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Right to Protein observes the global annual ‘Soy Month' 2025
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Wednesday, 23 April, 2025, 13 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Bengaluru
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'Right to Protein’ campaign aims to increase public understanding of protein's importance and encourages governments, businesses, and organisations to prioritise protein production, distribution, and consumption in their policies and practices. Now it has kickstarted celebrations for Soy Month, emphasising the crucial role soybeans play in fostering sustainable food systems and protein-rich diets.
To commemorate Soy Month, ‘Right-To-Protein’ partnered with SFPWA (Soy Food Promotion and Welfare Association), to host the International Conference on ‘Farm to Fork: Bridging the Protein Gap in India through Sustainable Soy Foods’, at the Indore Marriott. The flagship event brought together leaders in nutrition science, food technology, agriculture, and public policy to discuss how soy-based foods and meat such as fish and chicken – can address India's widening protein gap.
Kevin Roepke, Regional Director - South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa, US Soybean Council Export (USSEC), said, “Historically, soybean's potential for nutrition security in India was recognised during the Bengal famine. A specific researcher, Sanka Day, reached out to the University of Illinois, and subsequently, various research institutions and universities were developed in the 1960s and 1970s, leading to identifying a need for a solution.
Highlighting the potential for US-India collaboration in innovation, he further added, “Looking ahead to our bilateral relationship, the future appears promising. We can collaborate on innovative uses for soy protein and products, including industrial applications and food uses, and enhance supply chains like poultry and aquaculture, where soy plays a significant role. Effective collaboration and partnerships are crucial. US Soy Farmers and USSEC are prepared to partner with Indian stakeholders to achieve a protein and nutrition-secure future.”
US Soybean farmers Anne Meis, David Williams, and Mark Read shared their perspectives on the critical role of US Soy in providing high-quality, sustainable protein solutions worldwide.
Sumit Agarwal, Director of Bionutrients, emphasised the need for a mindset shift: “A paradigm shift in mindset and ecosystem can be achieved by positioning soy correctly. For example, soy can be included in protein shakes for the youth as a recovery protein, meeting today's needs. The key aspect to highlight is that soy is a complete protein. Substantial research is also ongoing to debunk myths preventing large-scale consumption of soy foods.
Additionally, ‘Right to Protein’ unveiled a rebranding of a report titled ‘Soy -- A Superfood and Wonderbean,’ which defines soy’s role in addressing India's protein deficiencies. Key insights from the report include: Rural adult women have a median protein intake of 45.9 grams per day, which is 83% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Urban adults consume slightly more, averaging 55.4 grams per day. Traditional Indian diets are largely cereal-based and often lack complete amino acid profiles, affecting overall protein adequacy. A significant portion of the Indian population practices vegetarianism, relying on cereals and pulses for protein, which may not provide complete protein profiles. Although milk production in India has increased substantially, milk consumption has not changed significantly. Soy Protein, as a plant-based, complete protein is ideally suited for vegetarian diets. It provides all nine essential amino acids in optimal ratios required for human growth and development.
Sanjeev Astana, CEO of Patanjali Foods, said, “Our strategy to boost soy production involves close collaboration with farmers, daily procurement availability, and policy work with industry and government. This approach drives higher production, making soy products more affordable and accessible. Our diverse soy food products showcase soy's versatility in the food industry.”
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