Awareness and Distribution Programme on Biofortified Zinc-Rich Rice Organised at ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad

17 September 2026, Hyderabad

An Awareness and Distribution Programme on Biofortified Zinc-Rich Rice Supplementation, featuring DRR Dhan 48 and DRR Dhan 63, was organised by scientists of ICAR–Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad today, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Madanapuram Mandal, Wanaparthy District, Telangana.

The programme was organised by Drs. C. N. Neeraja, S. V. Sai Prasad, Amtul Waris, Aravind Kumar J. and Jyothi Badri. Ms. K. Sudha Rani, District Welfare Officer, graced the programme as the Chief Guests.

The ICAR-IIRR scientists created awareness among the participants about the importance of biofortification and the nutritional benefits of biofortified rice, besides explaining the salient features of different biofortified rice varieties.

Particular emphasis was given to DRR Dhan 48, including its potential for commercial cultivation, current demand, and available marketing avenues. The participants were encouraged to promote the cultivation and wider adoption of zinc-rich rice varieties.

During the programme, the experts shared their experiences with the supplementation of biofortified zinc-rich rice varieties, particularly DRR Dhan 45 and DRR Dhan 48, as infant and child feed.

They reported observing improvement in the height and weight of children in the 3–6 year age group following supplementation with DRR Dhan 48. They appreciated the scientific interventions of ICAR-IIRR and expressed enthusiasm to extend the supplementation programme to more villages. They also showed interest in exploring DRR Dhan 63 as an additional biofortified rice source for child nutrition programmes.

As part of the programme, 1,000 kg of milled DRR Dhan 48 and 500 kg of milled DRR Dhan 63 were distributed to 18 Anganwadi Centres. The rice will be used for supplementation of ~200 undernourished and malnourished children for approximately 90 days.

Growth parameters will be monitored during the supplementation period to assess changes and document the impact of biofortified rice supplementation, with appropriate comparison against control groups.

The programme highlighted the potential of biofortified zinc-rich rice as a sustainable, food-based approach to improving nutritional security, while also strengthening the linkage between ICAR-IIRR's research interventions and community-level nutrition programmes through Anganwadi Centres.

The programme was attended by Anganwadi teachers, supervisors, mothers, and Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs).

(Source: ICAR–Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad)