"Smart Protein May be a New Concept, But it is a Sector with Immense Global Potential," Siraj Hussain, Advisor FICCI

Addressing participants at the ‘Smart Protein Summit 2022’, Siraj Hussain, Advisor FICCI Food Processing Division & former Union Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Food Processing, GoI said, “Smart protein may be a new concept, but it is a sector with immense global potential. FICCI is very excited to partner with GFI India to transform our food system.  There’s an enormous opportunity for the smart protein sector to create linkages with Indian farmers and ensure that the protein supply comes from local producers.”

Varun Desphande, President of GFI Asia said, "The issues we confront in terms of food safety and security are increasing. We think that smart protein - meat, eggs, and dairy products derived from plants, cells, and microbes - is one of our greatest options for a more sustainable, secure, and just food supply."

Deshpande said “We have crop diversity, a globally competitive talent pool, and hundreds of people working on this opportunity - many of whom you see here in the room. We need an enabling policy environment for the sector to grow and thrive.”

Siraj Azmat Chaudhry, Former Chair FICCI Food Processing Committee and Chairman, of National Commodities Management Services Limited (NCML) said "I consider this as the retribution of the underdog. In India, there is a proverb, 'ghar ki murgi dal barabar,' and today dals and pulses are competing with meat! Farmers will be able to shift from cereal crops to other protein-rich crops such as pulses and millets as this sector grows." Smart protein has the potential to improve dietary choices and nutrition for consumers in addition to producers, he added.

"Our citizens have the right to safe food," said Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary of APEDA. When we develop new products, we should make them available to the whole public. Smart protein also creates a new platform for entrepreneurs to thrive, allowing India to stay up with global trends."

The Smart Protein Summit has been introduced by GFI India and FICCI to propel India to the forefront of the global race for smart protein innovation.

Following the inaugural address, Deloitte partners Anand Ramanathan and Varun Dehspande revealed for the first time, topline numbers on the market size & export potential of smart protein from a rigorous study by GFI India and Deloitte India.

‘The Smart Protein Economic Analysis’ goes deep into the smart protein economic opportunity for India, putting light on avenues for job creation and India’s potential to become a top manufacturer and supplier of raw materials, and equipment for smart protein globally by 2030.