High Beta Carotene Discovered in Kalanamak of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

Kalanamak rice is a unique cultivar of Oryza sativa L. where Beta Carotene is present. In the freshly harvested grain, the Beta Carotene is 0.42 mg / 100 g, and in one year old sample it is 0.18g / 100 g. Total carotenoids in the these samples were 0.51 and 0.31 respectively. Beta Carotene of Kalanamak needs to be studied further for its conversion rate into Vitamin A. Through various breeding methods, amount of Beta Carotene needs to be increased for remedying Vitamin A Deficiency in the human population. Along with high aroma, high Iron, high Zinc and high protein, semi-dwarf varieties of Kalanamak will be the unique rice of the world. It is non-GMO unlike Golden Rice, and thus non-controversial in consumption and promotion.