The Colombian government has been using herbicides to kill drug crops in response to pressure to stop illegal drug production. There are reports of crops and pastures being destroyed by the indiscriminate glyphosate application. Many people also report that they or their animals were sickened. Ironically, the unintentional destruction of legal crops may cause growers to turn to growing crops illegal. Vitamin A deficiency affects about 400 million people worldwide, leaving them at risk for infections and blindness.
Women consuming such diets are particularly at risk from anemia and complications during childbirth.
This rice should be available in the fields of developing countries within five years if it doesn't become entangled in regulatory red tape. Keep in mind that some countries have completely stopped the flow of genetically modified foods. This type of shortsighted hysteria could delay improved nutrition for the billions of people for whom rice is a staple. Any new technology has risks, and biotechnology is no different. Keep in mind, however, that biotechnology is an extremely broad field.