New Delhi, Sept. 8 -- Ranjit Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, said protein is not simply a nutritional issue but sits at the intersection of nutrition, agriculture, food processing, innovation, sustainability, business and public policy.
"Protein is not a trend, but it is a fundamental component of a healthy and productive population," Singh said while addressing the 'FICCI Symposium on Protein for India: Nutrition, Business, Sustainability and Policy Perspective'.
Singh said India's protein opportunity cannot be driven only by premium or niche products and called for scalable innovations that reach consumers across income groups and geographies. "The objective should be to develop products that are nutritious, safe, affordable, convenient and accessible, while being relevant to Indian consumption patterns," he noted.
Highlighting government initiatives, Singh said the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojna, PLI scheme for food processing industry and PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme are transforming the sector. He said protein can strengthen local enterprises and rural value chains. "Innovation must go hand in hand with food safety, quality and scientific evidence," he emphasised, adding that protein should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen the entire food processing ecosystem.
On exports, he said investments in processing infrastructure, technology, quality systems, branding & international compliance can help Indian companies move up the value chain. "Protein rich and value-added foods can become an important part of this opportunity," he added.
Dr Satyen Kumar Panda, Advisor (Quality Assurance), Additional Charge - Science & Standards & Regulations Division, FSSAI, said improving understanding of protein quality and nutritional value is key. "Let us move the conversation from protein awareness to protein literacy; from individual products to dietary quality," he added.
Prof Anupa Siddhu, Former Director, Lady Irwin College & Head, Department of Home Science, University of Delhi, said the Indian diet has "too much of carbs and not enough protein". She stressed that protein requires "adequate attention but not extra attention."
Tarun Arora, President, CIFTI-FICCI, said India's shift towards a higher-income, aspirational economy requires the food conversation to move from food security to nutrition security. The FICCI-ARE report, 'Charting India's Protein Transition: Building Resilient Food Systems for a Secure Future', was also released at the event.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.