Some international research institutes are focusing on a new rice variety called “Golden Rice 2” to combat the rising threat of vitamin A deficiency blindness worldwide. Compared to the original “Golden Rice” developed in 2000, this “Golden Rice 2” has a beta-carotene content that is 23 times higher.
According to Mr. Jagadish Mittur, director of the Monsanto Research Center in Bangalore, India, the genome of this new rice variety has been enhanced with genes from either the yellow daffodil or corn. The rice variety is currently being researched and developed in six Asian countries, including Vietnam.
As this new rice variety is a product of genetic engineering, scientists are studying to determine its food safety and environmental safety before it can be commercially cultivated on a large scale in the next 3-4 years.
N.T.ĐA