Addressing Misinformation and Controversy: A Science-Based Perspective on Golden Rice and Bt Brinjal

Dr M Abdul Momin, Senior Communication Officer, BRRI, Fellow, Alliance for Science & Mr. Md. Arif Hossain, CEO & ED, Farming Future Bangladesh, Fellow, Alliance for Science

While the country may lack many resources, one thing it doesn't seem to lack is expert opinion. Currently, there's a trend where theoretical and practical knowledge isn't necessarily a prerequisite for being considered an expert or offering opinions, particularly evident in agriculture. Agriculture often goes unrecognized as a science continually evolving through research and innovation. Unfortunately, without proper knowledge or thorough background study, individuals may make sweeping comments about agricultural innovations and technologies, inadvertently misleading others by disseminating misinformation. Additionally, certain media outlets perpetuate these inaccuracies by failing to fact-check before reporting.

The event titled "GM Crops: Golden Rice and Bt Brinjal - Addressing Key Issues for Introduction in Bangladesh," held at the National Press Club on May 6, is what we're discussing. During that press conference, the speakers intentionally disseminated their fabricated opinions regarding the progress of modern agriculture, GM crops, and related research and technology in Bangladesh.

At the press event, Ms. Farida Akhtar, the Executive Director of UBINEG, and Ms. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the CEO of BELA, needed more comprehension of agricultural science, genetic engineering, or GMOs. Rather than offering informed perspectives, they voiced only unsupported opinions rooted in speculation. Furthermore, they portrayed their suggested solutions as if they held greater accountability for the nation's food and nutrition security than the scientists dedicated to these fields.

Farida Akhter asserts that farmers in our country grow roughly three thousand varieties of rice, whereas Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) boasts approximately seven and a half thousand indigenous varieties (although the actual number is nine thousand). She contends that high-yielding varieties are unnecessary. Her comments suggest a lack of knowledge and expertise regarding this matter. Indeed, the BRRI conserves approximately 9,000 local rice varieties, while the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) holds around 120,000 varieties from various countries in its gene bank. However, analysis of these local rice varieties stored in BRRI or IRRI's gene bank has not revealed the presence of vitamin A or its precursor, beta-carotene.

Farida's assertion that vitamin A naturally occurs in certain rice varieties is unfounded and inaccurate. What evidence backs this claim that rice contains vitamins? Which scientific study or journal supports such an assertion? If rice did contain vitamin A, why would scientists dedicate significant time, resources, expertise, and effort to developing golden rice? Offering unsolicited opinions on all matters within the country highlights the irresponsibility of an individual in a leadership position within an organization. This behavior has created a bad culture where nobody is held accountable.

In the 1960s, when high-yielding rice cultivation began in the country, a few NGOs and environmentalists opposed the research and expansion of high-yielding rice cultivation. Similarly, in the 1990s, when the first hybrid rice cultivation began, these zealous experts opposed it, fearing the loss of the country's biodiversity. However, their opposition has since been proven incorrect. Hybrid farming is now widely accepted by farmers as a reality. Without embracing hybrid or high-yielding varieties and modern farming techniques, the nation risks a food crisis. Why hinder progress in the agriculture sector, potentially leading to such a crisis? While indigenous varieties may have commendable traits, their yield alone cannot guarantee food security for the country's 170 million people. The cultivation of hybrid varieties has already demonstrated its necessity for ensuring the nation's food security.

She continued to argue against Golden Rice being perceived as a research initiative originating from Bangladesh, suggesting it's viewed as a technology imposed by multinational corporations. Nonetheless, it's undeniable that a scientist from BRRI played a pivotal role in developing BRRI Dhan29 Golden Rice and still holds a prominent position within BRRI. The research and development of Golden Rice in Bangladesh has been carried out by BRRI in collaboration with IRRI.

In our capacity as an agriculturist and the communication focal point of the Healthier Rice Project, and as a biotechnology communication and advocacy expert, we are offering responses to inquiries posed by the Executive Director of UBINIG for your awareness. It's essential to address these irrational, unscientific, and unanswerable questions to prevent confusion among the public.

