Rapid Fire
Food of the Future
- 26 Sep 2024
- 2 min read
Recently, the Indian government approved the Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment (Bioe3) Policy, prioritising the production of "smart proteins" as a key focus area.
- About Smart Proteins:
- Alternative or smart proteins refer to proteins derived from unconventional sources such as algae, fungi, or insects, or produced using advanced methods like fermentation and lab-grown cells.
- The term also encompasses plant-based proteins, which have been available for decades, and are designed to replicate the taste and nutritional value of animal products without the need for breeding livestock.
- As per data, alternative protein production reduces environmental impact, using 72-99% less water, 47-99% less land, causing 51-91% less water pollution, and emitting 30-90% fewer greenhouse gases compared to conventional meat production.
- Safe and sustainable:
- As incomes rise, people consume more protein, with India’s protein intake increasing from 9.7% of calories in 1991 to 11% in 2021.
- Alternative proteins enhance food safety by mitigating the risk of zoonotic diseases and fostering ethical consumption but also align with Indian dietary habits
- BioE3 Policy:
- It is aimed at fostering high-performance biomanufacturing, with broader national goals such as achieving a 'Net Zero' carbon economy and promoting sustainable growth through a circular bioeconomy.
Read More: BioE3 Policy and Biotechnology in India
