India is one of the largest nations in terms of vegetarian food consumption, with approximately 23-37% of its population identifying as vegetarian, as per BBC News. However, a sizable portion of vegetarians in the nation regularly consume dairy and dairy products.
The idea of veganism is deeply ingrained in various traditions and cultures in India. The philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa), which has been a guiding principle in India’s consciousness, strengthens the foundation of veganism even more.
Despite all of this, 75% of Indians are not vegetarian, according to the Indian National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2005–06). The majority of the nation consumes animals or animal-based products. There has been an increase in the population of non-vegetarians in the country over the years, including states like Gujarat, which were previously highly consisted of vegetarians.
India is still regarded as a strict vegetarian nation for the West despite having a sizable population of demonstrable non-vegetarians. The “vegetarian stereotype” is more likely to permeate people’s minds as a result of government data demonstrating that vegetarian households are wealthier and have higher incomes.
Because a cow is revered in Hinduism, India has a violent history of mob lynchings and the social exclusion of those who eat beef. The BJP, the country’s ruling party, is open about its preference for vegetarianism. The way we eat has significantly gotten more political, due to which the data collected is not always accurate.
There are several benefits to becoming a vegan such as – religion, health benefits and, availability of vegan alternatives, increasing awareness about its environmental and ethical impact.
The myth about India having a vegetarian-dominated population is untrue, to say the least. However, because of the influence of the West, celebrity endorsements, and rising consumer awareness, veganism in its purest form is now becoming more popular in India. emotion reasons as it is against animal cruelty, influence of celebrities and public figures who have turned vegan etc.
Switching to a plant-based diet can’t single handedly solve all environmental problems, there are multiple factors contributing to it as well. Livestock farming in India can be made more sustainable by focusing on animal health.
The farm animals’ natural immune systems are strengthened by a balanced diet, which helps to maintain their best possible health. By allowing animals to produce more, farmers can use fewer animals to meet local demand, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By focusing on the production of methane during the digestion process, innovation in dietary supplements and vaccines is assisting in the reduction of emissions. Industry development, good animal health, and welfare all work together to ensure more productive farming methods and, consequently, more sustainably raised livestock.
Poor animal health, a lack of welfare, and poor management of livestock make animals more prone to disease and increase the likelihood that they will pass away before lactation, breeding maturity, or slaughter age. In the struggle to reduce emissions from livestock, nutrition is crucial. India still has a long way to go, but due to its population size, if the above-said measures are taken responsibly, and the citizens, as well as the government, make active efforts to help control global warming, a lot can be achieved.
10 Oct 2022
Jessica Trivedi
