Golden Rice Project and Its Impact on Global Nutritional Security

Abstract

With recombinant DNA technological methods, which have been widely used in recent years, changes have been made in the genetic structure of many products and put on the market. Transgenic studies on many food products, including rice, have developed increasingly. Regarding crop production and cultivation area, rice ranks second in the world and is the primary food source for more than half of the world’s population. About 21% of the calorie needs of people around the world are provided by rice. Genetic engineering methods can provide broad scope to increase paddy yield and plant protection, enable paddy to grow in drought and salinity conditions, and lead to more nutritious paddy to reduce malnutrition. Although transgenic studies continue in the rice plant, Golden Rice is undoubtedly one of the most exciting studies in this field. Golden Rice is expected to directly affect the lives of millions of people around the world who suffer from visual impairment due to vitamin A deficiency (VAD). As stated, Golden Rice is designed primarily to address VAD rather than starvation in general. However, it is essential to remember that malnutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamin A, is a significant component of the broader food security problem. Although Golden Rice alone cannot solve hunger problems, it is thought to improve nutritional security in societies largely dependent on rice as a staple food. In this study, the Golden Rice project is discussed to date, and its impact on global nutrition security is discussed. © 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Published 2025 by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.