24).

Relevant data of Report

 AVERAGE DAILY CALORIE INTAKE (per capita)

• Rural Areas:
• 2233 kcal (2022–23)
• 2212 kcal (2023–24)
• Urban Areas:
• 2250 kcal (2022–23)
• 2240 kcal (2023–24)

PROTEIN SOURCES

• Cereals are still primary protein sources but their share declined:
• ~14% drop in rural areas
• ~12% drop in urban areas
• Rise in consumption of eggs, fish, milk, and meat offset the drop.

LINK WITH INCOME – MPCE IMPACT

• Higher MPCE (Monthly Per Capita Expenditure) → Higher Calorie Intake.
• Reflects economic nutrition correlation.

NARROWING INEQUALITY GAP

• 2023–24 Calorie Intake by economic groups:
• Rural Bottom 5%: 1688 kcal
• Rural Top 5%: 2941 kcal
• Urban Bottom 5%: 1696 kcal
• Urban Top 5%: 3092 kcal
• Shows a narrowing gap between rich and poor in calorie intake since 2009–10.