Functional Foods & Smart Proteins
Taste without Cruelty
With an anticipated population growth reaching 1.67 billion by 2050, there is an urgent need for sustainable food sources. Traditional animal agriculture faces challenges such as high land and water use, greenhouse gas emissions, and antibiotic resistance. The policy supports the development of alternative proteins through synthetic biology and precision fermentation. These smart proteins can include plant-based alternatives, cultured meat, and fermentation-based products like algae and fungi, which offer a more environmentally friendly solution compared to conventional protein sources.
This strategy aligns with the global push for alternative proteins due to their lower environmental footprint, food safety advantages, and potential to meet the nutritional needs of a growing population. The policy aims to make India a leader in the production of these innovative foods, catering to both domestic needs and global demand.