Socio-economic Profile of the Edible Oil Consumers in Kalyana Karnataka, Karnataka, India
Rajkumar *
Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584104 Karnataka, India.
Jainuddin S. M.
Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Kalaburagi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584104 Karnataka, India.
Amrutha T. Joshi
Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584104 Karnataka, India.
Vijaya B. Wali
Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584104 Karnataka, India.
Stephan Raj
Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Kalaburagi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584104 Karnataka, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Edible oils are an important component of household food expenditure and nutrition in India; however, despite substantial growth in oilseed production, domestic availability remains insufficient, leading to high import dependence. The present study analysed the socio-economic profile of edible oil consumers in the Kalyana Karnataka region of Karnataka, with specific reference to Kalaburagi and Ballari districts. A total of 120 respondents, comprising 60 rural and 60 urban consumers, were selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a structured schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed distinct rural-urban differences in socio-economic characteristics, with urban consumers being relatively more highly educated, having higher income levels and owning more household assets than rural consumers. Nuclear families and medium-sized households were predominant in both areas, while non-vegetarian food habits were common, indicating higher edible oil consumption. The study concludes that socio-economic factors, such as education, income, occupation and family structure, influence edible oil consumption behaviour and underscore the need for region-specific awareness and policy interventions to promote informed and healthier edible oil choices.
Keywords: Edible oils, consumer behaviour, Kalyana Karnataka, rural–urban consumers, socio-economic profile, household income, food habits, household assets, consumer awareness