Kerala Tops in Share of Spend on Non-Veg

Kerala Tops in Share of Spend on Non-Veg

According to a recent report by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), Kerala ranks first in India in terms of the share of household expenditure on non-vegetarian food. The state spends an average of 6.4% of its household income on non-veg items, significantly higher than the national average of 3.6%.

Key Factors Driving Non-Veg Consumption

Several factors contribute to Kerala’s high non-veg consumption:

Coastal location: Kerala has a long coastline with abundant access to marine resources, providing a wide variety of fish and seafood.
Cultural influences: Non-vegetarianism is deeply ingrained in Kerala’s food culture, influenced by historical trade and migration patterns.
Health benefits: Non-veg foods are a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for overall health and well-being.
Tourism: Kerala’s thriving tourism industry attracts visitors from different parts of the country, who often seek out the state’s renowned non-vegetarian dishes.

Economic Impact

The high demand for non-veg products has significant economic implications for Kerala:

Employment: The non-veg industry creates employment opportunities in fisheries, poultry farming, and the meatpacking industry.
Agriculture: The state’s high demand for livestock and poultry feed stimulates agricultural production.
Revenue: The state government earns substantial revenue from taxes on non-veg products.

Conclusion

Kerala’s leadership in non-vegetarian consumption reflects the state’s unique culinary heritage, economic drivers, and nutritional preferences. The high share of spending on non-veg indicates the importance of this food group in Kerala’s diet and its contribution to the state’s economy.