THE Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) said it is counting on field trials for genetically modified Golden Rice to demonstrate the benefits of delivering Vitamin A through the staple grain.
“Our goal is to develop Golden Rice varieties suitable for Filipino farmers, help assess the safety of Golden Rice, evaluate whether consumption of Golden Rice improves Vitamin A status, and explore how Golden Rice could reach those most in need,” Roel Suralta, Golden Rice Project Leader at PhilRice, said in a statement.
Golden Rice is being developed as a potential solution to address Vitamin A deficiency (VAD).
The rice variety contains beta carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A as needed by the body.
The field trials will run for one crop season at a primary trial site at the PhilRice-Central Experiment Station in Barangay Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija and a back-up site in PhilRice Isabela Station, Barangay Malasin, San Mateo, Isabela.
The trials will be conducted under the guidelines of the department circular jointly approved last year by the Department of Agriculture, Health, Environment and Natural Resources, Science and Technology, and Interior and Local Government.
“Our research so far indicates that Golden Rice is as safe and nutritious as ordinary rice. Analysis of its nutritional composition reveals that Golden Rice contains similar nutrients to that of ordinary rice, except for its beta carotene content as intended. Golden Rice is also free from any toxic or allergenic properties and is therefore safe. The beta carotene in Golden Rice is also safe as it is similar to what is found in orange-colored fruits and vegetables,” Mr. Suralta added.
“Golden Rice has a very great potential to help address the problem of Vitamin A deficiency since we Filipinos are rice lovers,” he added.
World Health Organization data show that 190 million preschool children and 19 million pregnant women are Vitamin A-deficient globally.
In the Philippines, VAD among preschool children has increased from 15.2% (1.7 million) in 2008 to 20.4% (2.1 million) in 2013 based on the latest survey by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute
However, various health and environment groups oppose Golden Rice, citing the negative impact and uncertainty of releasing genetically modified products into the field.
Mr. Suralta said that the government is conducting consultations to keep the public well-informed on the technology and arrive at a science-based decision. — Janina C. Lim
