Pakistan and the Search for the perfect Protein

Protein. Protein. Protein. Proteins are responsible for nearly every cellular function. Protein is not only responsible for ensuring bodily processes but also protecting all the organs and cells that make sure those functions take place.

Proteins are the building blocks of life. It is the quiet maestro behind the scenes, involved in the intricate dance of enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. It orchestrates the symphony of biochemical reactions, enabling us to digest, metabolize, and reap nourishment from the world around us. Protein, in all its diverse forms, has mastered the art of adaptation, embodying the key to survival and the pursuit of optimal health

From infancy, protein is the driving component of our growth; maintaining muscles and aiding in movement. Protein is responsible for our initial growth and our ability to regenerate damaged parts of our body. It is the basic input for growth. 

So, even the non-scientific among us can conclude that access to protein is not a luxury, but a necessity. We can logically assess that any group, be it of people or of animals, would be disadvantaged, essentially weaker, without a reliable source of protein. 

We at Ful want to make sure that Pakistan is no longer one of these disadvantaged groups, because as of the writing of this blogpost, it still is. Pakistan is currently facing unprecedented issues in the supply of protein.

However, supply chains aren’t the only factor that must be adjusted in order to maximize Pakistan’s protein supply. We must also make sure the source of protein is the best it could possibly be. 

We decided to take both issues and work from there both of which go hand in hand:

(1) Pakistan does not have a consistent supply of protein for

(2) Pakistan relies largely on Soya.

Soya poses several issues to say the least. One is that the cultivation of soya is proven to have detrimental effects on the climate while occupying swathes of arable land, with South America facing the brunt of these consequences. GMOs, pesticides, imports, price gouging; soya did well as a feedstock for a long time, but the new bio-economic climate calls for a drastic change.

The source of Pakistan’s protein supply is due entirely to fact that we rely on soya. They do this because Soya possesses a quasi monopolistic hold on the sector. 

Pakistan imports GMO Soya Beans, these beans caused quite the stir due to its supposed detriments to human health while also being our only option, or so it seemed.

The import of Soya has slowed. Most shipments are being held at customs, while those that make it through are sold to the Pakistani market at exorbitant prices. Big players in the agricultural sector with large healthy cash balances are facing closures due to the sheer inaccessibility of good, clean feed. 

Farmer’s are either taking the large hit to their costs or switching to unreliable, inferior feedstocks mixes consisting of a hodgepodge of Soya and various fillers at the expense of cattle health and output. 

Cue water lentils: a magical little family of plants that fulfills the demand of soya bean, with none of the detriments and some extra benefits sprinkled on top. With an unparalleled arsenal of nutrients water lentils are known to promote animal health and growth.

What’s more is we needn’t sacrifice land to grow it. Through Ful’s dedication to innovation we have optimized processes to ensure optimum growth/processing conditions for this little crop. With the highest protein yield per hectare in the world and an infinitesimal carbon footprint, we hope to slay the dragon that is soya bean and move Pakistan to a less import reliant, more protein rich, more food secure nation.

I could explain the rest now, but that would ruin the surprise.