India has taken another step towards strengthening its food processing sector and promoting self-reliance in high-value agricultural products, with the Technology Development Board (TDB) extending financial support to Indore-based Sonic Biochem Extractions Pvt. Ltd. The assistance will help the company commercialize indigenous technology for manufacturing advanced soya protein ingredients that are increasingly in demand across global food markets.
The project, titled “Development & Commercialization of Functional and Textured Soya Protein Concentrate(s)”, is aimed at establishing a modern manufacturing facility capable of producing Functional Soya Protein Concentrate (FSPC) and Textured Soya Protein Concentrate (TSPC). The initiative has been supported by the TDB, which functions under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
Boosting Value Addition in Food Processing
The project reflects the government’s broader efforts to promote value addition in agriculture while encouraging domestic manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It also supports India’s growing focus on plant-based nutrition, a sector witnessing rapid expansion worldwide due to rising consumer preference for healthy, sustainable, and environmentally friendly food products.
By supporting indigenous technology, the government aims to reduce reliance on imported food ingredients, strengthen domestic processing capabilities, and improve India’s competitiveness in international markets.
Indigenous Technology Offers Cost Advantage
Sonic Biochem, which has more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing and exporting non-GMO soya food ingredients, has developed an innovative production process that distinguishes it from conventional methods.
Traditionally, Functional and Textured Soya Protein products are manufactured using Soya Protein Isolate (SPI), a comparatively expensive ingredient that India largely imports from countries such as China and the United States. In contrast, Sonic Biochem’s technology utilizes Soya Protein Concentrate (SPC), which is produced domestically by the company using indigenous processes.
This approach significantly lowers production costs while delivering similar functional properties required for food manufacturing. The innovation is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers and strengthen the country’s self-sufficiency in the plant-based protein sector.
Wide Applications Across Food Industry
The proposed manufacturing facility will produce advanced protein ingredients that have applications across several fast-growing segments of the food industry.
Functional and Textured Soya Protein Concentrates are widely used in processed foods, meat alternatives, nutritional supplements, protein-rich snacks, and functional food products. As demand for plant-based protein continues to grow globally, these ingredients are becoming increasingly important for food manufacturers seeking sustainable and clean-label solutions.
The availability of domestically produced, high-quality protein ingredients is expected to benefit Indian food processors by reducing raw material costs while improving access to globally competitive products.
Strengthening Domestic Value Chains
The project is also expected to create a stronger domestic value chain for non-GMO soybean cultivation and processing. By utilizing locally sourced soybeans and indigenous manufacturing technology, the initiative can generate greater value for farmers while encouraging higher-value agricultural processing within the country.
In addition to supporting domestic demand, the project is expected to create export opportunities for Indian manufacturers as international demand for plant-based protein ingredients continues to rise.
The initiative aligns with India’s efforts to promote sustainable food systems while expanding the country’s presence in global markets for value-added agricultural products.
TDB Highlights Strategic Importance
Speaking about the project, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board, emphasized the strategic importance of building indigenous manufacturing capabilities for advanced plant protein ingredients.
He noted that strengthening domestic technology in the food processing sector will help reduce import dependence, encourage value addition, improve export competitiveness, and contribute to the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. According to him, the initiative is also expected to generate foreign exchange savings while opening new export avenues for Indian companies.
Company Plans Commercial Expansion
The leadership of Sonic Biochem welcomed the financial assistance from the Technology Development Board, stating that the support would enable the company to commercialize its indigenous technology on a larger scale.
The company believes the project will reinforce India’s position as a leading supplier of non-GMO soya protein ingredients while meeting the growing demand for sustainable and high-quality plant-based nutrition products in both domestic and international markets.
As global consumers increasingly shift towards plant-based diets and sustainable food choices, the project represents an important milestone in India’s efforts to build a globally competitive food processing industry based on indigenous innovation, advanced manufacturing, and agricultural value addition.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
