Works by students and researchers in India

Author : Prasanth A.

Abstract : This report examines the patterns of food supply and consumption in the rural and urban contexts of the Pondicherry bio-region, focusing on key dimensions such as food security, equity, sovereignty, and democracy. It investigates how socio-economic, cultural, and gender factors influence dietary habits and access to food in two contrasting environments: the rural village of Krishnankuppam and the urban area of Ariyankuppam.

The report highlights the rural community’s reliance on traditional crops and the urban area’s greater diversity in food choices, driven by different socio-economic dynamics. Government policies, such as the Green Revolution and the Public Distribution System, have significantly influenced food practices, leading to a marked shift from millet to rice-based diets. An analysis of meal organization indicates that rural households depend on locally available produce, while urban households enjoy a wider variety of vegetables and fruits. Urban innovations in meal preparation showcase a blending of traditional and modern culinary trends, whereas rural practices are often constrained by economic and time limitations.
Socioeconomic disparities are particularly evident in rural areas, where lower-income groups struggle with food security. This challenge is reflected in the consumption of millet, with lower-income households often unable to afford these nutritious food options. When examining fruit and vegetable consumption, significant differences emerge, with urban households incorporating a wider variety compared to their rural counterparts. The study highlights the impact of socioeconomic status and market availability on these trends. Urban households consume more fruits due to better access and awareness, while rural households prioritize seasonal and locally available options.

The report also explores non-vegetarian consumption, observing preferences for seafood, chicken, and mutton in both rural and urban contexts, with urban households displaying greater frequency and variety. While seafood is popular across both contexts, affordability and availability play crucial roles in shaping consumption patterns. Rural households tend to rely on locally sourced options, while urban households benefit from broader market accessibility. Food supply patterns vary significantly between rural and urban households, reflecting their distinct socio-economic and geographical contexts. Rural households frequently rely on self-cultivation and local exchanges for their food supply, heavily depending on seasonal availability.

However, reduced farm sizes and economic pressures are causing an increasing reliance on markets for staples like rice and other essentials. Urban households, in contrast, primarily depend on the market, sourcing food from local shops, supermarkets, and speciality stores. This market dependency allows urban households access to a broader variety of food items, but it also exposes them to fluctuations in market availability and prices.

Gender roles play a vital part in managing food supply, with rural women balancing farming and household responsibilities, while urban women navigate market systems to meet their families’ dietary needs. The report also examines food transformation within domestic kitchens, emphasizing women’s roles in managing household food systems under various constraints.

Rural women often balance traditional methods with resource limitations, while urban women explore innovative recipes that reflect modern dietary preferences. Health awareness and traditional culinary knowledge emerge as critical factors influencing food choices in both contexts, particularly among economically advantaged households. Health-related concerns associated with changing food habits in the region reveal significant differences between rural and urban contexts. The shift from traditional millet-based diets to rice centric consumption has contributed to rising incidences of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare and awareness is limited. While rural households rely on locally sourced foods with minimal diversity, urban households incorporate a broader range of healthy foods such as greens, fruits, and millet, reflecting greater health awareness and market accessibility. However, urban diets also exhibit a higher intake of processed and convenience foods, increasing the risk of obesity and related conditions. Health-conscious behaviours, like the inclusion of millet and greens for their nutritional benefits, are more prominent in urban areas, often driven by education and income levels. In contrast, rural households face constraints such as time, resources, and lack of awareness, limiting their ability to integrate healthier dietary options consistently. These disparities highlight the need for targeted nutritional education and access to affordable, healthy food options across both contexts.

In conclusion, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolving food systems in the Pondicherry bio-region, identifying factors that differentiate rural and urban food practices, including socio-economic influences, cultural preferences, and generational shifts. The report emphasizes the necessity for targeted policies to address food equity and sustainability, suggesting that promoting local agricultural systems and empowering communities through food sovereignty and democracy can help bridge existing gaps. It advocates for a balanced approach that integrates nutritional education, market accessibility, and cultural preservation to cultivate a resilient and inclusive food system for the Pondicherry bio-region.