Rice Breakthrough

Although it may appear that, on this blog, I am quite strongly dissaprove with genetic modification of crops; in this case, my opinion can be hushed. According to the BBC's article "Is it 'wicked' to oppose GM crops?", "Golden Rice", a specific type of genetically modified rice, engineered to have an increased amount of vitamin A has been aclaimed to save 670,000 lives per year, says Environmental secretary, Owen Paterson. In Paterson's interview with the BBC, he labeled those who opose the genetic engineering of this rice as 'wicked'; since, they are not taking into consideration that the breakthrough could potentially save millions of lives. As for Director of the International Rice Research Institute in Manila, a non-profit, independent body involved in developing Golden Rice, Dr Robert Zigler who believes that those who protest against Golden Rice express "an aggressive manipulation of half-truths." Personally, in this instance, I quite strongly agree with the perspectives of both Paterson and Zigler. When looking at the wider picture, if Golden Rice proves to be successful, it could potentially be the solution for vitamin A deficiency. In my opinion, Golden Rice should be further experimented and trialed to conclude it's effectiveness.

For more information visit: http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-24515938