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Golden rice demo farm looms in Batac City

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A demonstration farm of a genetically-modified golden rice is set to be established in Batac City anytime this year as an alternative solution to malnutrition in the country.

A demonstration farm of a genetically-modified golden rice is set to be established in Batac City anytime this year as an alternative solution to malnutrition in the country.

While other farmers here remain skeptical about the reported danger it may pose to public health and biodiversity, the Department of Agriculture-attached agency Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and other researched-based agencies here have allayed fears of the health risk brought about by the golden rice project launched in 2016. The project had successfully completed its confined field trial, confirming that golden rice is as safe and nutritious as ordinary rice.

Golden rice is engineered to carry two foreign genes—one bacterial and another from maize—that together produce beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A that gives the rice grains their characteristic yellow hue. Scientists hope distribution of the modified rice can make inroads against vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to blindness and makes people more susceptible to infectious diseases.

See full article at Manila Bulletin

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