Genetically modified rice coming to PH

Farmers in the Philippines will soon be planting golden rice, a genetically modified (GM) crop, that can boost vitamin A levels, reduce blindness, and counter diseases. Bangladesh and Indonesia, according to the Guardian, have indicated they will follow in the footsteps of the Philippines. India has said it is considering planting the GM crop. First developed in 1999, its development has been opposed by protesters who have argued that “its introduction in the developing world would make farmers dependent on Western industry,” the Guardian said. But scientists have countered that it is a way to alleviate real health problems in the developing world. Biologists in Germany and Switzerland who created golden rice inserted genes of a chemical known as beta-carotene into the DNA of normal rice to stimulate vitamin A production in the body. Studies have demolished claims by Greenpeace that several kilograms of golden rice would have to be eaten to get any benefit. But the debate continues.

Read the full story in The Guardian.