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India Today
08-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Does rice really cause diabetes? An expert breaks the myth
There is a widespread belief that eating rice increases your risk of belief has grown stronger over time, especially in India, where rice is a daily staple for millions. But is this concern backed by science? To answer that, we spoke to Dr Ashok Kumar Singh, a senior agricultural scientist and former Director and Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. With more than three decades of rice research and as someone living with diabetes himself, Dr Singh offers rare insights based on science and lived experience. advertisementUNDERSTANDING THE GLYCEMIC INDEX (GI)Dr Singh starts by explaining how different foods affect blood sugar through the Glycemic Index.'When we eat food, the sugar level in our blood increases. To measure this, scientists created the Glycemic Index, or GI. It divides foods into high, medium, and low GI categories based on how quickly they raise blood sugar.'High-GI foods cause blood sugar to rise foods raise blood sugar levels more slowly, keeping them more stable.'If the GI is above 55%, it is considered high GI, which can be between 55% and 80%. Some types of rice have GI below 55%, and others above it.'Not all rice behaves the same way in the human body. The type of rice you eat plays a big role.'The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has even developed types of rice with an ultra-low GI of under 45%.'These special varieties digest slowly and are more suitable for individuals with diabetes or those trying to manage their blood sugar YOU EAT RICE MAKES A DIFFERENCEThe impact of rice on blood sugar depends not only on the type, but also on how it is cooked and eaten.'If you eat rice with dal (lentils) in equal proportions, the GI value reduces.'This is because dal adds protein and fiber, both of which help slow down digestion.'This is very important for those who love rice to remember – adding a good amount of dal helps control blood sugar.'He also recommends brown rice as a healthier retains more fiber and nutrients compared to polished white rice.'Brown rice also has a low GI because it takes longer to get digested. The sugar releases into the system slowly, so the blood sugar level does not instantly go up.'Parboiled rice, also known as usna or sella rice, is another good option.'Parboiled rice also has low GI. And there is no harm in eating that.'REAL NUMBERS FROM RICE-EATING STATES Dr Singh refers to research published in The Lancet, a global journal of health research, to back up his claims with data.'It clearly shows that Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, all majorly have rice as a part of their food in all three meals. But the diabetes percentage in these states is less than 10%.'This challenges the idea that rice alone causes when you look at North Indian states like Punjab and Haryana, they majorly consume wheat or chapati and don't eat rice as much. Many people only make rice once a week or so. But the diabetes percentage in Punjab and Haryana is 12.4% and 12.7% respectively.'The numbers speak for themselves. If rice was the main cause, people who eat it more frequently should have higher diabetes rates.'So if rice was to blame, then the percentage in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha should have been higher.'GENES AND LIFESTYLE PLAY A BIGGER ROLEDr Singh emphasises that genetics and lifestyle are far more important when it comes to diabetes.'Diabetes is a genetic disease, and we carry these genes from our parents and pass them on to our children.'Having a family history of diabetes increases your risk, but it doesn't mean you are guaranteed to get it.'If we have that genetic sensitivity and we don't take care of our lifestyle, don't exercise, follow a sedentary lifestyle, then we will have high chances of getting diabetes.'However, living a healthy life can help lower those chances.'But if we maintain a proper lifestyle despite having the genetic sensitivity, then the chances are lesser.'Dr Singh sums it up simply.'To solely blame rice for this would not be right.'Avoiding rice completely is unnecessary. Choosing healthier rice varieties, eating balanced meals, and staying physically active can help prevent diabetes without giving up the food you love.- EndsMust Watch
The Hindu
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kerala government signs pact with International Rice Research Institute to promote low-emission rice cultivation
The Kerala government has signed an agreement with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to promote low-emission rice cultivation in the State. The initiative is part of the World Bank-supported Kerala Climate Resilient Agriculture Value Chain Modernisation Project (KERA). The Agriculture department described the agreement as a 'landmark' initiative aimed at promoting climate smart agriculture in the State. The agreement was signed by Vishnuraj P., Additional Project Director, KERA, and Virender Kumar, Research Director, Sustainable Impact through Rice-based Systems (SIRS), IRRI on Wednesday in Thiruvananthapuram. With Palakkad and Thrissur as focus areas, the collaboration will focus on developing Low Emission Packages (LEPs), promoting digital water management systems and introducing farmer-centric solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water-use efficiency, and enhance agricultural livelihoods. Across 22,000 hectares The project will be implemented across 22,000 hectares, targeting 45,000 farmers in major rice-producing zones, including Palakkad's canal-irrigated uplands and Thrissur's kole wetlands. 'These regions are significant contributors to methane emissions in Kerala's agricultural landscape. The project introduces Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation techniques, digital monitoring, and sustainable agronomic practices to help transition to low-emission rice systems,' the Agriculture department said in a statement. The partnership includes key institutions such as the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) and Paadasekhara Samitis. 'The IRRI's water-saving interventions are pivotal in enhancing water utility without compromising crop productivity. These sustainable technologies also pave the way for future participation in carbon trading mechanisms,' said Mr. Vishnuraj.
