Lalkada traditional rice culture cultivated in South Gujarat, known for its nutritional quality traits but poor yielder, prone to lodging and susceptible to disease and pests. To overcome these challenges, we developed an improved, early-maturing variety, GNR 9 (Lalkada Gold). This variety is a result of a cross between IR 28 and Lalkada, achieved through pedigree breeding. GNR 9 retains the superior nutritional traits of Lalkada while offering better resistance to environmental stressors and improved yield potential. Nutritionally rich red rice variety GNR-9 (Lalkada Gold) recorded average grain yield of 4200 kg/ha where it exhibited overall 40.4 and 19.7 % superiority over check varieties Lalkada and GNR-4, respectively. Long slender grain rice variety GNR-9 contains intermediate amylose (21.5%), high head rice recovery (56.24%), high Protein 8.44%, 3.4 ppm Iron and 19.17 ppm Zinc in polished rice. Also variety was tested in AICRIP trials during Kharif 2019 showed 0.4, 6.9 and 23.2 per cent yield superiority over national yield check IR 64, DRR Dhan 45 and Chittimuthyalu, respectively

Biofortification, iron, protein, Red rice, yield, zinc, Lalkada Gold

The biofortified rice variety "Lalkada Gold" represents a significant advancement in addressing nutritional deficiencies in Gujarat state. Developed through pedigree breeding, this variety demonstrates substantial improvements in yield and nutritional content, with notable increases in protein, iron, and zinc levels compared to traditional varieties. Its superior performance in yield trials and resistance to key pests and diseases underscores its potential for widespread adoption by farmers. By integrating "Lalkada Gold" into staple diets, it offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution to combat iron and zinc deficiencies, thereby contributing to the broader goal of eliminating malnutrition and hunger

Patel V.P., Patel P.B., Chaudhari M.N., Parmar P.N., Patel M.B. and Kedarnath (2024). Biofortified Red Rice Variety Lalkada Gold (GNR-9) for Cultivation in Gujarat State. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(10): 81-85