Protein-rich ‘designer rice’ developed by CSIR-NIIST to be released tomorrow

The CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR–NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram, will officially release a high-protein, low glycaemic index (GI) rice fortified with essential micronutrients developed by it on Wednesday.

The ‘designer rice’ is aimed at addressing nutritional security and lifestyle-related health challenges, the CSIR-NIIST said. The technology will be transferred to TATA Consumer Products Limited and SS Soul Foods, Tamil Nadu, at the ‘CSIR-NIIST Tech Connect: From Lab to Market,’ a technology transfer event planned at the headquarters of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in New Delhi on Wednesday.

CSIR Director General N. Kalaiselvi will be the chief guest at the event.

While rice feeds more than half the global population, particularly in Asia and Africa, polished white rice is also associated with high postprandial blood glucose levels and rising type 2 diabetes, the NIIST noted in a statement. Simultaneously, protein and micronutrient deficiencies - often termed ‘hidden hunger’ - remain widespread despite adequate calorie intake. Addressing this dual challenge requires improving the nutritional quality of rice without altering dietary habits.

According to the CSIR-NIIST, its innovation enhances protein content, moderates carbohydrate digestibility for better glycaemic response, and provides nutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to help bridge dietary gaps.

NIIST director C. Anandharamakrishnan had won the Tata Transformation Prize 2024 for developing the designer rice.

A clutch of other NIIST technologies also will be transferred at Wednesday’s event. These include an indigenous coffee crema technology that enables stable and long-lasting foam formation. This is an important factor in coffee aroma and sensory experience, offering opportunities for the growing coffee and beverage industry, NIIST said. At the event, NIIST will also transfer ‘Jaivam’ - an engineered microbiome for rapid aerobic composting which enables faster composting without odour, leachate or fly issues - and two plant-based leather alternative technologies derived from agricultural biomass.

“Through strong partnerships with industry and commercialisation agencies, we are accelerating the translation of innovations in nutrition, sustainability, materials, and circular economy into technologies that benefit people and the nation,” Dr. Anandharamakrishnan said.