Nutritional quality and growth attributes of naturally growing floating rice in Tal lands of Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh

Growth attributes and nutritional quality of floating rice

Abstract

Floating rice is a unique ecotype adapted to deep-water and flood-prone ecosystems, and plays an important role in sustainable wetland agriculture. Information on the growth performance and nutritional quality of naturally occurring floating rice in the Tal ecosystems of eastern Uttar Pradesh is limited. Therefore, the present study was conducted in the Suraha Tal and Dah Tal regions of Ballia district to evaluate the growth, yield, and nutritional characteristics of naturally growing floating rice. Two sampling spots were selected at each location, resulting in a total of 24 sampling sites. Growth and yield attributes were recorded from 20 to 160 days of crop duration. After harvest, grain and straw samples were analyzed for nutrient composition and grain quality parameters. Grain and straw nutrient contents ranged from 1.51-2.10% and 1.05-1.79% N, 0.73-1.07% and 0.27-0.65% P, 0.41-0.99% and 0.94-1.83% K, and 0.28-0.52% and 0.12-0.28% S, respectively. Micronutrient concentrations in grain and straw were 0.056-0.081% and 0.071-0.095% Fe, 0.011-0.025% and 0.165-0.379% Cu, 0.009-0.024% and 0.020-0.036% Zn, and 0.020-0.035% and 0.033-0.060% Mn, respectively. Grain quality parameters varied from 9.60-13.22% crude protein, 0.51-0.88% crude fibre, 21.08-23.75% amylose, and 14.42-19.37% oil content. Floating rice grown in Suraha Tal soils exhibited superior nutritional quality compared with that grown in Dah Tal soils. These findings highlight the nutritional value and ecological significance of naturally occurring floating rice in sustaining wetland agroecosystems and enhancing food security.