Joha Rice

Why in news?

• Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) have found that the Joha Rice is effective in lowering the blood glucose and preventing diabetes onset.

About Joha Rice:

• Joha Rice is an aromatic rice cultivated in the Northeastern region of India.
• It is an indigenous rice class of Assam and is a special class of winter rice in cultivation over centuries.
• It has got a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.
• Joha has a special place among all kinds of rice and is extremely valued, generally known for its scent, essence and exemplary taste.

Benefits:

• Joha rice variety has two unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic (omega-3) acid.  These essential fatty acids (which humans cannot produce) can help maintain various physiological conditions.
• Omega-3 fatty acid prevents several metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
• It has also proved to be effective in lowering blood glucose and preventing diabetes onset in diabetic rats.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Joha Rice, an aromatic rice variety with various nutritional and medicinal properties is mainly cultivated in:

(a) North East India

(b) Ganges Plains

(c) Western Ghats

(d) Lakshadweep Islands

Answer