CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: April marks the annual global celebration of Soy Month, a tribute to the versatile and nutritious and protein packed superfood – Soy. The dedicated protein awareness campaign, the ‘Right to Protein’ has kickstarted celebrations for Soy Month, emphasizing 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’ on April 4–5, 2025, 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.

Speaking at the conference, Kevin Roepke, Regional Director – South Asia & Sub-Saharan Africa, U.S. Soybean Council Export (USSEC), mentioned, “Historically, soybean’s potential for nutrition security in India was recognized 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 U.S.-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. U.S. Soy Farmers and USSEC are prepared to partner with Indian stakeholders to achieve a protein and nutrition-secure future.”

U.S. Soybean farmers Anne Meis, David Williams, and Mark Read shared their perspectives on the critical role of U.S. Soy in providing high-quality, sustainable protein solutions worldwide.

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