What is Golden Rice?

About Golden Rice:

• It is a new type of rice that contains beta carotene (provitamin A, a plant pigment that the body converts into vitamin A as needed). This compound is what gives this grain its yellow-orange or golden color.
• It is developed through genetic engineering.
• While ordinary rice does produce beta carotene, it is not found in the grain. Thus, scientists used genetic engineering to add the compound to the grain - a minor tweak that improved the grain’s nutritive value.
  • The beta carotene in Golden Rice, which was made possible by the addition of two new enzymes, is identical to the beta-carotene found in green leafy and yellow-colored vegetables, orange-colored fruit, and even in many vitamin supplements and food ingredients.
• Like ordinary rice, Golden Rice does not require any special cultivation practices, and generally has the same yield and agronomic performance.
• This rice is expected to cost and taste the same as regular rice, its beta carotene content makes it a valuable asset in the battle against Vitamin A deficiency (VAD).
  • Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for growth, development, and keeping the body’s visual and immune systems healthy.
  • VAD weakens the body’s resistance to diseases and infections, causes blindness, and may even result in death if left untreated.