Inter-state variations in food consumption, nutritional adequacy and levels of poverty

Using the National Sample Survey Organization"s consumer expenditure estimates for 1961-2 to 1983 for 15 major Indian states, this study assesses differences among states and income classes and between rural and urban areas in food consumption patterns, nutritional adequacy, and poverty; foodgrain production and consumption linkages are examined as well. The study concludes that by and large poor states have remained poor and better off states have remained better off. Among the findings are: (1) per capita expenditures on foodgrains declined in most states from 1961-2 to 1983; (2) in 1961-62 per capita calorie intake was above recommended levels in almost all states, whereas in 1983 this was the case in only four states; (3) general reductions in the intake of cereals, pulses, and milk during the study period led to increased poverty in most of the states; (4) poverty levels reached a peak during 1968-74, and were as a general rule higher in rural areas; and (5) foodgrain consumption was negatively associated with foodgrain production. A possible short-term solution to India"s poverty problem could be to improve surplus grain distribution, but ultimately steps should be taken to increase the income of the rural poor through increased agricultural assistance. Included are 35 tables and 4 figures.