Determinants of Household Fish Consumption in India: Application of Heckman Sample Selection Model

The dietary pattern of fish among different income classes and its determinants at household level have been analyzed using consumer expenditure survey data of the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) for the years 2004–05 and 2011–12. The annual per capita consumption and expenditure on fish have been found higher among the high-income households than middle- and low-income households; the middle-income class has depicted more consumption of fish in quantity terms in both rural and urban households. The share of expenditure on the fish in the total food and non-food expenditure was higher in low-income households than high- and middle-income households. The Heckman sample selection model has revealed that increase in fish price would reduce the probability of its expenditure and quantity demand. The increase in per capita household income will increase both market participation and quantity demand for fish. Besides, education, age, and gender, the practices of taking food away from home, regular salary income, middle and high income groups have been found the major drivers of fish consumption and consequent nutritional security of households in the country.