Question 1: Is there any need to introduce Golden Rice and Bt brinjal in countries focused on agricultural diversification? We have solutions for the challenges preventing the harvest of these two crops.

Answer: Absolutely, there is a pressing need for Golden Rice in Bangladesh. As a representative of the BRRI, I emphasize this necessity. Data from icddr,b reveals that 20% of preschool and school-aged children, 26% of pregnant women, and 5.5% of women overall in Bangladesh suffer from vitamin A deficiency. Research findings indicate that vitamin deficiency is nearly twice as prevalent among impoverished urban dwellers compared to those in rural settings. Consequently, approximately 31% of children in the nation suffer from stunted growth, while around 8% are affected by wasting. UNICEF reports that 28% of children under the age of five in Bangladesh were stunted in 2019.

As a consequence of inadequate vitamin A intake, 20% of women experience underweight issues, leading to an increase in the prevalence of underweight babies. A significant portion of these individuals come from impoverished backgrounds. Many of them lack the financial means to purchase vitamin A-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, or meat. Nevertheless, they can manage to purchase the necessary amount of rice for their daily meals. Considering the plight of these impoverished individuals, BRRI has dedicated nearly a decade and a half to developing a vitamin A-rich rice variety. BRRI receives full support from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for this ongoing research.

Research indicates that golden rice can fulfill approximately 30-50% of an individual's daily vitamin A needs. The remaining portion of the requirement can be obtained from fruits, vegetables, or animal-based sources. Additionally, another advantage of golden rice is its high vitamin A conversion rate. Currently, the average daily rice consumption in Bangladesh is 367 grams. From this quantity, golden rice provides 0.53 mg of vitamin A, covering 41% of an individual's daily requirement. However, with vegetables, the challenge lies in the fact that obtaining the same amount of vitamin A would require consuming significantly more (3-4 times) vegetables, a habit not commonly practiced among our population. Individuals hailing from impoverished communities, who may find it challenging to afford fruits, vegetables, or fish, can fulfill a significant portion of their vitamin A requirements through golden rice. This is because rice is a staple in their diets, consumed once or twice daily, even in the absence of other nutritious foods.

The necessity of introducing Bt brinjal is proven. Traditional varieties of brinjal require 80-100 pesticide applications per season to combat the fruit and shoot borer pest. Despite the extensive pesticide use, 25-30% of eggplants fail to reach the market or consumers due to insect infestation.

Brinjals lack natural resistance to fruit-tip borers. However, Bt brinjal, being resistant to this pest, eliminates the need for 80-100 pesticide applications during cultivation. Farmers are increasingly drawn to cultivating Bt brinjal due to its profitability, flavorful taste, and positive impact on both the environment and human health.

Question 2: Scientists globally have collectively studied GM crops' potential environmental, health, and other risks. However, it remains uncertain whether BRRI and BARI possess any data confirming the safety of these two GM crops. Additionally, it is unclear whether any report addressing this matter has been prepared.

Answer: For the past three decades, scientists worldwide have extensively researched the environmental, health, and other risks associated with GM crops. Consensus has been reached that GM crops pose no harm to the environment or human health. No study published in any recognized journal has demonstrated potential environmental, health, or other risks associated with GM crops. Peer-reviewed biosafety publications on golden rice indicate that it is as safe as conventional rice. Additionally, the inclusion of beta-carotene in its grains presents a potentially potent and cost-effective strategy to address vitamin deficiency.

Likewise, BRRI scientists have conducted extensive testing on Golden Rice over numerous years to verify its safety for humans, animals, and the environment. Golden Rice is deemed as safe as conventional BRRI Dhan29. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has conducted tests on this rice and affirmed its safety for human consumption. Similarly, organizations such as Health Canada and Food Standards Australia-New Zealand have reached the same conclusion. All pertinent information has been provided to the respective government authorities for review. Examine all the facts we've discussed. If Farida, Rezwana, or their associates have evidence or information to support their objection and substantiate their claim, they should present it. Otherwise, they should acknowledge any inaccuracies and apologize for disseminating misinformation.

