THE International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is eyeing the release of an ultra low glycemic index (GI), protein-enriched rice in the Philippines following results of its preliminary trials, adding it has started multilocation trials for planting.

In an interview with reporters, IRRI rice breeding researcher Rhowell Tuazon Jr. said that after the multilocation trials, they are expecting an increase in the number of planting for the ultra-low GI, high protein rice variety.

"Once we define the market sooner or later, we should see it in the market as well," said Tuazon.

He added that there's no definite timeline for how long it will take for the whole process for it to be commercially available as that will also depend on how the acceptance for the variety will turn out.

"It depends on the stakeholders, including those within the government and the value chain stakeholders," said Tuazon.

According to IRRI, the majority of rice cultivated in the Philippines is high-GI that can easily spike the sugar level of consumers. It added that foods rich in protein supports not only muscle development but also enhances brain function.

In terms of pricing, Tuazon said the variety shouldn't be more expensive than normal rice.

"It should have the same price as the [current] rice variety being cultivated, with the same requirements for planting on the farm and the same fertilizer requirements," he said.

Tuazon added the ultra low-GI, protein-enriched rice could also benefit farmers as the variety can generate more markets and cater to Filipinos with diabetes.

IRRI Associate Scientist Reuben James Buenafe, for his part, said that there are more than 10 provinces with multilocations planted with the ultra low-GI rice. And once available in the market, he said rice variety should be labeled with its ultra low-GI characteristic as it will be considered a specialty rice.

"Hopefully next year this will be released to farmers, it will be released here first if ever in the Philippines," he said.