All Things Policy The Future of Food- Of Functional Foods and Smart Proteins
Oct 31, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Shambhavi Naik, a research fellow and chairperson of Takshashila's Health and Life Sciences Policy Program, explores the future of food through the lens of smart proteins. She defines smart proteins and explains how they can improve nutrition and respond to climate challenges. Shambhavi highlights the need for regulatory clarity and the importance of messaging around lab-grown foods. With insights on India's unique opportunities in this field, she envisions a future where diverse nutrients lead to greater food security.
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What Smart Proteins Are
- Smart proteins are proteins produced using biotechnology via plant restructuring, fermentation, or cell culture.
- They deliver palatable, standardized protein without relying solely on traditional animal sources.
Nutrition Demand Is Changing
- Demand is shifting from mere calories to nutrition as populations grow and incomes rise.
- Smart proteins offer controlled, standardized nutrition amid climate and resource constraints.
Invest In Smart-Protein Capacity
- India should invest in smart-protein R&D and skill farmers for new supply chains.
- Leverage India's agricultural base to capture a large global smart-protein market and export opportunities.