by PressZinc rice as a way to improve the health of India’s population
Zinc rice will help reduce zinc deficiency in children and the elderly
Zinc rice is becoming increasingly popular in India. Demand for this variety is growing amid a deficiency of this essential nutrient in the body. This problem is particularly acute among children, women, and the elderly. According to official statistics, approximately 40% of the population is zinc-deficient.
To address this issue, scientists have developed a new variety of rice called Spoorthi (GNV 1906). It contains higher levels of zinc and is currently available for commercial cultivation.
Scientists have developed a program to distribute zinc-enriched grain. Researchers from several specialized institutes have joined forces to train farmers. They have also provided producers with approximately 50 quintals of seeds to sow in different regions of the country.
Features of the variety
The variety was developed by a group of agricultural organizations. Such as the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the International Institute of Rice and Rice Research (IIRR), as well as their partner institutions. The new rice variety was officially introduced in 2023.
AICRIP, the organization responsible for developing and improving rice crops, approved the use of the variety for industrial and food purposes. Notably, Spoorthi is the only zinc-enriched variety approved for cultivation. It has successfully passed all necessary tests and meets food safety standards.
Main characteristics
— zinc content in polished grain — 26 ppm. For comparison: in most varieties — up to 16 ppm;
— yield — 6.5 tons per hectare, which is comparable to leading commercial varieties;
— stable quality and suitability for mass production and consumption.
Scientists hope that Spoorthi will become popular among producers thanks to its high yield.
It bears mentioning that farmers in India tend to be conservative when choosing crops. They are cautious about new varieties, fearing a decrease in yield. Despite the development of many improved grain varieties in the country, only a few are used in agricultural production. One reason for this is the low level of awareness among farmers about the advantages of new seeds. In addition, when choosing a variety, many people first of all pay attention to pest resistance. While the nutritional value of the product remains in the background.
In the case of zinc rice, however, the authorities decided to shake things up. Together with scientists, they developed a plan to raise public awareness. The main focus is on revealing rice’s nutritional qualities and high yield.
Another important step was scaling up production. Researchers planted crops in rice-producing areas. The key areas are Telangana, Raichur, and Hyderabad. This gives farmers easier and faster access to seeds, increasing the likelihood that they will adopt the new variety.