Factors influencing household pulse consumption in India: A multilevel model analysis

Pulses (also known as legumes) are important in achieving nutrient adequacy in India due to their quality protein content. This study compared district-level pulse production and consumption across India, and household and district-level determinants of pulse intake, including availability, accessibility and affordability, using multi-level models in nationally representative datasets for 2011–12. The per capita consumption was about 50% of recommended intake (80 g/day), even in high-producing districts. District-level pulse production was associated with household pulse intake (2.73 × 10−8 [5.19 × 10−9, 4.94 × 10−8]) and market accessibility (−0.0077 [-0.0133, −0.0021]). Affordability (absolute price of pulse) was also associated with household intake. While agricultural policies relating to pulses have been oriented towards improving pulse output and productivity, forward-looking policies to improve pulse intake should focus on demand-side factors, such as improved market accessibility and the affordability of pulses relative to other foods. •Pulse production exceeded the recommended intake of their population but consumption met only 50% of recommended intake.•Effects of pulses availability, accessibility and affordability on pulse consumption were explored by multilevel model.•District-level availability, affordability and accessibility were significantly associated with pulse intake.•Household pulse production is associated with pulse intake; advocating production in rural areas can improve consumption.