High-protein rice on its way

A high-protein variety of rice is on its way to ensure that rice-eaters get more nutrition. Researchers from the department of genetics and plant breeding at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) are developing such a variety of rice that will be put through farm trials within the next six months.
"The digestibility of this rice is low. It would be good for children, seniors and those suffering from diabetes," said Shailaja Hittalmani, professor at the department of genetics and plant breeding, UAS.
Conventional rice has barely 7 to 8% protein, while high-protein rice (HPR) contains as much as 14-15% protein. This would also mean that the carbohydrate content would be low.
She, however, clarified that HPR is not genetically modified, but a hybrid.
Apart from the high-protein benefits, this rice — also known as MAS-26 or aerobic rice as it requires lesser water and more air — would help save 60% water as it does not require water-intensive cultivation, and can go without water for as many as 15 days.
Moreover, it can be harvested faster and the yield is on par with that of the conventional variety of rice, Hittalmani said. It also survives drought and emits less methane,making it more environment friendly than other varieties, she added.
This variety will be showcased during the Rashtriya Krishimela that will be held from November 16-20 in Bangalore. "We've have been trying to popularise the aerobic rice in water-scarce areas," Hittalmani said.
Presently, only 5% of paddy fields are using this new method of rice cultivation.
"The transfer of technology could take time. There aren't enough officials to introduce this technology to more people. The university cannot take responsibility of introducing this method as we are already training, researching and transferring technology to a small extent," said the vice chancellor of UAS K Narayana Gowda.