In order to overcome zinc deficiency and improve the diet among farmers in India, a new hybrid variety of rice with increased zinc content called Spoorthi (GNV 1906) is actively promoted after its official release for commercial cultivation.
Recently, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in partnership with the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) and the University of Agricultural Sciences in Raichur conducted a training and seed dissemination program for biofortified rice, providing farmers with around 50 tons of seeds for multiplication and production expansion.
The Spoorthi rice variety was officially introduced in 2023 through the efforts of IRRI, IIRR, University of Agricultural Sciences in Raichur, and partners from the IRRI's zinc biofortification network in India. It was approved for commercial cultivation under the All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Program (AICRIP) and is the only zinc biofortified rice variety that has successfully passed AICRIP trials in the last three years.
This variety contains 26 parts per million of zinc in polished grains, significantly surpassing the zinc content in currently grown rice varieties (which contain approximately 12 to 16 parts per million). The yield is comparable to popular varieties such as IR64 and MTU1010, which typically yield between 4.5 to 6.5 tons per hectare. This makes zinc biofortified rice a promising and practical alternative for improving nutrition without compromising farm productivity.
Although numerous rice varieties are introduced every year, only a few of them achieve wide dissemination without timely seed multiplication and farmer awareness. However, a decision was made to maximize the promotion and seed production of the zinc variety. Seed cultures were placed near seed production centers established in Hyderabad, Telangana, and Raichur to ensure faster dissemination and access to seeds for farmers. Additionally, training and awareness programs are being conducted for farmers on the benefits of cultivating zinc biofortified rice for health and the economy. Traditionally, farmers focus on yield and pest resistance when selecting varieties, but as noted by senior scientist at IRRI, Dr. B.P. Mallikarjuna Swamy, nutritional characteristics also add value to the harvest.
“Many farmers still associate value with yield and pest resistance, not nutrition,” noted Dr. B.P. Mallikarjuna Swamy. “That is why we are working to increase awareness of the health benefits of zinc and engaging in partnerships with government institutions and agencies supporting school feeding and public health programs. We are exploring opportunities to collaborate with the Department of Women and Child Development, school feeding programs, and public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and expand coverage.”
