Business Researchers designing a new drought-resistant rice through a USDA grant By Deanna B. Narveson - June 19, 2023 Rice ready for harvest in a Louisiana field(iStock) FacebookTwitterLinkedinEmailPrint LSU mechanical engineering associate professor Manas Gartia is working with a team of 24 researchers spanning five states to develop a new type of rice that better withstands drought conditions. Already an INSIDER? Sign in.