Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Shambhu Kumaran has witnessed the handover to President Marcos of samples of low glycemic rice by scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Kumaran said it was "a moment of pride for Indian agri-science" as IRRI scientists discovered through a collaboration between the Philippines and the genes responsible for low and ultra-low glycemic index (GI) in rice.
The discovery "will be able to convert popular rice varieties into low and ultra-low GI for refined white rice, through conventional breeding methods, keeping high-quality grain and without compromising yield," IRRI said in its release.
"Happy to join the International Rice Congress in Manila today to witness handing over to His Excellency Bongbong Marcos, President of Philippines, the new ultra low GI rice varieties developed by IRRI scientists at its Regional Centre, Varanasi," Kumaran said in his post on X on Monday night.
Agricultural cooperation is among the areas of partnership between the Philippines and India. It was bolstered during Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo's visit to New Delhi in June to sit down with Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar.