At the 36th Ugnay Palay Conference hosted by the Philippine Rice Research Institute, researchers highlighted Malusog Rice as a groundbreaking solution to both nutrition and agricultural challenges. The event, held from December 3-5, featured the “Rise for Healthier Rice” exhibit, showcasing Malusog Rice, a beta carotene-enriched variety designed to combat micronutrient deficiencies.
Researchers emphasized the rice’s dual benefit: providing a healthier dietary option for consumers and boosting agricultural productivity for farmers. A key study presented during the conference, titled “Stakeholders Willing to Accept and Consume Beta Carotene-enriched Rice,” revealed strong acceptance among both farmers and consumers. The study, which won the Best Paper Award at the 2024 International Conference for Crop Science and Breeding, validated Malusog Rice’s market potential through on-farm trials across six provinces.
The rice performed well in field trials, with yields ranging from 3.2 to 4.9 tons per hectare, reaching a peak of 8.3 tons per hectare over two cropping seasons. The production costs of Malusog Rice were also comparable to conventional varieties, at PhP12.07-12.15 per kilogram.
Notably, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that just one cup of Malusog Rice could supply up to 50% of the vitamin A requirements for preschool children and pregnant or lactating women.
The Malusog Rice Program is aligned with the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rice Industry Roadmap 2030, aiming to address micronutrient undernutrition by enhancing the availability of nutritious and value-added rice products.
