UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » Biology » Philippines Approving Gold Rice Plantation

Philippines Approving Gold Rice Plantation

Golden rice is a biofortified crop and it is genetically modified for producing beta-carotene. Its use can reduce vitamin A deficiency in the human body.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) develops the concept of golden rice. It is rice that helps in overcoming the vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in the human body. The deficiency of vitamin A is a serious health problem and pregnant women and many children are affected by this. In this field, the Philippines accepted the plantation of the Golden Rice and it is also called the genetic engineer rice.     

What is Golden Rice?

The IRRI and its famous national research partners develop the idea of Golden Rice. It addresses the idea of interventions for vitamin A deficiency that is considered a serious health issue. This issue can mainly be seen among pregnant women and among children. The geographical location says that most of the Asian countries that lie in the south, as well as southeast, consume rice daily. The use of golden rice in this field can be helpful for them in fighting against vitamin deficiency. The project of Golden Rice has proved very useful for the Philippines as well as for Bangladesh. The most important factor regarding the use of this particular rice is that it can become available to the public after gaining the necessary permission from the government. 

What Is the Main Purpose of Developing Golden Rice?

Golden rice is a kind of rice that is produced through genetic engineering. It is made through the biosynthesis of beta-carotene. It can be called a precursor of vitamin A and is found in the edible parts of the rice. Its intention is to produce fortified food that is to be grown and consumed in various areas. It can be seen that the use of these kinds of rice can be seen where there is vitamin A deficiency. The most important concept for the production of golden rice is the improvement of health. It is also important to note that it acts as a solution for the vitamin A deficiency and a healer to the health of the children.   

What is GMO?

The term GMO mainly stands for Genetically Modified Organisms. It is a kind of organism, which consists of genomes, and this process does not consist of natural changes. An important factor regarding the genome is that the change of the genome of organisms can also change its characteristics. GMO in foods means the foods that are derived from the organisms. It can be seen that the genetic material of these organisms is modified differently and it does not occur naturally. It is good because it resists plants from various diseases and increases food supply with longer shelf life. Therefore, it can be said that it creates-

  • More nutritious food
  • Works as disease resistance in plants
  • Helps in the growth of plants  

Discussion on GMO Golden Rice

The concept of GMO showed that it is a crop, which is genetically modified as well as bio-fortified. The process of bio-fortification is nothing but a process that helps to increase the nutritional value of the crops. It can be seen that this type of rice is modified for the production of beta-carotene. This particular thing is not normally present in the rice. This particle is then converted into vitamin A and is metabolised by the human body. The need for this vitamin can be seen for good vision, a good immune system, and healthier skin. The project of golden rice is firstly accepted by the Philippines to solve the health issues of their people and for solving the deficiency of vitamins in this field.  

Conclusion 

Golden rice is an important aspect and the study provides us with the information that the Philippines were the first to accept the plantation of the golden rice. A nutritious crop is used for reducing vitamin A deficiency in the human body. The most important fact here is that it describes the idea of the main purpose of producing the rice. The benefit of this particular rice in the human body is shown here and a recent study proves that it is safe to use.  

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

Is golden rice approved in the Philippines?

Ans. GMO here means the Genetically Modified Organisms and it can be seen that the Australians, Canadians, an...Read full

What was the main goal for the production of golden rice in the Philippines?

Ans:  The main objective of the Golden Rice Project is to increase the use of this rice. It is for increasin...Read full

Is golden rice GMO?

Ans. Golden rice can be seen as a genetically modified and biofortified crop. Bio-fortification is the proces...Read full

What kind of gene is added to the golden rice?

Ans. Golden rice was made by the transformation of rice with two genes. The genes were beta-carotene and biosynthesis in nature and are the ...Read full