The Hindu Business Line : AP Organics ties up with IICT

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Hyderabad Jan. 20 Punjab-based A.P. Organics Ltd and the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) here have signed a memorandum of understanding for developing value-added products from wastes of paddy and rice bran.

A.P. Organics situated in Dhuri is one of the country's leading rice bran processing units. By using novel technologies developed by IICT, the company hopes to produce useful micronutrients, said Mr A.R. Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of the company. As per the MoU, the company will provide funds to the tune of Rs 10-15 lakh for one year to do the major developmental work. The IICT has already developed a novel enzymatic process that helps in retaining the micronutrients in rice bran.

Value-added products

By further research, it should be possible to utilise the wastes that are generated for value added products, said Mr R.B.N. Prasad of the IICT and key collaborator in the project.

India is one of the major producers of rice bran oil with a potential of 12 lakh tonnes and production of 7.5 lakh tonnes as on date.

Efforts are on to raise the production levels to 10 lakh tonnes in the next three years, Mr Sharma told newspersons, on the sidelines of a national seminar on vegetable oils here on Saturday.

EXPORT POTENTIAL

There is export potential for rice bran oil also. In the US market, it is sold as a health food. Currently, more than 100 Solvent Extraction Units and 30-40 refineries are involved in the production of this oil in the country, according to the Solvent Extractors Association of India, which is organising the seminar.

Mr Sharma said big national brands such as Saffola Gold and others are also coming up with new brands to spread the use of the rice bran oil in the country.

Mr O.P. Goenka of the Foods Fats and Fertilisers Ltd, Tadepalligudem in Andhra Pradesh, said his company was also coming up with new brands of rice bran oil.

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