Anti Gmo Golden Rice Argument
Golden rice is a variation of rice that is genetically modified to make sure it contains beta carotene, a vital source of Vitamin A. Certain parts of the world, like Africa and some countries in Asia don’t get enough of this Vitamin, and hence any people are strongly pro Golden rice (NPR). But such a new, uncertain technology has given rise to several debates and controversies. I believe that Golden modified rice is very dangerous for the environment, for humans, and is a very limited, uncertain source of Vitamin A, which is why I am against the production of it.
First off, there are several environmental problems that can arise from the spread of golden rice. Unwanted genes can get passed on to the plant and rice can become a potential weed. These weed will then destroy our environment by causing a loss of biodiversity. Biodiversity loss has happened several times in history before, and has got many species extinct or on the verge of extinction (goldenrice). Growing GMO rice also causes water pollution and is unsustainable. Another issue is that normal rice is very easy to grow, and can be grown in their backyard by anyone. With golden rice, not everyone can grow it.
Secondly, golden rice isnt very beneficial for us humans either. Research has proved that GMO leave behind material in our bodies, that is associated with long term problems. Aging, immune system disorders, and infertility are some of which that have been already noted. Genetically modifies is not natural, obviously, which is why our bodies are not immune to it. This can give rise to new types of allergies, even unknown to us at the time (IRT).
Furthermore, there is no certainty in this project. How can anyone promise to cure allergies that dont even exist yet? Gluten allergy is one of the most common allergies, and many organizations have found a serious correlation between GMO and gluten allergies (IRT). This project is going to cost a lot of money and time- and is not worth it if it is not certain. Furthermore, 136 M dollars (from people’s money) are going to go into modifying rice (IRRI). No-one can agree to paying for something they have no idea about the future in. Anti-GMO organizations