Latest news with #Kufos
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Pokkali, Kuruva have lowest glycemic index, says study
1 2 Kochi: While it is known that brown rice has a lower glycemic index (GI) than white rice, a study by a team of researchers at Kerala Fisheries University (Kufos) shows that germinating the paddy before parboiling could ensure a healthy rice meal. The team examined nearly 20 South Indian rice varieties before narrowing down to five commercially significant types — Pokkali, Kuruva, Kattuyanam, Jyothi and Uma. They studied the combined effects of germination and parboiling on starch digestibility, nutrient bioavailability and GI. "We looked at the changes in the content of phenolics, flavonoids, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to understand the glycemic index. These were induced by germination, followed by parboiling. We also carried out clinical trials on volunteers to understand changes in taste and flavour," said Kufos food technology department associate professor Maya Raman. Pokkali had the lowest GI, thus validating the significance of using Pokkali rice in glycemic control and diabetic management through dietary interventions. Employing the germination process with parboiling in Pokkali and Kuruva gave a tasty product acceptable to all, the study found. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Pokkali, Jyothi, and Uma were collected from the Rice Research Station, Ernakulam while Kuruva and Kattuyanam samples were collected from local farms in Perumbavoor. Each sample was thoroughly examined visually for any kind of contamination or spoilage and stored in airtight containers under refrigerated conditions for further studies. The modifications in cooking and eating quality were also investigated. The oral glucose tolerance test in a healthy population was carried out to validate the predicted GI. The sensory evaluation showed high overall acceptability for all varieties except for Kattuyanam, possibly because the latter had an inherent sticky nature and suboptimal cooked appearance. All samples exhibited an improved flavour, reduced hardness and stickiness after germination, which may be attributed to the hydrolysis of the carbohydrates and proteins. The parboiling process after germination enhanced the appearance, which may be attributed to the stabilised starch structure during parboiling and its aesthetic appearance upon cooking. The parboiling process retained the structural integrity during cooking, thus mitigating the adverse effects of starch disintegration typically seen in germinated rice alone. Pokkali showed the lowest GI, thus validating the significance of using Pokkali rice in glycemic control and diabetic management through dietary interventions. "We suggest that we focus on optimising germination conditions to maximise glycemic benefits and investigate consumer acceptance, which would aid in promoting broader dietary recommendations and enhancing the public health impact of germinated rice," she said.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Project to save endangered freshwater fish species
T'puram: Kerala State Biodiversity Board, in association with Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos), aquatic biology and fisheries department of University of Kerala, department of fisheries and biodiversity management committee, have jointly launched a massive project aimed at conserving Kerala's endangered indigenous freshwater fish species. The project, which envisages conserving inland water biodiversity and establishing fish breeding centres in selected locations in state as a hybrid mechanism for income generation for the locals and fish conservation, will help increase the use of indigenous fish species for fish farming and aquarium maintenance. As an initial phase of this project, 2,000 fingerlings raised by Kufos in a quality hatchery from the mother fish Aschara Paral (Dawkinsia exclamatio) collected from Kallada River were released into the tributary of Kallada River in the Thenmala region. Completion of this project is intended to increase the number of indigenous freshwater fish in state water bodies and enable development of captive breeding protocols for endangered fish species in state.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kufos restocks native fish species in Chalakudy
Kochi: In a step towards restoring aquatic biodiversity and supporting traditional livelihoods of fisherfolk, indigenous fish seeds were restocked in Chalakudy River, which has the maximum number of fish species in the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The initiative, aimed at ecological restoration and sustainable inland fisheries, is a joint effort by Annamanada grama panchayat and Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos). Under the restocking programme, 1,500 advanced fingerlings and broodstock of two native species — yellow catfish (Horabagrus brachysoma), locally known as Manjakoori, and olive barb (Systomus sarana), commonly called Kuruva — were released. Yellow catfish is included in threatened category as per International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. "These species are vital components of our riverine ecosystems and local fisheries. Their restocking not only supports biodiversity but also uplifts river-based livelihoods," said Kufos vice-chancellor Biju Kumar. Endemic to Western Ghats, yellow catfish faces increasing threats from habitat degradation, overexploitation and hydrological disruptions. Olive barb, once abundant in river channels