Vitamin enriched ‘Golden Rice’ awaits ministry’s nod

Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque said that the golden-colored rice is waiting for the approval of the Environment Ministry.



The minister came up with the announcement while addressing newsmen at his secretariat office after a meeting with delegation to IRRI on Thursday noon.

He said that the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) have developed rice, the world's first-ever vitamin A and beta carotene-rich rice. 

Already United States, Canada and Australia have approved this rice modified through biotechnology engineering, he said.

The Agriculture Minister also said, “It's GI (glycemic index) rice. IRRI discovered it to meet the needs of poor people. It’s the improved verity of rice; not hybrid one. So, it is possible to keep conservation of seeds like other common varieties. It is easy to cultivate like other species.”