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Keeping in view the diabetes status that has affected about 415 million people globally and is the leading cause of death in many countries along with therising demand for low Glycemic Index (GI) foods, the purpose of this paper is to optimize the extrusion process for the development of low GI snacks from underutilized crops like water chestnut and barley.

The extrusion parameters (screw speed and barrel temperature), feed moisture and water chestnut flour, barley flour proportion, were varied and their effects on system and product responses (specific mechanical energy, water absorption index, water solubility index, bulk density, expansion ratio and breaking strength) were studied.

All the system and product responses were significantly affected by independent variables. Response surface and regression models were established to determine the responses as function of process variables. Models obtained were highly significant with high coefficient of determination (R²=0.88). The optimum processing conditions obtained by numerical optimization for the development of snacks were 90°C barrel temperature, 300 rpm screw speed, 14 per cent feed moisture and WCF-to-BF ratio as 90:10. Shelf life studies confirmed that the developed snacks can be safely stored in HDPE bags for a period of six months under ambient conditions.

Water chestnut and barley flour did not blend till date for extrusion cooking. Such snacks shall be a viable food option for diabetic people and can act as laxative due to high fibre and β-glucan content from barley.

The purpose of the present study was to develop low Glycemic Index (GI) crackers from water chestnut flour (WCF) and barley flour (BF).

Five blends were prepared by mixing WCF with BF in the proportion of 100:0, 70:30, 50:50, 30:70 and 0:100, respectively. The baking process as well as ingredients were modified for the production of low GI crackers.

BF incorporation had significant (p < 0.05) effect on physical characteristics, organoleptic attributes and glycemic response of crackers. The resistant starch content of final product was found to be higher than WCF and BF. The research confirmed that replacement of 30 percent WCF with BF is feasible for development of low GI crackers with desired sensory attributes. The inference drawn from storage studies was that the developed crackers can be stored safely (with an overall acceptability score of greater than three on a 5-point scale) in metallized polyethylene up to 35 days under refrigerated conditions and 28 days under ambient conditions.

Although low GI crackers were developed successfully from WCF and BF in the present study. However, detailed storage studies of such crackers can be done in future so as to perform the tests of type-intensity and temporal dominance of sensation. Also, in view of their low GI, these crops need to be evaluated in future for development of other bakery products like bread, cake, muffins, etc.

Water chestnut and barley despite having good nutritional profile and low GI are still considered as underutilized crops. In the present study, these crops were explored for development of low GI crackers especially for people suffering from diabetes. The outcome of this study will open up a new window in the baking sector to develop low GI crackers viz-a-viz will add value to these crops which will help to provide remunerative returns to those who are directly or indirectly involved in trade of these underutilized crops.

This was the first reported innovative attempt to develop low GI crackers from WCF and BF. For development of crackers having desired sensory characteristics, it was found feasible to blend WCF and BF in the ratio of 70:30.

This study explores the diversity and compatibility of leadership in a local context. It aims to understand the interface between traditional and democratic leadership in local governance.

Following a qualitative approach, the researchers collected data through unstructured interviews and utilised thematic analysis for data interpretation.

The study demonstrated that the emergence of democratic local leadership has not supplanted traditional leaders but rather gained legitimacy and effectiveness by collaborating with them. This study illustrated how traditional and modern democratic leadership can coexist and effectively manage community affairs.

The study emphasises the potential for traditional leaders to take part in local governance activities, offering a practical tool to improve the effectiveness of local governance. Its findings also underscore the need for collaborative governance to deal with local issues.

This research study contributes to the literature on collaborative governance at the local level. It helps us understand the different types of leaders and their collective efforts in meeting local challenges. It is the first study of its kind in South Asia.