Thalinomics is the study of the economics surrounding a complete meal, known as a 'thali'. This concept helps in evaluating how economic changes and policy decisions affect the average cost of food in India.
In April, the cost of a home-cooked vegetarian meal in India rose by 8% year-on-year. This increase marked an acceleration compared to the 7% rise noted in both February and March.
The price surge in vegetarian meals can be attributed to significant increases in essential ingredients. Onions, tomatoes, and potatoes saw year-on-year price hikes of 41%, 40%, and 38%, respectively.
The expenditure for a non-vegetarian meal reached ₹56.3, a four-month high. However, there was a year-on-year decline of 4% in April, primarily influenced by a 12% decrease in broiler prices from the previous year's elevated levels.
Broiler prices, which account for nearly half of a non-vegetarian meal's cost, increased by 4% from March due to heightened demand and rising input costs.
Some items experienced price reductions, including cumin, chilli, and vegetable oil, which saw year-on-year drops of 40%, 31%, and 10%, respectively. These decreases helped moderate the overall price increases in vegetarian thali costs.
The fluctuations in meal costs are crucial as they indicate food inflation trends, which hold significant weight for economic analysis and policymaking. They reflect the financial pressures faced by average households and can influence decisions regarding monetary policy and food security strategies.
The official retail inflation data, expected to be released on May 14, will provide further insights into overall inflation trends, including food prices.
Q1. What is the main focus of Thalinomics?
Answer: Thalinomics focuses on the economic aspects of a complete meal, analyzing how policy changes affect food prices in India.
Q2. Why did vegetarian meal costs rise significantly in April?
Answer: The rise in vegetarian meal costs in April was primarily due to substantial price increases in key ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and potatoes.
Q3. What is the trend in non-vegetarian meal costs?
Answer: Non-vegetarian meal costs reached a four-month high, but there was a year-on-year decline in April, mainly due to reduced broiler prices.
Q4. Which ingredients saw price reductions recently?
Answer: Recent price reductions were observed in cumin, chilli, and vegetable oil, which helped mitigate the overall increases in vegetarian meal costs.
Q5. When will the retail inflation data be released?
Answer: The official retail inflation data is anticipated to be released on May 14, providing insights into overall inflation, including food prices.
Question 1: What does Thalinomics study?
A) The cost of individual ingredients
B) The economics of a full meal
C) The history of Indian cuisine
D) The nutritional value of meals
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: By how much did the cost of vegetarian meals increase in April 2023?
A) 6%
B) 7%
C) 8%
D) 9%
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which ingredient saw the largest price increase year-on-year?
A) Tomatoes
B) Potatoes
C) Onions
D) Chilli
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What was the year-on-year change in non-vegetarian meal costs in April?
A) Increase of 2%
B) Decrease of 4%
C) No change
D) Increase of 3%
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: What contributed to the rise in broiler prices in March?
A) Decreased demand
B) Increased input costs
C) Seasonal changes
D) Price controls
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What is the expected release date for retail inflation data?
A) May 10
B) May 14
C) May 20
D) May 25
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: Which of the following ingredients saw a decrease in price?
A) Onions
B) Cumin
C) Potatoes
D) Tomatoes
Correct Answer: B
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