Rice has a relatively high glycemic index (GI) compared with other starchy foods that contributes to the increase of diabetes cases in the Philippines over the years.
To address this, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) funded the project, “Development of Low Glycemic Index Rice Through Induced-Mutation and Marker-Assisted Selection” being led by Ms. Mae Rose M. Maoirat-Abad of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in Batac, Ilocos Norte.
GI is a measurement of how the intake of carbohydrate-containing food and drinks affects one’s blood sugar (glucose) level.
The rice variety, NSIC Rc160 (Tubigan 14), which has good eatingquality, was successfully induced through gamma-irradiation, chemical, and double mutagenesis. This resulted in five mutant populations that are currently being subjected to molecular and agro-morphological characterization. Initial selection was conducted based on molecular characterization of grain quality traits.
The project team collaborated with the PhilRice-Central Experiment Station in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, the DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), and the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in the conduct of this research.
A baseline study on consumer perception was also done to assess the product's market potential. Initial responses showed that awareness on the benefits of GI rice is still needed. However, the majority of respondents are willing to buy GI rice at a higher price. To assess the acceptability of low GI rice, the project further aims to involve additional participants from various highly urbanized locations around the country.
Prof. Teresita H. Borromeo of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) served as the S&T consultant during the review and evaluation. The meeting was conducted in preparation for the third-year implementation of the project.
Also present in the meeting were project team members from PhilRice, and DOST-PCAARRD representatives headed by Dr. Allan B. Siano, Officer in Charge of the Crops Research Division (CRD).