The Department of Agriculture is studying the possibility of growing genetically modified organism (GMO) rice as an option to avoid shortage of rice in the country.

Assistant Secretary Preceles Manzo of the Department of Agriculture said in a recent interview that a proposal to use GMO rice was brought about by the dry spells experienced by the country in recent years.

Manzo said just like corn, the department through research institutions had already been studying GMO rice.

Manzo, however, said that it would need more time before it would get approved for implementation or to have the GMO rice for massive production.

“We have been doing researches through IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) and PhilRice (Philippine Rice Research Institute) on GMO rice but certain rules and protocols must be studied and set first by the scientists,” Manzo said.

Setting protocols ensures that the newly developed GMO rice variety will not cause any sickness or attract pests that will destroy other crops planted around or near it.

“Protocols include distance of planting, watering system, time of planting and variety type that's best to be propagated in a certain area. And all will be determined by our scientists through long-term rigorous research both in the laboratory and in the testing fields,” Manzo said.

The testing of the GMO rice and setting protocols for a GMO rice variety will take years to develop.

“They started the study since 10 years ago and maybe we'll need 5 years more just like GMO corn development which took us 15 years to develop with all the protocols set,” said Manzo.

Manzo added that GMO corn is still used as feeds for animals but that have not been approved for human consumption yet.

“This makes it even more complicated for rice because we will be eating it. We have to make sure before we approve its production and consumption by human beings,” he said.

Manzo added that GMO corn products are still used as feeds for animals and that they have not approved any for human consumption yet.

“This makes it even more complicated for rice because we will be eating it. We have to make sure before we approve its production and consumption by human beings,” said Manzo.

He said that it's always the human beings fear for the unknown that drives them to investigate more and know more about what each product's traits and characteristics are that is why he added that they are pouring in a major portion of the department's budget into research and development.