The Philippines becomes the first country in the world to approve the commercial cultivation of genetically modified “golden rice”. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has spent 20 years or two decades working with DA-PhilRice to develop golden rice-named for its bright yellow hue. According to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) executive Director John de Leon, the Director of the Philippines Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industries (DA-BPI) has signed off on the Commercial Propagation Permit for Golden Rice in the Philippines on July 21, 2021. This genetically modified “golden rice” contains additional levels of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A and will help address childhood blindness.

Around one in five children from the poorest communities in the Philippines suffer from vitamin A deficiency (VAD). The condition is the most common cause of childhood blindness, as well as a contributing factor to a weakened immune system. The golden rice is genetically engineered to complement existing interventions to address vitamin A deficiency (VAD). It can also provide up to 50 percent of the estimated average requirement (EAR) for vitamin A of young children, the age group most susceptible to Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) in the Philippines. Golden Rice is intended to be used in combination with existing approaches to overcome VAD, including eating foods that are naturally high in vitamin A or beta-carotene, eating foods fortified with vitamin A, taking vitamin A supplements, and optimal breastfeeding practices.

The DA-PhilRice has started working with local partners to bring Golden Rice first to selected communities with a high prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) and other associated micronutrient deficiencies. “By improving rice varieties that address farmer, consumer, and environment needs, precision breeding innovations such as genetic engineering and gene editing can open up pathways for more inclusive participation in the food system,” said Dr. Ajay Kohli, IRRI Director for Research. To address multiple micronutrient deficiencies, the Healthier Rice Program at IRRI is also developing high iron and zinc rice (HIZR), with the end goal of releasing a stacked variety containing beta-carotene, iron, and zinc.

-ZDN-PNFP Rowence F. Zorilla

References:

1. Philippines OKs GMO ‘golden rice’

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/07/24/2114742/philippines-oks-gmo-golden-rice?fbclid=IwAR1f386oNOlGROq_rvZaCFHWJL8T2GDyexs74MQfei25lEcVSZ2x1uYQWGw

2. Philippines becomes first country to approve nutrient-enriched “Golden Rice” for planting

https://www.irri.org/news-and-events/news/philippines-becomes-first-country-approve-nutrient-enriched-golden-rice