Improved Samba Masuri: CCMB-IIRR develop low Glycemic Index rice

The Hyderabad based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in association with Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) has developed Improved Samba Masuri (ISM) variety rice with low Glycemic Index (GI).
Rice with low GI is considered suitable for people with diabetics. Consumption of food with low GI results in slow release of glucose into the bloodstream reducing the ill-effects of diabetes.

Improved Samba Masuri (ISM)

ISM has lowest GI of 50.99 against the normal 53 to 70 in several rice varieties. It also has shown better yield and fine grain type, enhancing its market potential and profit for farmers. It is also resistant to bacteria blight. The molecular breeding of ISM was done in CCMB and traditional rice breeding at the rice research institute. The new variety is not a transgenic one, thus improving yield of up to 40%. The ISM has been grown in 1.3 lakh hectares in 7 states including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2017