Rice saving millions: Golden Rice

Globally, the problem of blindness has been persisting from ages. With the advancement of technology and research facilities, many researchers have been experimenting to devise systems which are readily available, cheap and benefits people to the fullest. Amongst many of the scientific techniques, one such technique is Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOS).  

As the name suggests, GMO is an organism who’s DNA has been altered or modified with our gene of interest from another organism, be it a plant, virus, animal or bacterium through genetic engineering. Similarly, GMO foods are made from organisms that have had modifications introduced into their DNA for the benefit of humanity. During the past few years, a growing public interest has been seen in these GM foods or crops.

Golden Rice is one such example of GM crops and is basically a variation of rice (Oryza sativa) created by genetic engineering. It has been made to biosynthesize a precursor of vitamin A (beta-carotene) in the eatable part (endosperm) of rice. So what made them do it and what’s the real purpose of making this specific variety? Basically, it was initially started by some scientists to produce a nutritious food which can be grown and used up by the people of areas facing deficiency of dietary Vitamin A, a shortage that is assessed to kill almost 700,000 children below five years of age. It also further gives rise to 5 million cases of irreversible blindness in children.

The next question arises. Why rice? Why not any other food crop? The beta carotene could have been integrated into some other food crops. But rice was essentially chosen because it’s a staple food crop of more than half of the population around the world providing approximately 70% of the nutrition uptake for people in Asian region, and becoming a suitable crop for tackling vitamin deficits.

In Asia, rice takes a fundamental position in the daily meal for many communities. Talking about agriculture, more than 90% rice is produced, consumed and has been one of the most cultivated crops by the small farmers. As much as, the whole livelihood of the laborers in villages depend upon their rice fields as there are thousands of varieties cultivated in coastal and dry land of India, China, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Philippines.

Though rice is considered to be wholesome meal, it somewhat lacks the essential micronutrients such a Vitamin A and β-carotene. That’s exactly the same reason for which it is always accompanied with some gravy or side dish having vegetables, fish or meat to balance the deficiency of micronutrients in rice based meals. Hence, in 1999, a group of scientists tried to bring a new variety, genetically engineered enclosing beta-carotene by introducing daffodil, bacteria, and maize genes into it. Finally, this variety came as Golden rice. It was called Golden due to the golden color of its grains.

Why vitamin A holds a prominent place for the eye’s normal functioning? It’s because vitamin A (retinol) is used in the retina of the eye to generate pigment, as a result improving the day and night vision. Its shortage not only results in visual impairment leading to permanent blindness but also becomes the basis of keratinization of the mucous membranes and tissues such as the lungs, gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. Plants help in synthesizing β-carotene, converting it to retinol in the human body. Other sources of β-carotene found in nature are green leafy vegetables, yellow vegetables, and broccoli. Upon processing, as we Asian have a habit of thorough cooking, vegetables nutritious value is compromised. Though excess of vitamin A is toxic and lead to coma, β-carotene is not lethal and can be stored by body hence β-carotene was used as a means to increase dietary vitamin A.  Golden rice which has 1.6-2.0 µg of β-carotene /g of dry rice has been developed.

Talking about its benefits, first of all, its serves as an excellent source for supplementary vitamin A and β-carotene. Elevated uptake of these vitamins and minerals has been associated with decreasing chance of coronary artery disease, certain cancers, and macular degeneration. β-carotene is also a good antioxidant; consequently, it can support in defending the body from harmful free-radical reactions. Also, malnutrition is a universal phenomenon affecting millions of people in the world who have diets lacking in macronutrients (lipid, carbohydrates, and proteins) and micronutrients (minerals and vitamins). The key deficits are iron, vitamin A, vitamin E and iodine.  Precisely, vitamin A deficiency leads to blindness, and premature death. Thus, a basic food such as rice that is consumed worldwide can serve as best means to solve the vitamin A deficiency issue.  So, Golden rice can be cultivated, grown, and extensively circulated to eradicate vitamin A deficiency and save lives of millions.

By: Roha Tariq