IRRI Unveils New Whole-Grain ‘Super Rice' to Combat Climate Change and Malnutrition

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and its global partners have introduced Green Nutritious Super Rice (GNSR), a new generation of rice varieties designed to address the twin challenges of global malnutrition and climate change. Building on the successful Green Super Rice (GSR) initiative launched in 2008, the GNSR program focuses on developing high-yielding, multi-stress-tolerant rice that is also nutrient-rich and environmentally sustainable.

The prototype for GNSR is whole-grain black rice, which is being explored for its potential to unlock vital proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, going far beyond basic calories. IRRI emphasizes that even small increases in nutrient content can have a significant health impact on billions of people who rely on rice as a daily staple. Past GSR efforts have already yielded 78 varieties released globally, covering 44 million hectares, which show resilience to drought, flooding, and heat, while also performing well with reduced applications of costly fertilizers and pesticides.

The GNSR breeding program is now focused on developing whole-grain varieties with enhanced traits like improved taste, longer shelf life, low glycemic index, and higher antioxidant levels through natural pigmentation. Scientists are also using advanced techniques, including gene editing, to boost micronutrient density and ensure safety from heavy metals. IRRI is urgently pushing for continued collaboration to accelerate the development and release of these climate-positive, nutritious varieties, arguing that the time to transform global rice systems is "now or never."

For more details, read the news release from IRRI.