Has Dietary Transition Slowed Down in India: An Analysis Based on 50th, 61st and 66th Rounds of NSS

Our study examines changes in diets over the period 1993-2009. Diets have shifted away from cereals towards higher consumption of fruits, vegetables, oils and livestock products. Using household data, a food diversity index (FDI) is constructed, based on five food commodities. Significant price effects that vary over time are confirmed, as also income/expenditure effects. Over and above these effects, more sedentary life styles and less strenuous activity patterns played a significant role in shaping dietary patterns. An important finding is slowing down of dietary transition among the poor-especially in rural areas-in the more recent sub-period 2004-09. Clues relate to weakening of food price, expenditure and life-style effects.