THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Malayalis have their own preferences and habits when it comes to food. Many of our habits got passed down from generations before us, and this is the same with food. However, the government's figures show that there has been a big change in the favorite dishes of Malayalis in recent times. The Ministry of Statistics has clarified that rice consumption has decreased significantly in the last ten years.

In the past, the custom of Keralites was to eat dishes made from rice three times a day, including traditional Kerala meals, but today there has been a change. When we say change, it includes both good and bad. During 2011-12, 7.39 kg of rice was consumed per month in the rural areas of the state. It has decreased to 5.82 kg in 2022-23. Rice consumption has decreased from 6.74 kg to 5.25 kg in urban areas.

Mill owners also say that rice consumption in the state has decreased by 50 percent in the last ten years. The figures indicate that many people have turned to wheat as an alternative to boiled rice and rice dishes. The reason behind this is that compared to the use of rice, the use of wheat is helpful in controlling diabetes to some extent. It can also be noted that there has been an increase in the number of diabetic patients.

One of the reasons for the decrease in rice consumption is the increase in the number of people skipping lunch. However, while one group that places great importance on health is turning to salads and such foods, another group is increasingly turning to junk food that is harmful to health.