Recent data from the State Bank of India (SBI) reveals a notable shift in Indian household consumption patterns, with a significant decline in the intake of cereals and pulses. Over the past 12 years, consumption of these staples has decreased by over 5% in both rural and urban areas.
Source:- bbc news
This change reflects a broader trend where the share of food expenditure in household budgets has diminished. In rural areas, spending on food items decreased from 52.9% in 2011-12 to 47.04% in 2023-24, a decline of 5.86 percentage points. Urban areas experienced a smaller reduction, with food expenditure dropping from 42.62% to 39.68%, a decrease of 2.94 percentage points.
Source:- news 18
Concurrently, non-food items have become a larger portion of household spending. In rural regions, the share of non-food expenditure increased from 47.1% in 2011-12 to 52.96% in 2023-24, marking a 5.86 percentage point rise. Urban areas saw a similar trend, with non-food spending growing from 57.38% to 60.32%, an increase of 2.94 percentage points.
These shifts are influenced by factors such as rising incomes, urbanization, and changing lifestyles, leading consumers to allocate more funds toward non-food items like toiletries, clothing, and footwear. Notably, spending on toiletries has risen, partly due to initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and increased hygiene awareness.
The decline in cereal and pulse consumption, along with the increased share of non-food expenditures, underscores the evolving socio-economic landscape in India. This trend highlights the dynamic nature of consumer behavior and the need for policies that address these changing consumption patterns.
Share your views in the comments
