New Delhi, March 6 -- The new NSSO data reveals that milk is the food item Indians are spending the most on. To sustain high consumer demand and ensure a good income for farmers, focus needs to shift from hiking procurement prices to lowering production costs at the farm-gate.

Based on the most recentHousehold Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for 2022-23,milkhas become theleading food expenditureitem in both rural and urban areas of India.

The monthly value of milk and dairy products consumed by an average person in rural India, at Rs 314, was ahead of vegetables (Rs 203), cereals (Rs 185) etc.

The HCES data reveals the same for urban India: Milk (Rs 466), fruits (Rs 246), vegetables (Rs 245) and cereals (Rs 235).

Challenges face...