Involvement of Policymakers, Public Acceptance, and Commercialization of Nutritionally Enhanced and Genetically Modified Rice

Abstract

The advent of recombinant DNA technology along with periodic advancement of molecular technologies has paved the path for development of genetically modified (GM) crops. Despite being considered superior in terms of nutritional attributes, disease resistance, and quality, GM crops are not accepted widely for human consumption. The factors that determine the acceptance of the GM crops includes consumer health safety issues, environmental safety, rigid regulatory frameworks, and reluctance of policymakers. This review focuses on the various protocols that govern the development of GM rice varieties, the role of policymakers for commercialization of these transgenics, and also the growing public awareness highlighting the benefits of consuming nutritionally enhanced GM rice.