Daily Current Affairs : 8-September-2023

In recent times, the soaring prices of vegetables, especially tomatoes, and other essential food items have cast a heavy burden on Indian households. This surge in prices has resulted in a 24.26 per cent increase in the cost of preparing a vegetarian thali meal and a 12.54 per cent hike in the case of a non-vegetarian thali. This phenomenon has serious implications for the budgets of Indian families, leading to financial strain and a need for reevaluating daily expenditures.

Understanding Thalinomics: The Economics of a Plate of Food

What is Thalinomics?

Thalinomics, a term coined to describe the economics of a plate of food in India, seeks to determine the cost of a typical Indian meal. It is a critical tool for assessing the affordability of food and understanding its impact on households.

The Toll on Households

How the Price Rise Affects Indian Households

  1. Rising Costs: The cost of a vegetarian thali has surged by 24.26 per cent, reaching Rs 33.8, while a non-vegetarian thali has seen a 12.54 per cent increase, reaching Rs 67.3 compared to the previous year.
  2. Financial Strain: For a family of five, this translates into an additional daily cost of Rs 33 for a vegetarian thali and Rs 37.5 for a non-vegetarian thali for lunch or dinner. This places considerable financial pressure on households.
  3. Income vs. Food Expenses: Considering that male agricultural workers in rural areas earn an average daily wage of Rs 323.2 in 2022, with two earning members, a staggering 78 per cent of their wages would go towards preparing thali meals for the month.
  4. Budget Constraints: With such a significant portion of income dedicated to food, households are left with a mere 22 per cent to cover other essential expenses such as education, healthcare, clothing, transportation, and energy. This compels them to make difficult choices, potentially compromising the quality and variety of their daily meals.
Understanding Thali Meals and Cost Calculation

What is a Thali Meal?

A thali meal is a quintessential Indian dining experience consisting of a variety of dishes served on a platter. It showcases the diversity of Indian cuisine by offering an assortment of flavors and textures in a single serving.

Cost Calculation

  1. Regional Variation: The average cost of preparing a thali at home is determined by considering input prices prevalent across different regions of India, including the north, south, east, and west. This accounts for the variations in food costs throughout the country.
  2. Driving Ingredients: Various components contribute to changes in thali costs, including cereals, pulses, broilers (meat), vegetables, spices, edible oil, and cooking gas. Fluctuations in the prices of these ingredients directly impact the overall cost of a thali meal.

Important Points:

Impact on Indian Households:

  • Spike in vegetable and food prices is straining Indian households’ budgets.
  • A 24.26% increase in the cost of a vegetarian thali and 12.54% increase for non-vegetarian thali.
  • Families of five face additional daily expenses of Rs 33 for vegetarian thali and Rs 37.5 for non-vegetarian thali.
  • Male agricultural workers’ wages are disproportionately spent on food, with 78% going toward thali meals.
  • Limited remaining income (22%) for education, health, clothing, travel, and energy.
  • Households are compelled to compromise on meal quality and diversity to manage budgets.

Understanding Thalinomics:

  • Thalinomics is a term describing the economics of a plate of food in India.
  • It assesses the affordability and impact of food costs on households.

Thali Meals and Cost Calculation:

  • Thali meals consist of a variety of dishes served on a platter, showcasing India’s culinary diversity.
  • The average cost of a thali is calculated based on input prices from different regions of India.
  • Ingredients like cereals, pulses, meat, vegetables, spices, edible oil, and cooking gas influence thali costs.
  • Regional variations and ingredient price fluctuations impact the overall cost of thali meals.
Why In News

The soaring costs of vegetables, particularly tomatoes, and various essential food commodities have placed a significant strain on the financial well-being of Indian households. This economic burden has translated into a staggering 24.26 percent surge in the expenditure required to prepare a vegetarian thali meal, alongside a noteworthy 12.54 percent escalation for those opting for a non-vegetarian thali. Consequently, budgeting for everyday meals has become increasingly challenging for many families across the country.

MCQs about The Thalinomics Dilemma

  1. Thalinomics is the study of:
    A. Indian music
    B. Plate tectonics
    C. The economics of a plate of food in India
    D. None of the above
    Correct Answer: C. The economics of a plate of food in India
    Explanation: Thalinomics is the term used to describe the economics of a plate of food in India.
  2. How have rising food prices affected Indian households?
    A. Decreased thali costs
    B. Increased wages for male agricultural workers
    C. Financial strain and compromised meal quality
    D. No impact on households
    Correct Answer: C. Financial strain and compromised meal quality
    Explanation: Rising food prices have led to financial strain on households, forcing them to compromise on meal quality.
  3. What are thali meals?
    A. A type of fast food
    B. A way to calculate household expenses
    C. Indian-style meals consisting of various dishes served on a platter
    D. A type of agricultural product
    Correct Answer: C. Indian-style meals consisting of various dishes served on a platter
    Explanation: Thali meals, as explained in the essay, are Indian-style meals that include a variety of dishes served together on a platter, showcasing the diversity of Indian cuisine.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading