Raipur: The trial and all essential standard level certifications for the mass production of zinc enriched rice to strengthen the immune system have been completed. We will move to mass production soon, Acting Vice Chancellor of the Indira Gandhi Agriculture University (IGAU), Dr. SS Sengar, said Friday in Raipur.
In the midst of the Covid pandemic, the problem related to immune deficiency due to the reduction of zinc and folic acid has been observed at the mass level and if we succeed in mass producing and distributing the fortified rice product , it will act as a boon to the public who have suffered greatly due to Covid and other diseases caused by malnutrition, the VC said while interacting with the media on the university campus.
These two super paddy varieties CGZR1 and CGZR2 (fine and small) were developed in university agricultural fields.
Prof. Dr. Girish Chandel from IGAU in charge of the project said that we offered two options to farmers CGZR1 (big and thick) and CGZR2 (thin and small). To develop these varieties, we used conventional breeding and biofortification techniques. Currently, these biofortified zinc varieties are grown in the six ambitious districts of Chhattisgarh. Even in Dantewada district, some farmers have also started selling privately through KVK outlets. The zinc content of these varieties varies between 22 and 24 ppm.
The process of genetic modification was not used in the development of these products, the professor warned.
According to records, IGAU developed the rice variety in 2016 and then continuously monitored the results.
In 2020, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced that the fortified rice would be distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) and it would start as a pilot project in Kondagaon and then be replicated in other districts . However, to date, rice distribution at the mass level has not yet started.
A government official on the verge of anonymity said the rice is undoubtedly good, but mass production did not continue until the focus shifted to distribution and marketing of rice. product.
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Posted: Friday, February 4, 2022, 11:16 PM IST
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