Rice
Market Status
There is no genetically modified (GM or genetically engineered) rice on the market anywhere in the world.
Rice is daily food for half of the world’s population. Genetically modified rice is a threat to our health, agriculture and biodiversity.
May 2025: India’s Agriculture Minister announced the development of two genome-edited rice varieties – DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1 – developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). ICAR claims they have improved tolerance to drought, salinity, and climate stresses, with an increased yield and that GM rice seeds will reach farmers for cultivation “in minimum of two years”
“Golden Rice” GM Vitamin-A Rice
“Golden Rice” is the name of a rice that has been genetically modified (GM, or genetically engineered) to produce betacarotene, which the body can convert into vitamin A. This beta-carotene gives the rice grains the yellowish colour that has inspired its name. The rice is promoted as a solution to the serious health problems resulting from widespread vitamin-A deficiency in the Global South. A limited amount was cultivated and distributed in the Philippines in 2022 and 2023 but in April 2024, a court ordered an end to commercial growing of Golden Rice. Click here for more information and updates on Golden Rice.
CBAN Factsheet: “Golden Rice” GM Vitamin-A Rice, 2019
