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The Philippines approve commercial production of “Golden Rice” which is genetically modified. As per health experts believe, this approval will save lives and combat child blindness in developing regions of the world. The government has issued a biosafety permit paving the way for this rice, which is fortified with beta-carotene, the vitamin A precursor, which makes this rice more nutritious.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), together with the Department of Agriculture- Philippine Rice Research Institute, spent two decades developing golden rice. This genetically modified golden rice is named for its bright yellow color. It is the first variety of genetically modified rice approved for commercial use in the South and Southeast Asia region and with this, the Philippines became the world's first country to approve this.

Availability of Golden Rice for consumption

Although the regulatory hurdles have been overcome, this rice is far from being found in community feed bowls. By 2022, limited quantities of golden rice seeds will be distributed to Filipino farmers in selected provinces.

What is the difference between ordinary and golden rice?

Ordinary rice which is a staple for millions of people around the world especially in Asia produces beta-carotene in the plant, but this isn’t found in the grain whereas the difference in golden rice is that it will produce beta-carotene in the grain itself. The farmers, however, will be able to grow Golden rice in a similar way to that of the ordinary rice varieties; it doesn’t require any special management.

Importance of Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for the development, growth, vision, and proper functioning of the immune system. World Health Organization data shows that vitamin A deficiency causes up to 5,000,000 cases of child blindness each year, half of whom die within 12 months of losing vision. According to IRRI, nearly 17% of Filipino children under the age of five in the country are vitamin A deficient.

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