India Develops First-Ever Genome-Edited Rice to Revolutionize Agriculture
India has created a global milestone by developing the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties — DRR Rice 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1 — aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, conserving water, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These innovative rice varieties are expected to be ready for commercial cultivation in the next 4–5 years, offering sustainable solutions to climate challenges and improving farmer incomes.
What is Genome Editing and How Is It Different from GM Crops?
Genome-editing technology allows scientists to make precise, targeted changes in a crop’s native genes without introducing any foreign DNA, unlike genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In 2022, India’s Environment Ministry exempted site-directed nuclease (SDN) 1 and SDN 2 genome-edited crops from stringent GM regulations, paving the way for faster innovation in agriculture.
Breakthrough Varieties: DRR Rice 100 and Pusa DST Rice 1
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DRR Rice 100 (Kamala):
Developed by ICAR-IIRR Hyderabad, this variety targets the CKX2 gene to increase the number of grains per panicle. It matures 20–25 days earlier than Samba Mahsuri and delivers higher yields with lower water and fertilizer requirements. -
Pusa DST Rice 1:
Created by IARI Delhi, this drought- and salt-tolerant variety targets the DST gene and is based on the popular MTU1010 strain. It showed up to 30.4% yield improvement in saline and alkaline soils during coordinated field trials.
Benefits for Farmers and the Environment
- 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
- 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water saved
- Grows well with just 60–70% of nitrogenous fertilizer
- Drought and salinity tolerance improves resilience in adverse climates
- Earlier maturity enables better crop rotation and soil recovery
- Enables carbon credit opportunities for farmers in the near future
Commercial Outlook: Where and When Will They Be Cultivated?
The two genome-edited rice lines are set for cultivation in the following regions:
- Zone VII: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala
- Zone V: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra
- Zone III: Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal
Estimated impact:
- Coverage of 5 million hectares
- Additional 4.5 million tonnes of paddy
- 32,000 tonnes reduction in carbon emissions
India Joins Global Leaders in Genome-Edited Agriculture
India’s advancement places it alongside over 50 countries using gene-editing to improve nearly 70 crop species. Commercialized gene-edited crops include non-browning lettuce (USA), high-starch maize (Japan), and fungal-resistant wheat (China). India is also testing gene-edited varieties of mustard, wheat, tomato, banana, tur, and cotton.