Exploring environmental footprints and socio-demographic characteristics of Indian diets

Abstract

Agriculture is one of the major contributors to India's environmental footprint. The climatic impacts of Indian diets will likely increase due to the rising population, urbanization, and dietary transition. Assessment of multiple environmental indicators related to diet and sociological drivers has not been well studied in the Indian context. Therefore, we aim to quantify the environmental footprints of Indian diets and to identify the socio-demographic predictors. We conducted an online cross-sectional survey among 930 Indian adults (≥18 years) based on convenience sampling. Dietary data collected through a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire were matched with India-specific footprint data to quantify dietary greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, green and blue water footprints (WF), and land use footprints. Multiple linear regression was run to identify socio-demographic predictors of dietary environmental footprints. The mean GHG emissions, green and blue WFs, and land use footprints of diets were 4.42 kgCO₂-eq/day, 3.94 m³/day, 0.84 m³/day, and 9.0 m²/day, respectively. Dairy and fats & oils accounted for the largest share of dietary GHG emissions and land use footprints, respectively. Processed foods (baked, fried, preserved products, beverages, drinks) were the highest contributor to dietary green and blue WF. Gender, age, marital status, occupation, caste, religion, number of children or adolescents in the family, and region were significant predictors of dietary environmental footprints. The environmental footprint of current diets was 40–48 % higher than national dietary guidelines. Dietary diversification with the inclusion of millet, reduction in dairy and processed food intake, shifting to dietary guidelines, and targeted inventions among various social groups will pave the way towards the sustainability of Indian diets.