Kurkure More Accessible Than Fruits; Economic Advisor Calls for Healthier Market Options

Processed foods like Kurkure are more accessible than fruits and vegetables, even in rural regions, according to a senior economic advisor to the Prime Minister. This highlights the necessity for healthier market options. S Mahendra Dev, chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the PM, stressed the importance of ensuring that healthier products are available to the public.

Dev highlighted that processed foods and beverages now make up 21% of food consumption in rural areas. In urban areas, this figure is expected to exceed 25%. He warned that ignoring this trend could lead to health issues like obesity. The industry must address this by providing healthier snacking alternatives.

Processed Foods and Health Concerns

Dev pointed out that chips and Kurkure are more readily available in rural areas than fruits and vegetables. He emphasised the need for healthier options, especially for children. When asked about potential policy interventions, Dev mentioned that efforts would focus on educating people and engaging with the industry.

Working couples often rely on processed foods due to their busy schedules, which prevents them from cooking daily. Dev noted that this reliance poses a health problem. He spoke at a seminar organised by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation about changes in inflation and growth.

Changing Consumption Patterns

Consumption patterns have shifted significantly over the past decade. In rural areas, cereals and fruit now account for only 10% of consumption, a drastic decline. Eggs and meat have taken a larger share of the diet. Dev suggested revising critical economic indices periodically to reflect these structural changes.

Dev also mentioned that new indices are being developed to incorporate these evolving consumption patterns. This reflects an economy adapting to new structural changes over time.

The focus on educating people about healthier choices and collaborating with the industry is crucial. Ensuring access to healthier food options can help address health concerns related to processed food consumption.

With inputs from PTI