Green Peace Responsible for the Golden Rice Protest

Question: Discuss about theGreen Peace Responsible for the Golden Rice Protest. Answer: Introduction Golden rice is a genetically modified crop, designed to meet the demand of vitamin A in the Vitamin A deficient people. It produces beta carotene which converts to vitamin A in human body. The buzz created around with the use of golden rice to meet the deficiency of vitamin A has largely affected its use all around the world. The Greenpeace organization which opposes the genetically engineered crops has made people to reject these crops. Owing to number of poor people who could not afford a multi vitamin rich nutrient diet, rejection of such crop is wrong. I believe that G.E. rice should be used to minimise the vitamin A deficiency in developing countries. What is Golden Rice? Golden rice is an engineered variety of rice to biosynthesize beta- carotene which is a precursor of vitamin A. Two genes with beta carotene biosynthesis were transferred in the rice plant. Psy (phytoene synthase) and crtl (carotene desaturase). Beta carotene is produced in the leaves of the rice plant where it takes part in the photosynthesis. In order to maximise the dietary benefits the modified to produce beta carotene in the endosperm. As the name indicates the colour of the crop is yellow which differs from the naturally occurring rice. This colour is due to the presence of carotenoid pigment. Plant do not contain the direct form of vitamin A. They contain beta carotene which is metabolised in the human body. They are easy to digest. Vitamin A deficiency Vitamin A deficiency is very common in the developing and under developed countries. It causes blindness and death all around the world. Children and pregnant women of the developing and the under developed countries are mostly affected by this deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency is termed as VAD. Poverty is one of the major issues in these countries to meet the daily dietary requirement especially in case of children. This has increased the number of mal nourished children and affecting their development. The increase in the number of death due to VAD is not hidden. More than 650,000 children die every year due to VAD. VAD causes irreversible blindness and xerophthalmia in around 500,000 people every year. Golden rice effective measure to treat VAD should be allowed and discouraged by green peace. Golden rice can reduce the need to depend on several other food supplements to overcome vitamin A deficiency. In many countries the staple crop is rice especially in the south Asian countries. Golden rice is a cheap and efficient method to control VAD. It can improve the risk of blindness cancers and many infectious diseases. Blindness and Age related degenerative diseases can be controlled. Heart diseases and some cancer can also be controlled if vitamin level is good in the body. Gastrointestinal distress can reduced as the golden rice makes the digestion easy and avoid the symptoms. High blood pressure level and low fat can be maintained through golden rice. As per Dr. Moore -golden rice can prove effective for treating Ebola, malaria and cancer. The Anti Golden Rice Campaign Many organizations are opposing the use of golden rice by creating misconceptions among the common the people. Green peace organization is one of the major opponents. It has created many doubts in the masses which is affecting the launch of this project. Issue like the seeds of the GM crop will get mixed with the seeds of wild and native variety and spoil the natural crops are being raised. In Philippines, people uprooted the GE crops. The association of golden rice crops with the environment is being hyped in anti protest. The field trails are not allowed by the protestors. The stubborn attitude of green peace organization is creating a hurdle in the way. Benefits Golden rice is still under trial and will take many years to be launched in the field. The cost of production is not high. No allergens or toxins have been reported. The cross pollination issue that it will spoil the natural crops has a little possibility as the rice crop is basically self pollinated. The under rated benefits of the crops are misleading the people to use these crops. Green peace issues are not focussed on the number of the deaths and diseases that are prevalent due lack of vitamin A. They are focused on suppressing ways that are easy and not costly for the people to keep them health. Conclusion The primary issues should not be ignored by the governments of the countries. The scientist societies are coming forward in support of golden rice. Humanity should be the prime focus of world, neglecting the health based on superstitions is a mistake. Green peace organization should make way for the golden rice project and help in protecting the health of people. 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