Expert Consultation on Medicinal & Nutritional Wealth of 20 Traditional Paddy Varieties
CREATE initiated a nutritional research study on 20 traditional paddy varieties at NIFTEM-T, analyzing their chemical composition, nutrients, and minerals. The results were interpreted by academic experts to ensure accessibility and relevance for farmers, consumers, and policymakers.
Ahead of presenting these findings to the Government of Tamil Nadu and the public, CREATE organized a consultation meeting at Asha Nivas, Chennai, on September 23, 2025, with participation from experts in health, nutrition, biotechnology, farmer representatives, consumer groups, and organic retailers. Prof. Dr. P. Duraisingam, Chairman of CREATE, outlined three key goals:
1. Scientific Validation – evidence-based support for the nutritional and medicinal benefits of indigenous rice.
2. Consumer Awareness – simplifying data into brochures, videos, and campaigns.
3. Policy Advocacy – promoting traditional rice in PDS, Mid-Day Meals, and ICDS.
The draft interpretation report was presented by Dr. S.V. Bakkialakshimi and Dr. V. Karthikeyan. Responses came from eminent personalities including Dr. Sultan Ahmed Ismail (Planning Commission, TN), Dr. Sither, Paayaman (Thalanmai Uzhavar Iyakkam), Dr. Sulochana, Arachalur Selvam (Erode Organic Farmers Association), Mr. Jayachandran (Ariyanur), Mr. Anthonysamy (Puliyankudi), Ananthoo (OFM Chennai), Mrs. Sheelu Francis (Tamil Nadu Women’s Collective), Dr. Menaka (Ethiraj College), Krishna Prasad (Sahaja Samrutha, Karnataka), Sridevi Lakshmi Kutti (Bio Basics, Coimbatore), Mr. Swaminathan (Sustainability Expert), and Mr. Vetriselvan (Friends of the Earth). They provided feedback on accuracy, adequacy, and strategies for consumer outreach and policy engagement.
The consultation concluded with a roadmap to finalize the report and strengthen advocacy with the State. Earlier, Mr. R. Ponnambalam, Managing Trustee of CREATE, welcomed the gathering, and Mr. K. Suresh Kanna, Project Director, delivered the vote of thanks.