and paddy fields, has seen drastic population decline due to pollution, land-use changes and climate-induced stresses. According to recent studies, these two native species contribute an estimated 1.16 metric tonnes (Kuruva) and 2.01 metric tonnes (Manjakoori) to the annual fishery yield in Chalakudy catchment. With more than 110 recorded fish species — over 50% of which are endemic — Chalakudy River and its floodplains are recognized as a critical habitat within Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "This restocking programme is a model of community-driven conservation that we hope to replicate across other degraded river systems," Kumar said. However, the river's ecological integrity is increasingly under threat from biological invasions. Chalakudy system now harbours over 15 non-native species, including at least 12 aggressive exotics such as common carp, sucker mouth catfish (Pterygoplichthys spp), Nile tilapia, alligator gar and giant gourami. Many of these were introduced — often illegally — for aquaculture and ornamental purposes. The 2018 floods further exacerbated the problem, sweeping invasive species into the river in large numbers. Influx of alien species, compounded by multisource pollution, has undermined native biodiversity and economic security of local fishing communities. In response, Kufos has been actively developing and deploying captive breeding protocols for native species. These scientifically planned stock enhancement programmes have been implemented across key inland waterbodies in Kerala, including Idamalayar and Peringalkuthu reservoirs and Sasthamkotta Lake.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
EU-India trade team visits KU
T'puram: A delegation from the EU-India Trade and Technology Council visited the University of Kerala as part of the jointly proposed call for a 41 million (Rs 394 crore) research initiative. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This initiative focuses on combatting marine pollution and waste-to-renewable hydrogen solutions. The visiting team interacted with faculty members to explore collaborative opportunities, particularly under the 21 million (Rs 200 crore) marine pollution call co-funded by Horizon Europe and the ministry of earth sciences, Govt of India. Discussions centred around contact points with EU organizations, technological interventions in marine pollutant detection, and integrated research on ocean health. Kufos VC Biju Kumar A chaired the meeting. Pierrick Fillon-Ashida, first counsellor and head, R&I, EU delegation to India, Anil Kumar Vijaya, scientist, MoES and Vivek Dham, advisor, R&I, EU delegation to India, made presentations. Experts in marine pollution from the University of Kerala, Kufos, MG University, NCESS, CWRDM, NERCI and others participated. TNN
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Plastic pellets from sunken ship mar Kovalam beaches
Thiruvananthapuram: Plastic pellets, known as nurdles, from the containers of the Liberian cargo vessel MSC ELSA 3, which sank off Thottappally in Alappuzha on May 25, have started accumulating on the beaches of Kovalam, where the land juts out into the sea. This has also triggered a kind of foam, and fishermen and stakeholders in the hospitality industry have raised concerns that the state govt has not taken measures to clear them and prevent them from coming to the beach. Plastic pellets and white foam have filled the famed Ashoka Beach over the past two days. As they are difficult to clear, the tonnes of pellets threaten to mar the experience of beachgoers at one of the famous tourism spots in the state. Robert Panipilla of Friends of Marine Life said the "Mukham Kodimana," a piece of land that juts into the sea near Kovalam, would capture most of the plastic pellets as the water current and wind flow is from north to west. He said the pellets were getting washed back into the sea and getting submerged in the sands, which will create trouble in the coming years. Kovalam, meanwhile, is now getting more visitors who want to enjoy the monsoon. "This will create a pollution problem in the coming years. It's unfortunate that the govt is not taking steps to clear the pellets," Panipilla said, adding that they could affect tourists if not prevented. There are environmental concerns as well, as these pellets are particularly hazardous to marine life. "The short-term environmental impacts include ingestion by marine animals as nurdles look like fish eggs and are easily consumed by fish, turtles and seabirds, leading to intestinal blockages and starvation. Nurdles can accumulate in sand and estuaries, suffocating benthic organisms and reducing biodiversity. The long-term impacts include toxic chemical absorption, and they absorb pollutants like PCBs, PAHs, and DDT from seawater, becoming toxic pellets. Over time, nurdles break into micro- and nano-plastics, entering food chains and human diets," marine biologist and Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) vice-chancellor A Biju Kumar said. The pellets were earlier reported to have been found in large numbers along Kochu Veli, Thumba and Vettukad. The vessel, carrying 640 containers, sank around 14.6 nautical miles off Thottappally, and 13 of these containers contained hazardous materials like calcium carbide and hydrazine-based plastics. The state govt earlier declared the shipwreck a state-specific disaster and initiated a comprehensive clean-up operation. An expert panel of specialists in marine science and environmental response was also convened to guide long-term efforts.
