The Soy Excellence Center (SEC) India Program has been making steady strides in delivering high-impact training, fostering an active professional community, and nurturing the next generation of leaders for India’s protein value chain. With a focus on quality learning, innovation, and engagement, the program continues to shape a thriving ecosystem of skilled and motivated professionals. Globally, the program has trained over 35,000 members since its inception in 2020.
Learning Without Boundaries
Through its flexible ‘Self-Paced Hybrid (SPH)’ courses, SEC India offers practical, industry-specific training across five professional tracks: poultry, feed milling, aquaculture, dairy, and soy foods. To date, these courses have empowered over 900 Indian professionals to transition into the SEC community, with ongoing refinements aimed at enhancing completion rates and the learner experience.
A Community That Connects and Grows
Completion of the SPH courses, SEC India’s community activities, both virtual and in-person, serve as vital platforms for continuing knowledge exchange and networking. Virtual events explore diverse topics from poultry best practices to feed formulation, while in-person programs like advanced training sessions and the flagship “Feed Formulation Lab” offer hands-on, collaborative learning.
The program also draws on the expertise of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and community “Champions” from within its network, enriching discussions and building a library of valuable static resources. This dynamic approach has helped maintain strong engagement levels among members.
Recognizing and Inspiring Future Leaders
In line with its mission, SEC India celebrates excellence and contribution. Selected professionals have been honoured with certificates of appreciation at USSEC and industry events, while others have earned Gold and Silver badges recognizing their active participation and leadership potential. These recognitions not only reward dedication but also inspire others to strive for greater involvement.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Listening to the industry is central to SEC India’s approach. SEC relies on its 15-member Regional Advisory Council (RAC) for advice. Engagement sessions with leaders from across the protein value chain, covering education, nutrition, technology, and entrepreneurship, have provided invaluable direction for program evolution. Such dialogues also highlight emerging talent.
Innovation and Operational Excellence
All global SECs (6 of them catering to over 40 countries) in general operate all of their learning programs on an impressive SEC Digital Platform and continually seek to improve their systems and processes. The Digital Platform serves as a massive facility for global and regional networking and is a source for a wealth of knowledge. Innovations like new communication strategies have boosted course completion rates, while a Bulk Upload registration feature has streamlined participant onboarding. Data-driven optimization reports and the JIRA Ticketing Tool have further enhanced operational efficiency and participant support. The digital platform allows SEC managers to assess data, measure programs, activities, and evaluate different aspects from a wide perspective, aiding continuous improvements in virtual programming.
Amplifying the SEC Voice
Through partnerships with leading poultry and dairy media outlets, SEC India shares stories, updates, and testimonials that reach tens of thousands in print and digital channels. A growing library of video testimonials captures the human impact of the program, motivating new participants and strengthening SEC’s visibility across the industry.
In every initiative, SEC India is guided by a clear purpose: empowering professionals, connecting communities, and cultivating leaders who will champion U.S. Soy’s role in a sustainable and competitive protein sector. It is gradually emerging as a great partnership mission with the entire protein value chain in India.
Testimonial
Prakash Kumar Chandra,
Management Trainee, Nanda Group, Bangalore
Completing the SEC India Poultry Production and Management (Basic Certificate) Cohort #5 has been a pivotal experience in my professional journey. This course offered comprehensive insights into essential topics, including Fundamentals, Management of Hatchery, Brooding Farms, Feed & Nutrition, Production of Broiler & Layer Birds, Biosecurity, Bird Welfare & Heat Stress Mitigation. The curriculum was presented in a clear & accessible manner, making it suitable for those new to the field. I found the interactive Q&A sessions particularly beneficial, as they allowed for clarification of concepts & facilitated deeper engagement with instructors & peers.
As a result of this course, I feel significantly more equipped to navigate the complexities of poultry management & contribute effectively to the industry. I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge & skills in poultry production. It has truly reignited my passion for the field & set a strong foundation for my future endeavors.
Dr Mukesh Sharma
Dairy Consultant
My primary objective was to gain additional knowledge and revise the previous know-how with the course on basic feed milling and basic dairy courses, and I have fully accomplished my goal and achieved my objective to attend these training. My training experience was excellent, though I have a time shortage due to my work engagement and serving to dairy farmers. I would like to have some depth knowing on ultrasound in large animals specially in dairy cattle and equine,
My overall experience was excellent and in future I will surely attend other training programs too.