Action urgent to promote sustainable food system
Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) and the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) are jointly observing Protein Day on Thursday under the theme “Fueling South Asia: The Right Protein, The Right Way.”
To mark the occasion, BPICC organised a discussion session at its Bashundhara office on Wednesday, where experts highlighted the crucial role of protein in nutrition and public health.
BPICC President Shamsul Arefin Khaled noted that South Asia, home to approximately 2.04 billion people, remains one of the most densely populated regions globally.
Despite its large population, the region continues to struggle with food and nutrition security, with a significant percentage of people suffering from protein deficiency. He warned that inadequate protein intake can lead to stunted growth in children, weakened immune systems, and muscle loss.
Dr Khaleda Islam, professor at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, pointed out that many South Asians lack awareness about protein’s importance and its sources. This knowledge gap, combined with poverty, limited access to diverse food sources, and cultural dietary habits, worsens protein deficiency.
“Action is needed to promote sustainable food systems,” she emphasised, calling for education and advocacy to improve dietary habits.
During an online discussion, Deeba Giannoulis, regional head of corporate affairs for SAASSA, USSEC, encouraged engagement in dialogues, events, and activities to raise awareness about protein-rich food sources. She stressed that individuals should understand their protein requirements and explore sustainable dietary options to achieve nutrition security.
Dr Md Shawkat Ali, professor at the Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, highlighted that raising protein awareness is crucial in tackling malnutrition in South Asia. He suggested educational campaigns, dietary promotions, and balanced nutrition programs as key strategies to improve public health.
Meanwhile, Shamsunnahar Nahid Mohua, chief nutritionist at BIRDEM Hospital, warned that both physical and mental development depend on adequate protein intake.
She pointed out that vegans and vegetarians are at a higher risk of protein deficiency, which can lead to muscle weakness, pregnancy-related complications, anemia, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
She explained that animal-based proteins-such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy-are considered complete proteins, while plant-based options include soy, quinoa, lentils, tofu, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, and nuts.
Mohua also highlighted that eggs are a cost-effective, high-quality protein source, rich in choline for brain development and omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, soy protein is both nutritious and affordable, and since it contains natural estrogen hormones, it is particularly beneficial for women’s health.