New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) The alcohol prohibition implemented in Bihar in 2016 has resulted in a marked increase in the consumption of calories, proteins, and healthy fats derived from nutritious food sources, as revealed by a recent study from researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.

The research indicates that the alcohol ban, enforced under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act by the government led by Nitish Kumar, has significantly contributed to a rise in caloric, protein, and fat intake from wholesome food options like pulses, dairy products, and nut-based oils.

Notably, this initiative has also led to a reduction in the consumption of packaged and processed foods, which are often linked to alcohol use.

“The ban not only liberated household resources but also initiated positive behavioral changes,” stated Vinayak Krishnatri, from the Department of Economic Sciences at IIT Kanpur.

“Decreased alcohol consumption was correlated with a drop in marital conflict, enhanced household stability, and a stronger emphasis on spending for nutritious food,” Krishnatri elaborated.

In the study, published in the journal Agricultural Economics, the team analyzed household-level data from two rounds (2011-12 and 2022-23) of the nationally representative Consumer Expenditure Survey conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).

To account for wider time trends and regional economic shifts, researchers compared Bihar with neighboring states: Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

To validate the results, the team used various statistical matching techniques and performed thorough robustness checks.

The findings showed that the alcohol ban liberated household resources, which were then redirected towards healthier food choices rather than unhealthy options. Notably, urban areas demonstrated stronger improvements, where the enforcement of the ban is more effective.

Contrary to initial concerns, households did not divert these savings towards unhealthy food.

A particularly significant finding is the increase in protein consumption in a state where diets have traditionally been dominated by cereals. The study also identified a shift from inexpensive, unhealthy fats towards higher-quality cooking oils, thereby enhancing overall dietary quality.

The primary goal of the alcohol ban in Bihar was to mitigate domestic violence and alcohol-related social issues. The study further uncovers that it inadvertently generated nutritional and health benefits.

“Our research indicates that the ban has led to substantial advancements in diet quality by reallocating household expenditure from alcohol to nutritious food,” commented Prof. Sukumar Vellakkal, co-author and Associate Professor in the Department of Economic Sciences at IIT Kanpur.