Barnama
11-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
IRRI Calls For Collective Action As Rice Faces Mounting Global Pressures
Farmers continue to face multiple challenges to produce the much sought-after rice in the world. Photo credit: IRRI, Philippines. By Vijian Paramasivam PHNOM PENH, June 11 (Bernama) -- The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is urging rice-producing nations to take bold, collective action to address the growing environmental and sustainability challenges in rice cultivation, a staple crop that remains essential to millions worldwide. Unveiling its 2025-2030 strategy on Monday, the Philippines-based institute said despite advancements, rice cultivation still accounts for 1.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes 30 per cent of the world's freshwater resources. bootstrap slideshow 'Rice feeds more than half the world's population, but its potential as a climate and development solution remains underleveraged. Our future depends on how we grow, consume and govern rice. 'This strategy is our call to partners everywhere—let's act together, with urgency and ambition, to ensure rice remains a force for good in a changing world,' said IRRI Director General Dr Yvonne Pinto. The new vision comes at a time when farmers worldwide are facing a host of challenges, including the impacts of climate change, the loss of fertile land to rapid urbanisation, concerns over food safety, and increasing water scarcity. According to IRRI, rice feeds over four billion people and supports 150 million farmers across 100 countries. The RM1.4 trillion (US$332 billion) rice industry is the world's third most traded commodity and a growing global market. IRRI's strategy seeks to tackle pressing global issues ranging from food price volatility and climate-related pressures to health disparities and social inequalities within rice-growing communities. Jagdish Kumar Ladha, Adjunct Professor at the Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, told Bernama that IRRI's strategy comes at a critical stage for rice-producing nations across Asia.
The Print
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Print
UP to set up research centre for GI-tagged Kalanamak rice with IRRI
'We are in the process of setting up the centre. The aim is to revive and expand the area under cultivation as well as export of Kalanamak rice,' Nandi said. The research facility in Siddharthnagar district will focus on developing pest-resistant varieties and improving seed quality for the speciality rice, which has been cultivated since 600 BC and holds a coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag, State Minister for Industrial Development Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi told PTI. New Delhi, Jun 10 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh plans to establish a research centre for premium 'Kalanamak rice' in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to boost production and exports of the aromatic grain sold at Rs 250-300 per kg in the domestic market. The state government targets expanding cultivation area to 1,00,000 hectares in the 2025-26 kharif season starting next month, from 82,000 hectares previously, as demand grows for the black-husked grain known for its distinctive aroma and higher antioxidant content compared to regular rice varieties. Production reached 32.8 lakh tonnes in the 2024-25 season with average yields of 4 tonnes per hectare, according to state data. Uttar Pradesh exported about 500 tonnes of Kalanamak rice last year to Singapore and Nepal, with growing interest from Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Japan, where the grain's historical connection to Buddha adds cultural appeal. The rice, also called 'Buddha rice', is linked to a Buddhist legend claiming Lord Buddha gifted it to people in Kapilvastu as a blessing. The state has designated Kalanamak rice as a flagship product under its One District One Product initiative and established a processing facility with 80 per cent government funding to support export readiness through grading, packing and post-harvest services. Schemes, including Marketing Development Assistance and the Gateway Port Scheme, provide logistics support and funding to exporters for international trade fair participation. The non-basmati variety is cultivated exclusively during the monsoon season to maintain grain quality and sold for Rs 250-300 per kg in domestic markets, significantly higher than regular rice varieties. PTI LUX LUX SHW SHW This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
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Business Standard
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
UP to launch kalanamak rice research centre with IRRI to boost exports
Uttar Pradesh plans to establish a research centre for premium 'Kalanamak rice' in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to boost production and exports of the aromatic grain sold at Rs 250-300 per kg in the domestic market. The research facility in Siddharthnagar district will focus on developing pest-resistant varieties and improving seed quality for the speciality rice, which has been cultivated since 600 BC and holds a coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag, State Minister for Industrial Development Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi told PTI. "We are in the process of setting up the centre. The aim is to revive and expand the area under cultivation as well as export of Kalanamak rice," Nandi said. The state government targets expanding cultivation area to 1,00,000 hectares in the 2025-26 kharif season starting next month, from 82,000 hectares previously, as demand grows for the black-husked grain known for its distinctive aroma and higher antioxidant content compared to regular rice varieties. Production reached 32.8 lakh tonnes in the 2024-25 season with average yields of 4 tonnes per hectare, according to state data. Uttar Pradesh exported about 500 tonnes of Kalanamak rice last year to Singapore and Nepal, with growing interest from Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Japan, where the grain's historical connection to Buddha adds cultural appeal. The rice, also called "Buddha rice", is linked to a Buddhist legend claiming Lord Buddha gifted it to people in Kapilvastu as a blessing. The state has designated Kalanamak rice as a flagship product under its One District One Product initiative and established a processing facility with 80 per cent government funding to support export readiness through grading, packing and post-harvest services. Schemes, including Marketing Development Assistance and the Gateway Port Scheme, provide logistics support and funding to exporters for international trade fair participation. The non-basmati variety is cultivated exclusively during the monsoon season to maintain grain quality and sold for Rs 250-300 per kg in domestic markets, significantly higher than regular rice varieties. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
