Right to Protein celebrates the global annual Soy Month 2025

April marks the annual global celebration of Soy Month, a tribute to the versatile, nutritious, and protein-packed soy. The protein awareness campaign Right to Protein, has kicked off 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 4–5 April 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, US 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 US-India collaboration in innovation, he adds, “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.”

 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, emphasized the need for a mindset shift, “A paradigm shift in mindset and ecosystem can be achieved by positioning soy correctly. 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.

Sanjeev Astana, CEO of Patanjali Foods, one of India’s largest soy processors, shared insights on scaling domestic soy production, “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.”