UKMRC-9 Primera Rice

BRIEF TECHNOLOGY

UKMRC-9 was developed through advanced backcross breeding using Oryza rufipogon as the donor parent and Oryza sativa subspecies indica cv MR219 as the recipient recurrent parent. Favourable wild alleles from O. rufipogon were successfully transferred  into MR219 through marker-assisted selection. UKMRC-9 was one of the advanced breeding lines with high yield, blast resistance, low glycemic index, high fibre and red pericarp.

INSPIRATION OF THE INVENTION

To introduce a variety of rice which not only can increase paddy yield but also has properties with low glycemic index and health benefits.

PROBLEM STATEMENT & CURRENT ISSUES

According to National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2015, 17.5 % of Malaysian population suffered from Type II Diabetes Mellitus. This new rice variety with low glycaemic index can be positioned as an agricultural solution to the increasing diabetic population in Malaysia and the world.

INVENTIVENESS  & NOVELTY

• Resistance to blast disease
• High yield
• Low glycaemic index

USEFULNESS & APPLICATION

• UKMRC-9 has a low glycaemic index value which helps to lower and stabilize after-meal blood glucose level. 
• The anthocyanins in UKMRC-9 which give the red colour to the bran layer serve as good source of antioxidants which may protect your cells against free radicals reducing heart disease and cancer.
• UKMRC-9 is rich in dietary fibre for good gut health and helps delay hunger. 

IMPACT OF THE PRODUCT

• New Plant Variety (NPV) with registration number PBR0032

• Provide opportunity for farmers to increase income by planting specialty rice.
• Support the development of national and local food environments which adequately promotes good nutrition and health through benefits of UKMRC-9.

MARKET POTENTIAL 

Diabetic patients need access to sustainable foods such as wholegrain brown rice.  Facilitating this food acquisition is critical in mediating a favourable blood glucose control. Development of downstream products like noodles and bread with low glcaemic index and gluten free can provide greater consumer choices and contribute to a healthier food environment. UKMRC-9 is being marketed as PrimeraTM red rice since July 2017.

TRL :  9