Announcing rice variety with extremely low glycemic index
At the 2023 International Rice Congress in Manila, Philippines (taking place from October 16-19, 2023), scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Center for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) found genes that help minimize the glycemic index of rice.
IRRI classifies glycemic index levels below 45 as extremely low, 46-55 as low, 56-69 as medium, and high as 70 and above. The latest discovered extremely low rice strain has a glycemic index of 44.
“With this research, we are working to ensure the health of consumers. We look forward to working with countries to accelerate the development of low and ultra-low glycemic index rice varieties,” said IRRI Director General Ajay Kohli.
Ultra-low glycemic rice varieties release glucose at an extremely slow rate. In contrast, regular rice varieties have a significant increase in sugar levels over the same period of time that the body digests them.
IRRI's latest discovery opens up opportunities to develop rice varieties with an ultra-low glycemic index that meet consumer health needs and dietary preferences, said Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu, head of IRRI's consumer division.
Finding solutions to transform the rice-based food system
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the 6th International Rice Congress – IRC 2023 is the world’s largest rice event co-organized by IRRI and the Philippine Department of Agriculture. This is a global forum for actors in the rice value chain to meet and discuss the challenges and opportunities of the rice industry to ensure the global food system.
This congress focused on discussing solutions to transform the rice-based food system.
With consumers increasingly concerned about nutrition and food quality, IRC's mission is to urgently transform the rice system towards diversity, sustainability and environmental friendliness.
According to former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat - Chairman of the IRRI Board of Members: Improving the rice industry is the optimal solution to increase income and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of small-scale rice farmers.
“We are facing major challenges as climate change impacts the global food system. A future without hunger requires a collective effort, requiring all countries to work together.
With the trend of consumers increasingly paying attention to nutrition and food quality, IRC's mission is to urgently transform the rice system towards diversity, sustainability and environmental friendliness," emphasized Mr. Cao Duc Phat.
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