The National Innovation Agency is to make grants totaling Bt1.6 million, from an annual budget amounting to Bt5.2 million, to the development of a nutritional food product from brown rice.

The product, called Nutra GABA rice, is a joint effort involving Kasetsart University's Institute of Food Research and Product Development and private-sector companies Pathum Rice Mill and Thawatchai Inter Rice.
Nutra GABA rice is germinated brown rice, which contains higher levels of the naturally occurring gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA). Nutra GABA rice offers health benefits such as enhancement of brain function and reduction of cholesterol levels. The target market for Nutra GABA rice is upper-middle class and high-earning, health-conscious Thais.

Development of Nutra GABA rice is regarded as an innovative project that was created to add more value to Thai rice products.

Source: The Nation