By Faiza Tehseen

ISLAMABAD, August 2 (INP-WealthPK): Pakistan – the 10^th largest rice producer in the world – annually wastes huge quantities of bran that can be used for production of oil to cut the import bill consuming a sizable chunk of the hard-earned foreign exchange.

The global market of rice barn oil (RBO) is worth US$ 6.16 billion and is expected to reach US$12.27 by the year 2028 at the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.09. China, Thailand, Japan, and India are among the major producers of RBO. A little attention to this profitable enterprise at the government level can make Pakistan one of the major producers of RBO in the world.

Talking to WealthPK, Principal Scientific Officer (Plant Introduction and Seed Health lab) from the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) Dr. Riffat Tahira said, “Cooking oil extracted from the rice bran is of best quality and sold expensively. Unfortunately, rice bran in Pakistan is mostly used to feed livestock.”

Dr Riffat is the author of the first research study in Pakistan concerning the Rice Bran Oil (RBO).

Talking about the nutritional and economic value of the RBO, Dr Riffat said bran is the outer layer of rice kernel which is removed while milling brown rice to white after removing the husk. Oil is extracted from the bran, not from the husk.

‘’RBO is very nutritious and rich in a number of fatty acids. i.e., Omega 3, 6, 9. γ-Oryzanol, a type of Vitamin E found in rice, is a good antioxidant mostly not found in other edible oils. Omega 6 imparts a very good flavour to the fried food. Its high smoke point of 232 °C (450 °F) and mild flavour make it ideal for stirring and deep frying. Its composition is similar to that of the canola oil and equals peanut oil which is a good choice for higher temperatures and long-time frying.’’

‘’In Pakistan, bran is mostly used to feed livestock or it is just thrown away. We must extract this oil from this totally waste product to get economic benefits. The import bill of rice bran oil can be cut short through the local production. It is a very expensive oil and Pakistan can export its excess quantity to earn good profits,’’ the NARC scientist said.

She also recommended promotion of RBO extraction as a cottage industry that will help improve the agricultural sector.

Talking to WealthPK, senior scientist (Technology Lab) from the Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku Mohsin Ali Raza said, “Rice Bran Oil (RBO) is a by-product of milling process that constitutes about 7% to 8% of total rice grain. Trans-fat-free and light flavoured RBO is a balanced source of saturated, monosaturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat. Micronutrients, antioxidants, Vitamin E, etc found in it act as an anti-aging remedy, cholesterol serum level improvers, immunity enhancers, hypo allergens, etc.

‘’Due to low viscosity, RBO absorbency is 20% lower than other the edible oils. Paddy (rice with outer husk) production in Pakistan for the year 2021-22 was 8.5 million tonnes. Such quantity can serve to produce about 1.7 million tons of husk and 0.85 million tons of bran. RBO is almost equal to the weight of bran used for oil processing. Rice bran is better to extract afresh or within 24 hours after milling or it will be wasted. If stabilized, it can be preserved for a maximum of one month.’’

Mohsin said rice bran, which is called de-fatted bran, after extraction kept 14% protein that could be used as the poultry and livestock feed.

‘’Small units installed at a farmer’s own place or a medium-sized unit to serve the whole community of a specific area can act as a sustainable source of livelihood for the people related to Agricultural business. It will not only help satisfy the local need, but the excess of it can also be exported to earn foreign exchange,” he said.

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) presented a revised feasibility in 2021 for promotion of RBO extraction in the country. The study provides a good chance to the SMEs and other business opportunity seekers. Owing to the huge potential in the RBO industry, a call for foreign investors is also important.

Credits: Independent News Pakistan—Wealthpk