Purchase and consumption pattern of milk and dairy products in Salem district of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Dairy consumption is witnessing gradual transformation across the socio-economic groups in India. Analysis of milk purchase and consumption pattern across men, women and children would generate better insights to formulate policies and strategies thus promoting the right purchase and consumption behaviour. Accordingly, this study was conducted during 2022-2023 in the Salem district which is the highest milk producing district in Tamil Nadu. Three blocks viz., Thalaivasal, Konganapuram and Salem were selected with varying levels of milk production and urbanization. The sample size constituted 225 comprising 25 men, women and children each in each of three blocks who were randomly chosen. The respondents were interviewed using a pre-tested interview schedule. The collected data were analysed for gaining better understanding about consumption behaviour. The quantity of milk purchased per day varied between 1 and 2 litres and less than a litre for 39.56 per cent and 23.11 per cent of households respectively. About three-fourth of the adults (74.67%) consumed less milk than the recommended level by ICMR (300 ml per day) whereas none of the children consumed the recommended level of milk per day. The factors such as age, awareness regarding health benefits of milk and monthly expenses on milk and milk products had a positive relationship on milk consumption level, whereas cost per litre of milk had an inverse relationship. The findings suggest raising the awareness about recommended milk consumption levels and educating parents for promoting better dietary habits and healthy living among people.