Determinants of food consumption: the case of pearl millet in India’s dietary transition

Abstract It is widely acknowledged that economic development across global economies has been accompanied by structural shifts in both food and non-food consumption patterns. This study examines such changes and identifies the key determinants of household characteristics that account for such food consumption. Using the unit-level records of the consumer expenditure surveys published by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), this study measures the effects of household characteristics such as household size, source of cooking energy, religion, social group, economic class, and size of land owned and cultivated on the food consumption of pearl millet. The findings of the study are presented in two parts. While the first part draws broad observations regarding the changes in food consumption of pearl millet and other cereals, the second part presents the household determinants that are likely to affect the food consumption of pearl millet. Contrary to conventional understanding, this study shows evidence of the influence of various socio-economic factors on pearl millet consumption in India. The findings highlight the urgent need for policy intervention to promote millet consumption for nutritional security, particularly among the affluent and urban communities, where the likelihood of consuming pearl millet is rapidly decreasing.