CSIR-NIIST's Designer Rice Set to Revolutionize Nutritional Value of White Rice
Polished white rice, a staple in households across India and beyond, is poised for a significant health transformation. The CSIR–National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR–NIIST) has developed a groundbreaking designer rice that aims to convert this everyday food into a protein- and micronutrient-rich superfood while simultaneously reducing its glycaemic impact.
Technology Transfer Ceremony to Formalize Innovation
An official release confirmed that CSIR–NIIST will host a technology transfer ceremony titled "CSIR–NIIST Tech Connect: From Lab to Market" on February 18 at Anusandhan Bhawan, CSIR headquarters in New Delhi. This event will formalize the transfer of several indigenously developed technologies to industry partners, marking a crucial step in bringing scientific innovations to consumers.
Key Features of the Designer Rice
The centerpiece of the ceremony will be the release and transfer of a low glycaemic index (GI), protein- and micronutrient-enriched designer rice. According to CSIR–NIIST, this innovative rice is engineered to provide:
- Higher protein content compared to traditional white rice
- Lower glycaemic response, making it suitable for managing blood sugar levels
- Added essential nutrients including iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12
The technology will be licensed to Tata Consumer Products Ltd and SS Soul Foods based in Tamil Nadu, ensuring widespread commercial availability. Notably, Dr C Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR–NIIST, received the Tata Transformation Prize 2024 for developing this revolutionary rice, as reported by news agency PTI.
Additional Technologies to be Transferred
The ceremony will also feature the transfer of several other innovative technologies developed by CSIR–NIIST:
- Coffee crema technology that supports stable foam formation for enhanced beverage quality
- Bio-based cardanol polyol modified polyurethane dispersion for applications in leather finishing and metallic coatings
- Post-harvest technologies including osmotic dehydrated fruit bites and a ready-to-cook vegetable mix developed using Refrigerated Adsorption Dehumidified Dryer (RADD) technology, which help retain nutrients and extend shelf life
Showcasing Sustainable Innovations
Beyond the technology transfers, CSIR–NIIST will showcase additional sustainable innovations during the event. These include:
- JAIVAM, an engineered microbiome designed for rapid aerobic composting
- Two plant-based leather alternatives crafted from agricultural biomass
- A project MoU for low-sodium salt formulations engineered to reduce sodium content by up to 86 percent while maintaining taste, as reported by PTI
This comprehensive showcase highlights CSIR–NIIST's commitment to developing solutions that address both nutritional deficiencies and environmental sustainability through cutting-edge scientific research.
