Philippines:

Paul Borja, SEARICE, Manila said, "The real way forward for sustainable agriculture and the solution for hunger is through the protection and use of biodiversity rather than genetic engineering."

Bangladesh:

Palash Baral from the Dhaka-based UBINIG (Unnayan Bikalper Nitinirdharoni Gobeshona) said, "Bangladesh farmers have a long tradition of maintaining local rice diversity and they are resisting Syngenta's move to introduce Golden Rice."

Thailand:

Supanee Taneewut, Thailand said, "With breeding and growing local rice varieties, Thailand's farmers are able to enjoy nutritious food and stabilise their income."

South East Asia:

Varoonvarn svangsopakul, Green Peace Southeast Asia on his statement said, "Rice is the world's most important staple food crop and we simply cannot allow a small number of biotechnology companies and GE scientists to determine the future of rice development. GE rice is not a solution to world hunger. It poses unacceptable risks to health and the environment, as well as to people's livelihoods."

India:

Suman Sahai, Green Peace Campaigner India said, "GE rice poses threats to the center of origin and diversity of rice in Asia, as well as the cultural diversity of rice-growing communities across the region and the introduction of GE rice is contradictory to the theme of this year's World Food Day celebrations."

Suman Sahai also said, "Introducing GM rice in India which is the cradle of rice, the land from where rice originated and in other countries of Asia is a reckless and irresponsible act."

Source: Indo-Asian News Service