Consumption of rice declining in Kerala as food habits change
By Manoj Vishwanathan
Keralites’ love for rice seems to be fading with changing food habits. Over the past decade, there has been a sharp decline in the consumption of rice in the state.As per the household consumption data issued by the Ministry of Statistics, per head rice consumption in rural Kerala, which stood at 7.39 kg per month in 2011-12, declined to 5.82 kg in 2022-23. In urban areas, it declined from 6.74 kg to 5.25 kg during the period.
However, rice mill industry insiders said the demand for rice has declined by 50% in the state over the past 10 years. According to them, people who used to consume rice and rice products thrice a day are now choosing wheat for breakfast and dinner. Considering the change in food habits, rice mills have begun diversifying.“While the consumption of rice has declined, the intake of wheat products has increased among Keralites. Nowadays, many youngsters prefer two vadas or egg puffs for lunch instead of meals,” said Keerthi Nirmal rice managing director Johnson Varghese.
Among those who consume rice, there has been an increase in the number of people opting for matta variety. The sale of matta rice has gone up even in Tamil Nadu. We are exporting matta rice to the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand. We export around 20 containers of rice to the UK per month,” said Johnson Varghese.Meanwhile, doctors say the consumption of unhealthy food like fried items and fritters has also increased among Keralites.“Though people have reduced rice consumption, the trend shows we are not opting for healthy food. Rice raises glucose and lipid parameters, which cause obesity,” diabetologist Dr Jothydev Kesavadev.
Replacing one cereal with another is not a solution, says expert
“The lipid parameters of Keralites have become highly abnormal during the past 25 years. As per our observation based on the clinical scenario, obesity is rising at an alarming rate in Kerala. More than 90% of the people above 20 years are under the obese category.Weight circumference is invariably larger for both men and women above the age of 25 years. You cannot blame this on lack of exercise alone,” said Dr Jothydev.
“Researchers said the increase in cancer prevalence is exclusively because of excess fat in the body.We can escape the possibility of around 30 types of cancer by reducing weight,” said Dr Jothydev, who conducts research in anti-obesity. Dr Sreejith N Kumar, a diabetologist, said: “As per the dietary guidelines of the National Institute of Nutrition, not more than 45% of the calories should come from cereals, which include rice and wheat.
“The people in Kerala consume a lot of carbohydrates, which is a contributing factor for the rise in diabetes and fatty liver cases. Replacing one cereal with another is not a solution and shift from rice to fried food is not healthy. Consuming more vegetables and fruits is a healthy option,” Dr Sreejith said.
This article has been republished from The New Indian Express.