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DRR Dhan 81 gains market traction for value-added products as researchers focus on nutrition-sensitive and climate-friendly rice cultivation

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is advancing the development of rice varieties with improved nutritional attributes, including a low glycaemic index (GI), higher protein content and enhanced micronutrient levels, to address India’s nutrition security challenges and the growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases.

Speaking to Agrospectrum, on the sidelines of the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026, Dr Priyabrata Roy, Assistant Manager, Project Coordination at IRRI highlighted the potential of nutrition-focused rice varieties to support healthier diets while creating opportunities for value addition across the rice value chain.

One such variety, DRR Dhan 81, developed through the Indian rice research system and released by the Indian Institute of Rice Research, is gaining market traction owing to its suitability for value-added food products. According to Roy, the variety can be used to prepare rice flakes, rice semolina and a range of South Indian cuisine products, opening up opportunities for processors and food manufacturers.

Beyond low-GI rice, IRRI is also working on varieties with enhanced protein content, zinc-rich varieties and other biofortified rice options. These efforts are aimed at improving the nutritional quality of a staple food consumed by millions of people, while responding to concerns around undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and non-communicable diseases.

Roy emphasised that nutritional improvement must go hand in hand with environmental sustainability. Researchers are working to develop rice varieties that require fewer agricultural inputs, consume less water and emit lower levels of methane. The objective is to combine nutrition-sensitive agriculture with more resource-efficient rice production systems.

As India seeks to strengthen food and nutrition security, such innovations could help expand the role of rice beyond a staple grain towards a wider portfolio of health-oriented and value-added products. The development of suitable varieties also presents opportunities for rice processors, food entrepreneurs and exporters to diversify their offerings.

IRRI operates a regional centre in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, which supports research and engagement across South Asia. Roy invited stakeholders to visit the centre and learn more about the institute’s ongoing scientific work on nutritional improvement and sustainable rice production.

Published Date: October 25, 2026