Overview
- Cereals now supply roughly 50% of at-home protein, far above the ICMR-NIN benchmark of 32% based on 2023–24 NSSO data.
- Average intake appears adequate at about 55.6 grams per day, yet cereal-based protein offers poorer amino-acid profiles and lower bioavailability.
- Pulses contribute only about 11% of total protein versus the 19% recommended, with under-consumption reported in every state.
- Protein access is highly unequal, with the richest 10% consuming about 1.5 times more at-home protein than the poorest and far more animal sources.
- The report calls for overhauling the PDS, PM POSHAN, and Anganwadi nutrition schemes to increase provisioning of coarse grains, pulses, milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.