genetic rice (from ATSNN), page 1

The worlds largest producer of rice China is looking to introduce a
genetically modified strain of rice is known as the Xa21. Xa21 is resistant to bacterial blight a disease that is spread by water and causes yield loss. critics worry about the environmental effects of cross contamination. The use of Xa21 would lead to increased income for farmers.

stuff.co.nz
China close to production of 'safe' genetic rice
10 March 2005

HONG KONG: As early as this year, China could start commercial production of a new breed of genetically engineered rice.

If adopted, it would be the world's first large-scale plantation of a major transgenic food crop and some scientists say it would provide an environmentally friendly answer to the food problems of the world's poor.

But those who fear that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) present a danger to the natural crop balance say Beijing's haste to develop the rice has more to do with a drive to bring the income levels of its farmers in line with others who have prospered more from China's red-hot economic development.

Scientists in China, the world's top rice producer and consumer, say Beijing is looking to mass-produce Xa21 rice, which contains a gene from an African wild rice.

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Unless proven unsafe the "Xa21" can only be good for China greater yields of rice reduce the reliance on imported food. We can have a sneak peak of the future nations such as China will have the means to feed there populations and countries that face food shortages will have access to the strain for research purposes.
My fear is that third world countries wont have the means to prevent Xa21 crop from contaminating the "natural" strains of rice. If third world countries dont manager GM crops properly they will have a disaster on there hands and the people they set out to help will be no better off.

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