Question 3: Why isn't the country supporting the production of vitamin A-rich vegetables, fruits, and other produce instead of introducing Golden Rice under the guise of addressing vitamin A deficiency?

Answer: It is incorrect to neglect the promotion of vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruits. The Department of Agriculture Extension is actively implementing several projects, including family nutrition gardens and year-round fruit production, aimed at cultivating and popularizing various vitamin A-rich foods such as papaya, mango, carrot, and sweet pumpkin.

Question 4: Wouldn't granting the patent for BRRI Dhan 29 to Syngenta jeopardize the rights of billions of farmers in the country to cultivate this type of rice? Why is this rice being handed over to multinational companies?

Answer: Who granted the patent for BRI Dhan29 to Syngenta, and when? BRI Dhan29 (Golden Rice) is a variety developed by BRRI scientists with technical support from the International Rice Research Institute. It belongs to BRRI, like the other 115 varieties it developed. Therefore, there is no question of transferring its ownership to anyone. If approved, it will be under the ownership of BRRI, just like the other 115 varieties developed by BRRI. Farmers will have the ability to produce, collect, store, market, and use the seeds themselves. Neither BRRI nor IRRI have ever indicated that patents for this variety would be granted to Syngenta. There has never been any condition regarding the invention and transfer of this breed. Spreading misinformation in the media without factual knowledge is a punishable offense under the Right to Information Act.

Question 5: Bt brinjal is being introduced under the guise of reducing pesticide use, yet pesticides and herbicides are extensively employed in various hybrid crops, including rice. Why aren't measures being taken to halt their use?

Answer: Based on a study conducted by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), the insect resistance of Bt brinjal is significantly higher compared to non-Bt brinjal varieties. Research data indicates that Bt brinjal is not susceptible to fruit and shoot borer insects, eliminating the need for insecticide application against these pests. Consequently, cultivation of Bt brinjal led to a 45% reduction in insect attacks and decreased pesticide usage by approximately 51%. Pesticides might be employed cautiously to manage other pests. The study reveals that farmers across the country have embraced Bt brinjal, over the course of several years. Consequently, the brinjal production rate and farmers' income have surged nearly sixfold compared to previous levels. Nonetheless, farmers continue to utilize pesticides to combat insect infestations in non-Bt varieties. A study carried out by IFRI, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, examined the economic benefits of four released Bt brinjal varieties across the value chain, using data from a 2019 survey of Bt and non-Bt eggplant growers. The results indicated that Bt brinjal varieties outperformed non-Bt varieties, yielding 19.6% more and resulting in a 21.7% increase in profits for farmers.

Furthermore, the assertion that pesticides and herbicides are extensively employed in all categories of hybrid crops, starting from rice, is inaccurate. The Ministry of Agriculture of the Government of Bangladesh is enforcing guidelines to promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) aimed at reducing pesticide usage across all sectors. Modern agriculture in the 21st century entails the integration of technology. Scientists are developing novel crop varieties and production techniques utilizing cutting-edge scientific technology. They persist in enhancing human well-being and addressing human necessities by altering the internal composition of crops, seeds, and plants through advanced scientific methods. This process, essentially, is what we refer to as biotechnology.

It's astonishing that despite the numerous advantages of GMO crops—ranging from higher yields and pest resistance to improved food security and environmental benefits—there is still a lack of accurate information about these advanced technologies in the public domain, resulting in confusion. Both the general public and scientifically minded individuals often find themselves bewildered due to a lack of foundational understanding. Dispelling these misconceptions is crucial.

We're optimistic that our responses will help clarify misconceptions for the general public. Agriculture is an evolving field, with ongoing research and development. Modernization in agriculture ensures a steady supply of crops, vegetables, and fruits throughout the year. Those who oppose scientific progress and modernization are, in essence, holding back the nation's advancement. We have faith that our country's scientists and researchers will continue their innovative work, benefiting both farmers and the broader population.