Indians prefer chicken over red meat, eggs: NSSO

India appears to be turning more and more health conscious with people preferring chicken, fruits and vegetables over red meat and eggs. While the per capita monthly consumption has come down from 0.11 kg to 0.07 kg in 2004-05 in urban India, said the 61st consumption conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation.

The decline was also observed in case of eggs with per capita consumption in urban India falling from 2.06 eggs per month in 1999-00 to 1.72 eggs in 2004-05. In the fruits segment, increase in per capita consumption was witnessed in four fresh fruits bananas, coconuts, apples and mangoes.

Also, the per capital consumption of groundnuts increased significantly in rural and urban areas during the 11-year period.

The survey also revealed that while per capita consumption of brinjal declined distinctly, the per capita consumption of many other vegetables has risen significantly. Largest increase was witnessed in consumption of onions in both rural and urban areas over the 11-year period.

Consumption of tomatoes per person per m 50 gm per month between 1993-94 to 2004-05, the survey revealed.