Context:

India is recently witnessing a growing debate on nutritional transformation driven by the rise of functional foods and smart proteins, as the government is exploring biotech-based solutions to shift from food security to nutritional security under the BioE3 policy framework.

About Functional Foods:

Functional foods are enriched to enhance health or prevent disease. Examples include vitamin-enriched rice and omega-3-fortified milk. Technologies driving this sector include:

·         Nutrigenomics – studying how nutrition interacts with genes

·         Bio-fortification – increasing nutritional value of crops

·         3D food printing and bioprocessing

About Smart Proteins:
Smart proteins are biotechnology-sourced alternatives to conventional animal products:

·         Plant-based proteins: Reconstructed from legumes, cereals, or oilseeds to mimic meat and dairy

·         Fermentation-derived proteins: Produced via microbial systems

·         Cultivated meat: Animal cells grown in bioreactors without slaughter

Why Does India Need Nutritional Security?

India faces uneven nutrition: over one-third of children are stunted, and adult protein intake shows a stark urban-rural divide. As incomes rise, food must be nourishing, not just filling.

·        Ensuring nutritional security—protein, antioxidants, and vitamins—is key for health, development, and sustainability, without worsening environmental impacts.

India's current position:

India has recognized these areas under the BioE3 policy. Public institutions like DBT and BIRAC fund research, while private companies like Tata, ITC, and Marico invest in fortified staples and health-focused foods. The smart protein ecosystem is growing: in 2023, over 70 brands launched 377 plant-based or cultured products.

Challenges of functional food:

·         Innovation lag and regulatory gaps

·         Mislabelled or unverified products

·         Public scepticism of “lab-made” foods

Solutions:

·         Establish a national regulatory framework under FSSAI for novel foods

·         Promote inter-ministerial coordination and public-private partnerships

·         Upskill the workforce and educate the public

·         Include farmers in new value chains to ensure broad societal benefits

About BioE3 policy:

• • • The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy is India's first comprehensive biotechnology policy, approved in August 2024, aimed at accelerating high-performance biomanufacturing and bioeconomy growth. It focuses on fostering innovation to create bio-based products, improve food security and healthcare, and promote environmental sustainability through initiatives like the Biomanufacturing and Bio-AI Hubs.

Conclusion:

India stands at the cusp of a nutritional transformation. With the right policies, investments, and education, functional foods and smart proteins can improve health, create jobs, and position India as a global leader in sustainable nutrition.