The Slow Progress of India's Protein Intake

India’s Protein Intake: Slow Progress Despite Rising Awareness

Introduction

Protein plays a vital role in muscle repair, child growth, immunity, and long-term health. Although public awareness about protein consumption has improved—especially in urban regions—recent data from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) shows that India’s actual protein intake has grown only marginally in FY24. This slow progress raises concerns about dietary quality, regional disparities, and the nation’s overall nutrition targets.

What the Data Shows

• Urban areas: Average intake rose slightly from 63.2g to 63.4g/day in FY24.
• Rural areas: Intake dipped marginally from 61.9g to 61.8g/day during the same period.
• Long-term trend: Over 15 years (FY10–FY24), India’s average protein intake has increased by only about 5 grams per day in both rural and urban regions.

Dietary Preferences and Shifts

1. Decline in Cereal Dependency

In FY10, cereals contributed about 60% of total protein in rural areas and 51% in urban areas. By FY24, this share declined to 46% and 39%, respectively. The decline reflects increasing awareness that cereals are relatively poor-quality protein sources.

2. Rise in Animal and Dairy Protein

Protein from milk, eggs, fish, and meat has increased across both urban and rural diets. These sources provide superior-quality protein with essential amino acids that support growth and immunity.

3. More Balanced Diet Patterns Emerging

Other foods such as nuts, oilseeds, pulses, and processed protein products have gained slight traction. Urban households are more likely to consume packaged or fortified high-protein foods, though affordability continues to limit wider access.

Significance of These Changes

• Better Quality Protein: A gradual shift away from cereal-based protein improves dietary quality.
• Healthier Population Potential: Better protein sources support muscle growth, reduce anaemia, and help combat undernutrition, especially among women and children.
• Economic Productivity: Improved nutrition contributes to a stronger workforce and better cognitive outcomes.
• Lower Healthcare Costs: Prevents protein-energy malnutrition and reduces the burden of diet-related diseases.

State-Wise Differences

• Kerala: Highest average intake — 73.9g (rural) and 72.4g (urban) — due to greater availability of fish, eggs, and dairy.
• Gujarat: Lowest rural protein intake at 54.7g/day.
• Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra: Continue to hover between 58–58.5g/day, showing slow improvement.

Challenges Ahead

• Affordability and Access: Animal-based protein sources like milk, eggs, and meat remain expensive for low-income families.
• Need for Targeted Schemes: Strengthen programs such as PDS, ICDS, and school meal initiatives to boost protein supply.
• Behavioural Change: Promote nutrition literacy and balanced diets through campaigns in regional languages.

Examples for Better Understanding

Everyday foods and their approximate protein content:

• 1 egg = 6g protein
• 1 cup boiled dal = 7–9g protein
• 100 ml milk = 3–4g protein
• 1 roti or serving of rice = less than 3g protein

Simply consuming roti and rice may fill the stomach, but it often fails to meet the body’s essential protein requirements.