Context:
Recently, a court in the Philippines recently revoked biosafety permits for commercial propagation of genetically modified golden rice and Bt eggplant.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Golden Rice
Introduction:
- Golden Rice is a genetically engineered variety of rice that contains beta carotene (provitamin A), a plant pigment that the body converts into vitamin A as needed. This pigment gives the rice its distinctive yellow-orange or golden color.
Development:
- It is created through genetic engineering.
- While ordinary rice does produce beta carotene, it is not present in the grain. Scientists used genetic engineering to introduce beta carotene into the grain, enhancing its nutritional value.
- The beta carotene in Golden Rice, enabled by the addition of two new enzymes, is the same as that found in green leafy vegetables, yellow-colored vegetables, orange-colored fruits, and many vitamin supplements and food ingredients.
Cultivation:
- Similar to regular rice, Golden Rice does not require any special cultivation practices and typically achieves the same yield and agronomic performance.
Economic and Nutritional Impact:
- Golden Rice is expected to be comparable in cost and taste to regular rice. Its enhanced beta carotene content makes it a crucial tool in combating Vitamin A deficiency (VAD).
- Vitamin A is vital for growth, development, and maintaining the health of the visual and immune systems.
- VAD impairs the body’s resistance to diseases and infections, leads to blindness, and can be fatal if left untreated.
-Source: Down To Earth
