Golden rice for the masses

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, MARCH 28.The Department of Biotechnology(DBT) along with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is negotiating with Swiss and German scientists and their Governments for transfer of "Gold Rice Technology" to India.

With this technology, India hopes to develop "our own Vitamin-A rice for masses in the next five to six years", Dr. Manju Sharma, Secretary of DBT said in a lecture she delivered on "Biotechnology for Sustained Food and Nutrition Security with special focus on rural population" here on Wednesday,

The world over, 230 million children are suffering from Vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Lack of this vitamin leads to learning disability and each year over 3.5 lakh pre-school children go partially or totally blind. Over one million VAD associated deaths occur annually.

It is reported that one half of the population that suffer worldwide from micro-nutrient (including VAD) deficiencies live in India, Dr.Manju Sharma said underlining the significance of the Department's efforts to secure golden rice technology.

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Section  : Southern States
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