[Answered] What is parboiled rice? Highlight the significance and challenges associated with it.

Parboiled means ‘partly cooked by boiling’ and this rice is also called converted rice. However, there is no specific definition of parboiled rice according to the Food Corporation of India or the Food Ministry. Parboiling happens before the rice is milled, that is before the inedible outer husk is removed. Thus, boiled rice refers to rice that has been partially boiled at the paddy stage, before milling. Parboiling of rice is not a new practice and has been followed in India since ancient times. In 2020-21, Telangana has been the major supplier so far, during both seasons- Kharif and rabi.

Significance:

• Efficient handling: Parboiling makes rice tougher. This reduces the chances of the rice kernel breaking during milling.
• High nutrients: Parboiling also increases the nutrient value of the rice.
• Easy to digest: The three-level process (soaking, steaming and drying) makes parboiled rice easy to digest and restores bowel function too. It also helps in curing digestive issues like diarrhoea and constipation.
• Rich in antioxidants: They are loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients, which helps in reducing inflammation and also prevents all signs of cancer.
• This rice has also a higher resistance to insects and fungi.

Challenges:

• The rice becomes darker and may smell unpleasant due to prolonged soaking. Parboiled rice also takes a little longer to cook.
• Arsenic Levels: Like all rice, parboiled rice contains levels of inorganic arsenic. Eating large amounts of rice can lead to toxic levels of arsenic in bloodstream, which can be particularly harmful for young children.
• High cost: Besides setting up a dedicated parboiling rice milling unit, it also costs a higher investment than a raw rice milling unit.
• Lack of demand: During Rabi season, there is no market for it, so the Food Corporation of India is not able to procure parboiled rice which creates financial distress among farmers.
• Lobbying: For personal and political gains, the political sides and millers stress adopting alternate cropping other than parboiling rice, while farmers suffer.

Although parboiled rice is a healthier alternative to traditional white rice, it is not the healthiest grain on the market today. There are various other healthier alternatives to parboiled rice which includes brown rice, quinoa, barley, and buckwheat.