IRRI developed a new rice variety with a low glycemic index (GI) of 44.

This rice contains 16% protein, double that of regular varieties.

The new variety competes with millets as a diabetes-friendly alternative.

Scientists identified genes responsible for low GI & high protein.

Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu (IRRI), said "We identified genes responsible for low GI in rice and screened thousands of varieties from 1.32 lakh samples to find low-Gl sources, enabling the conversion of popular varieties without compromising yield".

Existing rice varieties have a high Gl of 70-77, causing sugar spikes.

Researchers used an in-vitro testing method to speed up GI screening & lower the cost of testing.

The rice variety, based on Samba Mahsuri, yields up to 6.2 tonnes per hectare.

Its maturity period is reduced from 140 to 110 days for faster harvest.

Low-GI rice has high export potential, with prices reaching up to $1,600 per tonne, compared to $350 per tonne for regular non-basmati rice.

IRRI is working with the Odisha government to build a value chain & set up a processing facility in Bhubaneswar.