Golden Rice: A Golden Solution to Vitamin A Deficiency
Golden rice is a genetically modified variety of rice (Oryza sativa) that has been developed to overcome vitamin A deficiency
The father of Golden Rice are Ingo Potrykus and Peter Beyer.
* Ingo Potrykus of Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and Prof. Peter Beyer of University of Freiburg, Germany first took this intiative.
* The first golden rice was developed in 1990's.
* The development process involved genetically modifying rice plants to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A.
* This was achieved by introducing genes responsible for beta-carotene biosynthesis from maize and a common soil microorganism (Erwinia uredovora) into the rice genome.
* These genes enabled the rice plants to synthesize beta-carotene in the endosperm, the edible part of the grain, giving the rice a distinctive golden-yellow hue.
* Golden rice aims to provide a sustainable solution to combat vitamin A deficiency, a major health concern that can lead to blindness, weakened immune systems, and even death, especially among children and pregnant women in developing countries.
Golden rice symbolizes the intersection of agricultural innovation and public health, aiming to alleviate nutritional deficiencies and promote sustainable development worldwide.
CONCLUSION
To learn more about farming, click the link below to visit Kisan Vedika. Get valuable information for your agriculture journey!