With the proof of concept in hands, the scientists immediately proceeded to develop ways to improve the production and accumulation of carotenoids in the seed, as it was recognised that at the levels attainable at the time (1.6 μg/g) Golden Rice would not be able to cover the daily provitamin A requirements of the target population in the absence of a more varied diet. While some population strata in SE Asia do consume more varied diets, many of the poorest do not, and in fact, in some rural populations rice makes up more than 80% of their daily caloric intake.