Question

Which factors have increased the demand of readymade foods in India?

(i) Deficit in agriculture
(ii) To decrease the nutritive value of diet
(iii) Catering to the needs of working women
(iv) Changes in lifestyle

• A. (i) and (ii)
• B. (ii) and (iii)
• C. (iii) and (iv)
• D. (i) and (iv)

Hint:

Working women and lifestyle changes are key drivers for the increased demand for convenient readymade foods.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The rise in demand for readymade foods in India is primarily attributed to:
Increased participation of women in the workforce (iii): As more women enter the workforce, their available cooking time decreases, leading to a preference for convenient, ready-to-eat meals.
Shifts in lifestyle (iv): Urbanization, accelerated living, and increased exposure to international dietary patterns have fueled the demand for rapid and simple food choices, such as readymade foods.Reasons why other options are not valid:
Agricultural deficits (i): While agricultural shortfalls impact food availability, they do not directly drive demand for readymade foods.
Reducing dietary nutritional value (ii): This is an incorrect premise; consumers generally seek foods with high nutritional content.Consequently, factors (iii) and (iv) are the drivers behind the escalating demand for readymade foods in India.