Thalinomics: The Economics of a Plate of Food in India

An attempt to quantify what a common person pays for a Thali across India.

• A shift in the dynamics of Thali prices since 2015-16.
• Absolute prices of a vegetarian Thali have decreased significantly since 2015-16 across India and the four regions; though the price has increased during 2019-20.

Post 2015-16

• Average household gained close to Rs. 11, 000 on average per year from the moderation in prices in the case of vegetarian Thali.
• Average household that consumes two non-vegetarian Thalis gained close to Rs. 12, 000 on average per year during the same period.

From 2006-07 to 2019-20

• Affordability of vegetarian Thalis improved 29 %.
• Affordability of non-vegetarian Thalis improved by 18 %.