RP leads in beta-carotene enriched rice research

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) leads third world countries in the development of rice varieties that contain beneficial amounts of beta-carotene.

PhilRice will conduct field trials on these varieties in the dry season next year.

PhilRice executive director Ronilo A. Beronio said at the rate local research is going the Philippines is likely to be the first developing country to grow these rice varieties.

Using conventional methods, plant breeders inserted the gene containing beta-carotene in a local popular variety.

To be transferred to farmers by 2013, the beta-carotene-laden rice can be grown organically and will be sold at a price comparable with the regular polished rice.

The first approval of this type of rice will likely be given to our country as plant breeders have successfully crossed the beta-carotene gene with PSB Rc82. PhilRice will test the variety’s adaptability and performance after signing a material transfer agreement, Beronio said.

With the introduction of the beta-carotene gene to PSB Rc82, Beronio said deficiency in vitamin A is expected to decrease.

A study published in the June 2009 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed that a cup of pro-beta-carotene rice could supply half of the vitamin A needed every day.

In the country, statistics from Food and Nutrition Research Institute revealed that around four of 10 children aged six months to five years old and three of 10 school children suffer from vitamin A deficiency.

One of five pregnant and lactating Filipino women also lack vitamin A.

Vitamin A deficiency damages the immune system increasing risk to common bacterial and viral infections and rate of mortality especially among children.

A weak immune system usually leads to poor eyesight and night blindness.

Beronio assured that the country’s National Committee on Biosafety under the Department of Science and Technology provides regulatory oversight on this type of advance research, while the Bureau of Plant Industry strictly monitors field trials.