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VIJAYAWADA, Dec. 20

THE Andhra Pradesh Government should supply soya derivatives and products as a part of the mid-day meal scheme to be introduced in schools from January to combat protein deficiency at a less cost, speakers at a seminar organised by the American Soyabean Association suggested here on Friday.

Mr K.V Kishore, senior general manager, Priya Foods, said soyabean with 40 per cent protein should be incorporated into ethnic foods and it should in future form an essential ingredient of Indian cuisine.

A variety of soya products — soyamilk, tofu (a cheese-like product akin to palak paneer) and others — can easily be prepared and served to schoolchildren. As the Government was thinking of involving women's self-help groups in the mid-day meal scheme, it should be easier to educate the masses in the rural areas on the importance of soyabean.

He emphasised the need for increasing the cultivation of soyabean, especially in Andhra Pradesh, and urged scientists to strive for improving the productivity.

Mr V. Chaturvedi, Marketing Consultant to the Commissioner, Women Empowerment, said soyabean cultivation and processing would open up many avenues of employment for rural women.

Dr Ratan K. Sharma said 2 kg of soyabean would yield 15 litres of soyamilk which in turn could be converted into 3 kg of tofu. He said a simple, cost-effective Canadian technology had been introduced in the country for soya processing and it could be a profitable cottage industry. It had been included in the Prime Minister's Rojgar Yojana, he added.

Dr. Suresh, of the American Soyabean Association, explained the nutritional advantages of soya products.

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