Study of Factors Influencing Fish Consumption Pattern in Punjab (India)

The present study aims to assess the fish consumption patterns and consumer preferences towards fish and fish-products in Punjab. The study was carried out in Punjab through a structured questionnaire to collect information about fish consumption patterns during 2021-22. A Google form created in English and Punjabi was circulated through e-mails, WhatsApp groups and various other social media platforms. The, total of 636 responses were recorded from rural (53%) and urban areas (47%) which revealed that 42.8% respondents were fish eaters while rest 57.2% as non-fish eaters. The major reason behind less consumption of fish and fish-products in Punjab was due to religious constraints (62.9 % of the non-fish eaters), followed by fishy flavour and odour (15.7%) and presence of spines (1.1%). Moreover, people have good knowledge about the facts of quality, spoilage, health benefits of fish but only 26.8% of fish eaters consider nutritional value of fish as selection criteria. Therefore, the findings of the present study signify the need to promote consumption of cheaper and easily digestible protein rich fish meat as well as to create awareness about nutritional benefits of eating fish in Punjab.