Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

In Himalayan region colored rice races are being cultivated since old age and these practices still continued. This study is focused on the nutritional value of pigmented rice land races grown in hilly regions of Uttarakhand as compare to white rice variety of tarai region. Eight local land races of pigmented rice from Thalisain (Pauri Garhwal: Elevation: 1695 meter), Ranikhet (Kumaun: Elevation: 1869 meter) and one commonly grown white rice variety Pant Dhan 14 from tarai region were taken for the present study. All these pigmented rice land races as well as white rice variety were assessed for anthocyanin, protein, dietary fiber and secondary metabolites viz, phenol, flavonoids along with antinutritional factor phytic acid. Significant amount of anthocyanin was found in pigmented rice grain (0.3 to 1.5 mg/100g) and was not found in Pant Dhan14. High albumin and globulin protein concentrations was found in all of the pigmented rice land races but two (G6 and K1) as compared to Pant Dhan14. High dietary fiber (1.5%-2%) and high phenols (10-20mg/g) and flavonoids (9-15mg/g) and low phytic acid (0.5 1.5mg/g) content was found in all pigmented rice land races of Uttarakhand as compare to Pant dhan-14(dietary fiber (0.5%), phenols(8mg/g), flavonoids (7mg/g), phytic acids(3.2mg/g)). All above studies suggest the nutritional superiority of pigmented rice local land races of Uttarakhand hilly regions as compare to white rice variety. Highlighting this superiority aims to encourage the consumption of pigmented rice for better dietary health, support its cultivation to preserve traditional practices and biodiversity, and enhance food security through diet diversification.