Economic Survey: Pakistanis Consuming More Calories, Fruits and Vegetables
By Riaz Haq
CA
Pakistanis are eating more and healthier foods, according to the Economic Survey of Pakistan 2021-22. Per capita average daily calorie intake in Pakistan jumped to 2,735 calories in FY 2021-22 from 2,457 calories in 2019-20. The biggest contributor to it is the per capita consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables which soared from 53.6 kg to 68.3 kg. Under former Prime Minister Imran Khan's leadership, Pakistan succeeded in achieving these nutritional improvements in spite of surging global food prices amid the Covid19 pandemic.
Pakistan per capita daily calorie consumption - Source Economic Surveys of Pakistan
The trend of higher per capita daily calorie consumption has continued since the 1950s. It has risen from about 2,078 in 1949-50 to 2,400 in 2001-02 and 2735 in 2021-22. The per capita per day protein intake in grams increased from 63 to 67 to about 75 during these years. Health experts suggest that women consume at least 1,200 calories a day, and men consume at least 1,500 calories a day, says Harvard Health Publishing.
Major food items consumed in Pakistan. Source - Economic Survey of Pakistan 2021-22
The latest edition of the Economic Survey of Pakistan estimates that per capita calories come from the annual per capita consumption of 164.7 kg of cereals, 7.3 kg of pulses (daal), 28.3 kg of sugar, 168.8 liters of milk, 22.5 kg of meat, 2.9 kg of fish, 8.1 dozen eggs, 14.5 kg of ghee (cooking oil) and 68.3 kg of fruits and vegetables. Pakistan's economy grew 5.97% and agriculture outputs increased a record 4.4% in FY 2021-22, according to the Economic Survey.
Pakistan Growth Indicators - Source Economic Survey 2021-22
The minimum recommended food basket in Pakistan is made up of basic food items (cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, meat, milk, edible oils and sugar) to provide 2150 kcal and 60gram protein/day per capita.
The state of Pakistan's social sector is not as dire as the headlines suggest. There are good reasons for optimism. Key indicators show that nutrition and health in Pakistan are improving but such improvements need to be accelerated.
(Riaz Haq is a Silicon Valley-based Pakistani-American analyst and writer. He blogs at www.riazhaq.com)
