From Bangladesh, The Daily Star’s slogan is “Journalism Without Fear or Favor.” I’m ecstatic that thatBangladeshi slogan fits perfectly my Filipino attitude towards science – as my title indicates.
Sharing the topmost image, the Daily Star of 23 July 2021 says, “Philippines’ Approval Of Vitamin-A Enriched ‘Golden Rice’ A Positive For Bangladesh To
The Department of Agriculture in (the) Philippines has approved the release of Vitamin A-enriched "Golden Rice," clearing the way for it to be cultivated commercially in the country.
The Philippines is the first country to approve its commercial cultivation….. The approval came on Thursday after local authorities were convinced with the outcomes of years of research that Golden Rice (was) as safe as any other variety and it could be an effective tool to curb vitamin A deficiency in target demographics.
Earlier, in December 2019, Golden Rice received approval for direct use as food, feed and processing from the Philippine government (that) enabled PhilRice, the national rice research institute in (that) Southeast Asian country, to conduct sensory evaluation research.
Before the sensory evaluation, PhilRice conducted years of rigorous lab research and field trials at research stations to ensure highest compliance with environmental and health standards.
As a genetically modified crop, Golden Rice needed environmental and health safety clearance(s) before it could be tried in the open fields and finally approved for commercial propagation.
Now that Golden Ricehas that overall safety clearance from my government, I ask: “What does Golden Rice promise to do again?”
In the Philippines, around one in five children from the poorest communities (suffers) from vitamin A deficiency, which affects an estimated 190 million children worldwide.
The condition is the most common cause of childhood blindness, as well as a contributing factor to a weakened immune system.
Golden Rice is genetically engineered to provide up to 50 percent of the estimated average requirement of vitamin A for young children, the age group most susceptible to Vitamin A deficiency… in the Philippines.
I note 3 things from my lengthy quotes:
(1) 1 in 5 children in the poorer villages of the Philippines suffers from Vit A deficiency.
(2) Lack of Vit A weakens the body’s immune system.
(3) Golden Rice provides a maximum of 50% of the estimated need for Vit A among children.
Based on the above, here are my conclusions:
(1) With Golden Rice, your maximum target population is 20% of children among poor families.
(2) Your Golden Rice may be quite acceptable in communities with childhood blindness.
(3) I doubt poor parents can get the additional 50% Vit A necessary for their children.
And that’s exactly how I treat “Golden Rice” – preference based on one’s conviction, experience and/or knowledge. Same with chemical fertilizers and pesticides – it’s your choice.
(bottom image[2] from Depositphotos.com)
In like manner, it’s my choice as communicator for development to prescribe Olden Rice. Inbred rice, hybrid rice, heirloom rice – all Olden Rice. I like it all natural, not man-made.
Golden Rice? It’s your choice!@517
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