Controversy surrounding the development of a new genetically modified rice variety is raging in the Philippines. Farmers fear the new variety will harm their crops, while Filipino scientists argue that the high-vitamin A rice will be a solution to childhood malnutrition. Environmental organizations, however, claim that only agricultural corporations will benefit from it.

Farmers protest

Tensions escalated earlier this August when around 400 farmers destroyed a test rice field in Camarines Norte, Laguna province, because they believed the genetically modified rice would cause hybridization in the region's rice crops. They said the new variety would lead to crop failures and significantly impact their livelihoods.

Filipino farmers are concerned that this rice variety, as well as other foods genetically modified, could pose unforeseen risks to human health and the environment because the long-term effects of genetically modified foods have not been thoroughly studied. "We don't want people, especially children, to become guinea pigs," said one farmer.

The genetically modified rice variety, the focus of the debate, is called "golden rice" because it produces yellow rice, and was developed by a team at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). To create a rice variety with a high vitamin A content, they took three genes from corn and transferred them to the rice plant. This is not achievable through conventional breeding methods and requires advanced biotechnology.

Solutions to malnutrition?

In a statement posted on its website, IRRI said the trial rice planting had been authorized by the Department of Crop Production of the Ministry of Agriculture.PhilippinesTests have shown that genetically modified crops do not pose a significant risk to human health or the environment. However, many scientists and farmers have objected to this claim. Dr. Romeo Quijano, a leading toxicology expert and chairman of the Philippine Pesticide Action Network (PAN), analyzed that genetically modified crops injected with new chemicals could lead to allergies and new infectious diseases. “The disruption of the genetic system leads to new toxic substances that can cause various diseases such as cancer,” said Dr. Quijano, adding that this could lead to antibiotic resistance in humans.

Dr. Bruce Tolentine, Deputy Director-General for Information and External Affairs at IRRI, stated that IRRI will continue to conduct trials of golden rice to ensure sufficient data and analysis before making a decision on this type of rice. However, Mr. Quijano exposed this, saying that there have been no safety trials. “The issue remains unresolved, such as chronic health effects or causing allergies and poisoning. Meanwhile, the project proposal is from the Rice Research Institute.”Philippines"And IRRI says it's harmless," Quijano added, noting that there's no mechanism to monitor the risks of experimenting with growing golden rice.

Like many other Asian countries, rice is the primary source of energy for most people.PhilippinesThis type of "golden rice" has a higher vitamin A content than regular rice, so scientists at the National Rice Research Institute of the Philippines maintain that this rice variety is safe for human health and will provide more nutritious meals for people in developing countries, helping to rapidly reduce the rate of malnutrition and blindness due to vitamin A deficiency in 1.7 million children in the country.

"Chemical companies benefit."

Currently, the "golden rice" variety is still under research. Local authorities are gathering information to submit to the government.Philippinesto assess the safety and value of this new rice variety. However, some argue that there are other ways to combat malnutrition besides relying solely on this "golden rice." They claim that IRRI is only concerned with the benefits of this rice variety while ignoring the fact that it poses a significant threat to farmers and consumers.Philippines.

Many scientists are also concerned that many rice varieties in the Philippines, especially those grown by indigenous people, may be affected by genetically modified rice, or that they may be crossbred. Research and promotion of genetically modified rice varieties only benefit a few agricultural corporations when "golden rice" is bred to withstand herbicides from Monsanto or other chemical companies.

“We believe that the use of genetically modified technology in rice is unnecessary. And we believe that farmers and the community as a whole will not benefit. This research only profits the corporations that are trying to introduce genetically modified rice into cultivation. That is why they are pushing this product in developing countries,” said Trixie Concepcion of the Organization.Earth IslandPhilippinesspeak.

According to anninhthudo.PH