Celebrate the Power of Soy: SFPWA Conference Highlights Soy as Solution to India's Protein Crisis
International Soy Month 2025: A Celebration of the Right to Protein by Right to Protein Organisation
April rolls around, and so does Soy Month - a delightful tribute to the mighty and nutritious powerhouse known as soy. This month-long dedication revolves around spreading protein awareness through the 'Right to Protein' campaign, shedding light on soybeans' significant contribution to fostering sustainable food systems and protein-rich diets in India.
To commemorate this momentous occasion, 'Right-to-Protein' partnered with the Soy Food Promotion and Welfare Association (SFPWA) to host the International Conference on "Farm to Fork: Bridging India's Protein Gap through Sustainable Soy Foods" on April 4-5, 2025, at the Indore Marriott. This prestigious event bought together leaders from the fields of nutrition, food technology, agriculture, and public policy to discuss how soy-based foods can help alleviate India's widening protein deficiency.
Kevin Roepke, Regional Director - South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa at the U.S. Soybean Council Export (USSEC), hit the stage, speaking of the potential for future U.S.-India collaboration in innovation. He expressed optimism in collaborating on new and creative applications for soy protein, such as industrial uses and food applications. He also noted the importance of solidifying the supply chains for poultry and aquaculture sectors, where soy is highly influential. Roepke emphasized the necessity of effective collaboration and partnerships to achieve a protein and nutrition-secure future.
U.S. Soybean farmers Anne Meis, David Williams, and Mark Read took center stage to discuss the significant role of U.S. Soy in providing high-quality, sustainable protein solutions globally. Sumit Agarwal, Director of Bionutrients, accentuated the importance of fostering a paradigm shift to position soy as a key player in both protein drinks and the food industry. Agarwal also highlighted ongoing research aimed at debunking myths that hinder the large-scale consumption of soy foods.
Sanjeev Astana, CEO of Patanjali Foods - one of India's largest soy processors - shared insights on his strategy to increase domestic soy production. By working closely with farmers, ensuring daily procurement availability, and collaborating with industry and government, Astana believes that higher soy production will make soy products more affordable and accessible.
The 'Right to Protein' movement also unveiled a rebranded report titled 'Soy - A Superfood and Wonderbean,' offering insights into the role of soy in addressing India's protein deficiencies. Key points from the report include:
- Wide Urban-Rural Gap: Adult women in rural areas, on average, consume 45.9g of protein per day (83% of RDA), while urban adults consume slightly more, averaging 55.4g per day.
- Quality Matters: Traditional Indian diets are largely cereal-based, often lacking complete amino acid profiles, impacting overall protein adequacy.
- Need for Complementary and Protein Sources: A substantial portion of the Indian population relies on cereals and pulses for protein. Although milk consumption has increased, soy protein, as a plant-based, complete protein that offers essential amino acids in optimal ratios, is particularly suitable for vegetarian diets.
- Child Nutrition: Approximately 36% of Indian children under five are stunted, 17% are underweight, and 6% are wasted – conditions linked to chronic protein and nutrient deficiencies.
In closing, the 'Right to Protein' campaign aims to increase public understanding of the importance of proteins by encouraging governments, businesses, and organizations to prioritize protein production, distribution, and consumption. Through collaboration, research, and innovation in protein access, the campaign strives to improve nutrition and health outcomes and contribute to sustainable development in India. For more information on 'Right to Protein,' check out their Protein O Meter at www.righttoprotein.com/protein-o-meter.html.
Join 'Right to Protein' in their mission and contact them to collaborate, share discoveries, and contribute to a more sustainable food system for all.
- Soy Month celebrates the nutritious powerhouse that is soy, promoting protein awareness through the 'Right to Protein' campaign.
- The 'Right to Protein' campaign aims to encourage governments, businesses, and organizations to prioritize protein production, distribution, and consumption.
- The International Conference on "Farm to Fork: Bridging India's Protein Gap through Sustainable Soy Foods" brought together leaders in nutrition, food technology, agriculture, and public policy.
- Kevin Roepke, from the U.S. Soybean Council Export (USSEC), spoke about the potential for U.S.-India collaboration in innovation for soy-based foods.
- Roepke emphasized the necessity of effective collaboration and partnerships to achieve a protein and nutrition-secure future.
- U.S. Soybean farmers discussed the role of U.S. Soy in providing high-quality, sustainable protein solutions globally.
- Sumit Agarwal, Director of Bionutrients, highlighted the importance of positioning soy as a key player in both protein drinks and the food industry.
- Sanjeev Astana, CEO of Patanjali Foods, shared insights on his strategy to increase domestic soy production.
- The 'Right to Protein' movement unveiled a rebranded report titled 'Soy - A Superfood and Wonderbean,' shedding light on soy's role in addressing India's protein deficiencies.
- The report revealed a wide urban-rural gap in protein consumption in India.
- Traditional Indian diets, often cereal-based, are largely missing complete amino acid profiles, impacting overall protein adequacy.
- Soy protein, as a plant-based, complete protein, is particularly suitable for vegetarian diets.
- Approximately 36% of Indian children under five are stunted due to chronic protein and nutrient deficiencies.
- The 'Right to Protein' campaign plans to improve nutrition and health outcomes and contribute to sustainable development in India.
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