Although India is often viewed as a stereotypically vegetarian nation, such assessments have proven to be false in recent years. In fact, reports indicate that only 23% to 37% of the total population is vegetarian, so India is largely a nation of omnivores. In addition, we’re also the largest global producer of milk, contributing to around 22% of the total milk production.

As these facts indicate, vegetarianism is therefore a minority practice in India thus far. But of course, regular meat consumption varies from household to household, and from state to state. Statistics vary with regard to lactose intolerance among Indians as well; some reports say it is around 33%, while others say it is closer to 60% to 70% (although this does not mean that people who are lactose intolerant necessarily avoid milk products).

All this is to say that the nation’s approach to plant-based eating and ethical food consumption is quite complicated at present, and requires some unpacking. You’ve probably heard the term ‘vegan’ before, but what does it mean, and has it become a movement of sorts in India?

What is Veganism?

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Vegans may define their eating habits and lifestyle in different ways. Generally, veganism refers to a way of living that rejects animal exploitation.

People who fully embrace veganism often remove all animal-derived foods from their diet. They may also avoid products made from animal fur or skin, such as leather. Some people choose veganism because they oppose animal cruelty. Others are concerned about the environment and climate change. Health concerns also motivate some people to adopt a vegan lifestyle. Whatever the motivation, veganism has grown in popularity in countries such as the US and UK. An estimated 6% of the US population identifies as vegan. Supermarkets across Western countries stock a wide range of plant-based alternatives. Restaurants also offer numerous vegan options.

The US presents a particularly interesting case. Investigative works such as Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer have encouraged some people to become vegetarians or vegans. Foer himself acknowledges this influence. However, other writers, including author Michael Pollan, take a different view. Pollan argues that the moral dilemma surrounding meat consumption rests on an unrealistic premise. He also points to human evolution as evidence of our omnivorous nature.

Both Foer and Pollan, however, agree that the US factory-farming system raises serious concerns. Farms often rear large numbers of animals in cramped and unsuitable conditions. This creates concerns about animal welfare, public health and food safety. India shares some similarities with the US in terms of animal farming. However, the two situations differ in several important ways.

Animal Consumption in India

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Historical reports suggest that India has followed a longstanding tradition of vegetarianism, long before the practice gained prominence in the West. However, Brahmanical traditions strongly shaped this form of vegetarianism. Ideas of purity influenced dietary practices alongside concerns about animal welfare.

This form of vegetarianism did not exclude milk and dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese. It also relied on food taboos. For example, some traditions viewed meat consumption among people from lower castes as a sign of “impurity”. Some scholars argue that caste-based practices played a significant role in sustaining vegetarianism in India. These factors make vegetarianism in India more complex than an issue of ethics alone.

Veganism, by contrast, is often described as a Western import with little historical basis in India. Some commentators argue that India does not have industrialised animal farming on the same scale as Western countries and point to free-range animal rearing in areas such as the grasslands of Andhra Pradesh.

However, India does have large-scale animal farming. The country also lacks a single centralised law governing animal sacrifice. When large numbers of animals are sacrificed during religious occasions and festivals, the practice can raise concerns about animal welfare and waste. India’s substantial commercial meat and egg production also demonstrates the scale of its animal-farming industry. According to 2020 statistics, the country produced 5.3 million tonnes of meat and 75 billion eggs. In 2019, farmers raised 192.49 million cattle. These figures show that animal farming in India cannot uniformly be described as small-scale or sustainable, although practices vary across different regions.

Animal-rights groups and activists have also raised concerns about the treatment of animals on large farms. Egg-laying hens, for instance, are often kept in battery cages to reduce costs and maximise production. Large farms can house anywhere from 10,000 to 300,000 birds, creating substantial waste and pollution that can affect animals, workers and surrounding environments.

Dairy farming has also attracted criticism. A 2017 Animal Equality investigation, which surveyed 107 farms, documented concerns about the treatment of animals, including bulls used for semen extraction and male calves that were sold for slaughter and prevented from consuming milk. The investigation also raised allegations that some cows were illegally given drugs to increase milk production.

Against this backdrop, some Indians, particularly those living in cities, have adopted veganism as a more sustainable way of living. While veganism aims to address concerns about animal welfare and environmental impact, it does not automatically represent the most sustainable alternative in every situation. The environmental impact of a vegan diet can vary depending on factors such as how food is produced, where it comes from, how far it travels, and how it is consumed.

Veganism in India

Aside from being a sustainable choice, a vegan diet can also offer health benefits when people follow it properly. Vegans need to ensure they get enough iron, calcium, and vitamin B12, but a well-planned vegan diet can provide plenty of nutrients while containing less saturated fat. People following a healthy vegan diet typically eat a variety of fruits, nuts, vegetables, beans, and seeds. These foods provide plenty of fibre, while avoiding cholesterol-rich animal foods may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. A diet based largely on whole plant foods can also help people manage their calorie intake and weight.

However, vegans still need to take regular vitamin B12 supplements or consume reliable fortified sources. Vegan diets can also include plenty of processed ‘junk’ food, which can be just as unhealthy as non-vegan junk food when consumed regularly. Concerns about B12 and protein intake also exist, although foods such as soy milk can provide substantial protein. Overall, a well-planned vegan diet can offer several nutritional benefits. Research also suggests that, on average, vegans smoke and drink less and exercise more frequently than non-vegans.

However, recent debates about veganism have highlighted some of its challenges. For example, intensive avocado farming to meet growing demand in Western markets has contributed to environmental damage in Mexico. In India, veganism remains a relatively new movement, and plant-based options remain limited, even in metropolitan cities. Although many foods are naturally vegan, not everyone can afford products such as plant milk or nut butter on a daily basis. While some people have the resources and circumstances to change their diet and lifestyle, others may not have the same access or options.

Going Forward

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As the climate crisis becomes increasingly relevant to our lives, we need to push for large-scale change. If you want to avoid supporting systems that involve animal cruelty, investigate where your eggs, dairy and meat come from. Choose food from producers that treat animals well and use antibiotics responsibly. If you prefer a plant-based diet, explore the alternatives that are becoming increasingly available.

We must address the challenges created by industries that rely on mass production. These systems can contribute to animal abuse and food contamination. Strict regulation may not address these problems effectively across the country. These industries also employ large numbers of people, which makes the issue more complex.

The growing trend of veganism may offer an alternative to some problems associated with factory farming. However, veganism cannot solve these problems on its own. Food politics in India remains complex and sensitive, partly because of religion and caste.

As environmental instability increases, we need to examine where our food comes from. We also need to ask whether we can continue supporting systems that contribute to animal suffering and environmental degradation.