THE Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) has chosen Maguindanao province as one of the seven areas in the country and the first in Southern Mindanao to sow “Golden Rice.”

The agency made the announcement during a meeting with rice stakeholders in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in Cotabato City last Wednesday.

Dr. Ronan Zagado, program leader of Golden Rice, said Maguindanao will be one of the seven provinces in the country chosen to produce Golden Rice this year.

Zagado said they have chosen Maguindanao because it has one of the highest cases of stunting among infants and children ages five years and below.

He also said that once there is enough supply of Golden Rice, Maguindanao will be the first province to reap its health benefits.

Zagado added that two hectares of land will be dedicated to the production of Golden Rice in the province with the help of BARMM’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Reform.

Golden Rice is one of the newest kinds of rice produced through modern biotechnology wherein its nutritional benefits are enhanced.

Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/05/27/news/regions/7-provinces-to-produce-golden-rice/1845154