On April 2, 2025, the Soy Excellence Center India held a special panel as part of its Governance meeting, focusing on young women leading change in the protein industry. The session featured a dynamic group of entrepreneurs and emerging leaders driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth across poultry, soy foods, and other sectors. Discussions ranged from workforce development to strategic leadership, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of food and protein production.
The young women commented on the following themes: Workforce skill development is crucial for the protein industry’s growth, driving innovation and efficiency across the sector. For individual organizations, it strengthens operations and enhances productivity. Encouraging gender balance brings diversity to this traditionally male-dominated field. Ongoing training initiatives help build capacity, while the new generation is bringing fresh perspectives, focusing on innovation, consumer needs, and modern approaches to industry challenges.
Malavika Siddharth, Nutritionist & Co founder, Hello Tempayy
Hello Tempayy leads the tempeh market in India, the UAE, and the U.S., with no direct competition—but the company remains committed to excellence. Producing tempeh at scale requires scientific precision and skilled handling. Their workforce undergoes intensive training in hygiene, production processes, post-production handling, and workplace safety. Malavika emphasizes the need to build protein awareness through outreach in schools, hospitals, and among medical professionals to promote better nutrition understanding.
Ashnni Rai, Data Analyst, Bharat Agrovet Industries
Ashnni highlights the dynamic nature of the poultry sector, which demands skilled workers across various roles—from production to marketing. Her company fosters workforce development through hands-on learning, mentoring, and participation in poultry exhibitions. Empowering employees increases confidence and problem-solving capabilities, improving efficiency. She is focused on innovation through sustainable practices and value-added products like ready-to-cook and antibiotic-free items to meet evolving consumer demands.
Anu Nallappa, Joint Manging Director in the making, Jagadish Poultry Farm
Anu praises her team’s skill and dedication, noting that even those without formal education have mastered critical procedures like artificial insemination. Their success stems from practical, visual training methods. To elevate productivity and worker growth, Anu advocates for structured and customized training programs, ideally accessible online. This approach would empower staff with enhanced confidence and long-term development.
Gaura Dubey, Director, Phoenix Group
With over five decades of industry experience, Gaura focuses on the need for continuous upskilling to remain competitive. While some long-standing employees resist change, ongoing R&D requires teams to evolve. New hires also need proper onboarding and training. She emphasizes that skill development is crucial for regulatory compliance, innovation, and optimal human resource use—essential for future readiness.
Meghal Singh, Founder & Visionary, Mommy’s Chicken
Meghal shares her entrepreneurial journey, which began in her kitchen in 2017. A trained and adaptive workforce has been key to her company’s growth—cutting operational costs, minimizing waste, and ensuring food safety. With AI being integrated across operations like inventory and CRM, her team has embraced technology to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction. She also emphasizes storytelling and digital engagement as tools for building consumer awareness and driving sustainable growth.
Nandini Rukmangadhan, Joint Managing Director, Surabhi Breeding Farms
Nandini believes workforce development is foundational to quality and operational excellence. She also highlights the need to restore gender balance in the poultry industry, where women once played a leading role. Diverse teams bring better decision-making and productivity. She envisions a future driven by technology—AI, automation, and sustainability—and calls on the industry to invest in inclusive training and innovation to stay ahead.
