A study Consumption of food by Indian households and ICMR-recommended quantity – An analysis based on HCES 2022-23 data, published in MoSPI publication Sarvekshana (April 2026) evaluates Indian dietary habits by comparing HCES 2022-23 data against the revised ICMR-NIN dietary guidelines issued in May 2024.
The study finds a significant mismatch between actual consumption and recommended norms. While cereal intake is adequate or even excessive in most regions, pulses, vegetables, and nuts are consistently under-consumed across nearly all states and Union Territories, in both rural and urban areas.
The analysis highlights regional strengths and weaknesses; for instance, northern states like Punjab and Haryana exceed milk consumption norms, whereas most other regions fall short. Interestingly, urban areas generally meet fruit intake recommendations, while rural populations face a deficit.
These findings suggest that India's "hidden hunger" is no longer just about calories, but about the quality and diversity of the food plate, requiring a strategic shift in both agricultural production and public health awareness.
Key Consumption Benchmarks and Gaps
Cereals: Average consumption meets or exceeds norms in most states; shortages are only noted in highly urbanized hubs like Delhi and Kerala.
Pulses: Significantly below recommended levels nationwide for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Vegetables: Widespread deficit across all states/UTs in both rural and urban sectors.
Milk Products: Surplus consumption in the North (e.g., Rajasthan, Punjab) but deficient in most other regions.
Fruits: Urban areas generally exceed norms; rural areas in states like UP, Bihar, and Maharashtra report consumption below recommended levels.
Nuts and Seeds: Consistently below the ICMR-NIN 2024 recommended thresholds across the country.
What are the "ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines"?
The ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines are evidence-based recommendations that define the quantity and variety of food groups an individual should consume daily to maintain optimal health and prevent chronic diseases.
Revised in May 2024, these guidelines emphasize a balanced "My Plate" approach, moving away from a cereal-heavy diet toward one rich in pulses, leafy vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. In the context of the HCES 2022-23 analysis, these guidelines serve as the "gold standard" to measure whether Indian households are eating for mere survival or for long-term nutritional well-being.
Policy Relevance
Reframes Food Security: The data indicates that policy must shift from "Calorie Security" (focused on rice/wheat) to "Nutritional Security" (focused on proteins and micronutrients).
Guides Agricultural Planning: The gap in pulse and vegetable consumption signals a need for the Department of Agriculture to incentivize the production of these specific food groups to meet potential domestic demand.
Informs Public Distribution Systems (PDS): Findings provide a strong case for including pulses and fortified foods in the PDS to address widespread protein and mineral deficits.
Targets Regional Interventions: State-level data allows for localized health campaigns; for example, promoting moderate cereal intake in the South while increasing milk access in the East.
Supports Preventive Healthcare: Aligning national diets with ICMR-NIN norms can significantly reduce the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension, which are often linked to starch-heavy diets.
Follow the Full Paper Here (Page 87 to 97): MoSPI - Sarvekshana Journal Issue 120 (April 2026)