Now, gorge on sugar-free makki di roti

AMBALA: Love makki di roti, but avoid it for its sugar content? Now gorge on it as much as possible with sarson da saag, without fear, thanks to Ambala branch of Indian Council of Agriculture Science (ICAS), which has come up with sugar-free maize for diabetic patients.
Over 200 farmers have already sown this variety successfully in the region and ICAS is now working on plans to launch sowing of sugar-free maize across Punjab and Haryana.
High quality protein maize (HQPM1) is the name given by ICAS scientists to this new variety of hybrid maize prepared by them.
Maize grain contains about 10% protein, 4% oil and 70% carbohydrates and also has significant quantities of vitamin A, nicotinic acid, riboflavin and vitamin E, said Dr Afjal Ahmad, agriculture scientist of ICAR centre at Ambala.
Inquiries revealed that this year ICAR has sown the hybrid or modified maize on 3,000 acres of land across Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. Sources informed that of the total area, 300 acres were sown by 200 progressive farmers of the district.
“In fact, this is low in yield and high in returns. Initially, farmers had some reservation, but now they have realized that it is a goldmine for them in term of returns. The yields have been tested in various laboratories, which have certified it fit for diabetic patients,” said Ahmed, who headed the team of scientists.