Over 97% Odias Prefer Non-Veg: Govt Study

New Delhi: Busting the myth that India is predominantly a vegetarian country, a government study has revealed that 71 per cent of the population is non-vegetarian. Odisha falls under the high non-vegetarian category as only about 2.65 per cent stick to vegetarian dish.

According to the Nation Wide Survey Conducted by the office of Registrar General & the Census Commissioner, Telangana and West Bengal have the highest number of non-vegetarians with 98.8 per cent men and 98.6 per cent women enjoying meat.

Andhra Pradesh (98.25 per cent), Odisha (97.35 per cent) and Kerala (97 per cent) fall under high non-vegetarian population category. 

On the other hand, 70 per cent people in Rajasthan is vegetarian, followed by Haryana and Punjab, with the number ranging from 65 to 70 per cent.

According to the study, majority of the youngsters in cities and villages have no inhibition about consuming mutton, fish or fowl.

It said 70 per cent of the women in the country is non-vegetarian.

Contrary to the perception, in Gujarat, where consumption of liquor is not allowed, two out of every five persons are non-vegetarians. Close to 40 per cent of the population is non-vegetarian. In fact, Gujarat has more people eating non-vegetarian food than Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

The study was conducted in 2014 and the report was released in 2016. But some media reports, quoting government officials, said the figure remains as good in 2019. The study was recently presented before the Election Commission as it did a pan-India analysis of festivals and religious occasions before finalising the poll dates.