Widen the table on rice debate

Though the government has approved the planting of genetically modified (GM) rice in Hubei province on a trial basis, controversy persists.

Opponents doubt that GM rice is safe. They wonder if it poses a health risk and question the rice's impact on the environment and biological diversity. However, advocates stress that transgenic technology is a "unique" method available for ensuring grain security amid China's increasing population and depletion of arable land.

Some biosafety committee experts at the Ministry of Agriculture, for example, argue that their assessment that GM rice is safe was based on experimental research, tests, environmental releases, production tests and application of safety production certificates.