Rice, the staple for more than 65% of Indians, has so far been purposed for food security of the nation. But since we attained self-sufficiency in rice requirement, recent trend in rice research and development is now more aligned to produce nutrition dense rice varieties which offer both calorie and other vital nutrients. This strategic shift is in sync with SDG mandates.
A normal inbred rice generally contains 70% carbohydrate, 6-7% protein, 14-16 ppm Zinc and 4-5 ppm iron, and zero level of B-carotene (precursor) of Vitamin D.With the advent of cutting edge technologies like genetic engineering, gene editing-- through the bio fortification---nutritional quality of rice has been enhanced significantly for better health outcomes for people who consume rice 2-3 times a day and cannot afford other pricy sources of these nutrients. Significant research breakthroughs on this front have been achieved in recent past as rice research objectives are now realigned and having enhanced emphasis on nutritional security rather than just food security. Current rice research programme in the country has bred a handful of varieties that provides higher proportion of microelement like protein, zinc, vit A, iron etc. These elements are pivotally important to alleviate malnutrition.
Rice varieties (CR 310, 311) developed by ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) with heightened level protein content (11%) provide cheap solution to mitigate protein deficiency in diet for economically disadvantaged sections. These recently bred varieties are of medium duration with good yield potential and adaptation across States.
Zinc is another micro nutrient, which plays a vital role for boosting immunity and normal physical growth. Daily requirement of zinc for an adult is 12-15mg which can be availed from multiple sources like whole grains, nuts, beans, meat etc. The recent development of rice varieties like DRR 45, CGZR-1, Zinco Rice, Swarna Shakti Dhan offer atleast 23-27 ppm zinc (in polished rice) against 14ppm in normal varieties. Protezin another variety comes with a combo offer of high protein (9%) and zinc (21ppm) content. Regular consumption of these varieties will help fulfil requirement of this trace element. Besides this high zinc content, these varieties with other important traits like high yield, low requirement of water etc will find rapid adoption if promoted strategically.
Iron deficiency is one of the major reasons that push children and adult alike to be anaemic. The alarming rate of anaemia can be arrested and reversed through adequate intake of iron which is commonly found in poultry, red meat, dark fruits, beans, eggs, oyster etc. But recent innovations in rice research bring much cheaper source for iron. Swarna Shakitdhan has 15 ppm iron much higher than traditional inbred varieties (4-5ppm), thus stands as a potential alternate source for reducing incidence of anaemia, especially in low income population.
Vitamin A-deficiency (VAD) is public health concern in third world countries. Rice researchers in recent years have found a potential solution through invention of golden rice which differs from its parental strain by the addition of three beta-carotene biosynthesis genes. Beta carotene content in normally inbred rice is nearly zero. Beta carotene being precursor of Vitamin A, enhanced level of Vit A (10-12mg/kg) is observed in golden rice. This can significantly reduce Vit A deficiency symptoms in rice consuming areas. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) with its national research partners have developed golden rice to complement existing interventions to combat vitamin A deficiency. But this golden rice is currently under biosafety approval process. On clearance of bio-safety review process, this rice can be a game changer in fighting VAD (Vitamin A deficiency) in many south Asian countries.
A noteworthy research outcome was also attained in developing rice varieties with low Glycaemic Index (GI) that helps better manage blood sugar level for diabetic patients. Swarna, Mashuri, RNR15048, etc are recent innovations on this front.
Systematic and intensive efforts are to be directed to generate mass awareness about these varieties through a robust agriculture extension services of the State machinery. This may be strategically integrated into other anti-malnutrition interventions. Odisha’s millet mission is one such shining example.
Bio fortified varieties of other crops (pearl millet, wheat, maize, mustard etc) should be promoted along in unison with these rice varieties in accordance with dietary diversity of a geography for better nutrition. This will ensure maximum benefits from this process of bio-fortification of major crops.
Taking a right variety within the reach of farmers in a time bound manner is a huge challenge owing to several shortcomings in State run seed systems. Hence, system should be streamlined in such way that access to seeds of these rice varieties improves.
Increased ratio of micronutrient is an added advantage of these bio-fortified varieties. In order for promotion, a special market linkage with price advantage is to be established. This will get farmers a better price and diffusion of such varieties will be boosted which eventually contribute to eradication of malnutrition.
Experimentation on rice based nutrition is relatively new phenomenon. In order to harness further possibility and potentials, more research in this domain should be incentivised.
(The authors are rice seed system experts and work with Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Views are personal)