China Promotes Rice Bran as Staple Food Due to Food Shortage

China has begun to promote rice bran as a staple food amid the country's ongoing food shortage, which has been a significant issue for the Chinese masses since 2020.

Rice bran is a significant byproduct of the rice milling process. It is the brown layer on the outside of brown rice that is separated during the milling process. The oil content of the bran fraction ranges between 14 and 18%. Rice bran oil is high in unsaturated fats, vitamin E, and other essential nutrients.

According to a notification published on the official website of China's National Health Commission on January 19, the development of the rice bran industry in order to promote rice bran in the diet is essential for improving the nutrition and health of its people, and it will also help to promote food loss reduction.

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs created the National Rural Industry Development Plan (2020-2025) in 2020 to encourage the full utilization of byproducts such as rice husks, rice bran, wheat bran, and others.

The two main applications of rice bran are oil extraction and animal feed. Aside from global warming, one major factor contributing to China's growing food problem is the loss of agriculturally productive land.

China is home to one-fifth of the world's population. However, it is estimated that only 11 percent of the country's land is suitable for agriculture. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also had a negative impact on the country's food supply system, causing chaos.

Rice bran has anti-diabetic, lipid-lowering, hypotensive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and its consumption improves bowel function.

The Covid-caused disruption has exacerbated an already dire food situation. This predicament arises at a time when China's race to industrialize has resulted in a lopsided development, with a scarcity of arable land.