Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the release of two genome-edited rice varieties — DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1 — developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on May 5, 2025. This groundbreaking achievement makes India the first country in the world to develop genome-edited rice using indigenous technologies. The advancement positions India at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, offering solutions to pressing challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and food security.
What is Genome Editing in Agriculture?
Genome editing is a precise technique that allows scientists to make targeted modifications to an organism's DNA without introducing foreign genes. Unlike traditional genetic modification, which often involves inserting genes from other species, genome editing enhances or silences existing genes to achieve desired traits. One of the most widely used tools in this method is CRISPR-Cas9, which enables the development of crop varieties with improved characteristics such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and enhanced nutritional value.
What are the new genome-edited rice varieties and how were they developed?
ICAR has released two new rice varieties using genome-editing technology:
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DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala): Developed by ICAR’s Indian Institute of Rice Research in Hyderabad, this variety is an improved version of the popular Samba Mahsuri. Through targeted editing of the CKX2 gene (also known as Gn1a), Kamala produces a greater number of grains per panicle. It matures approximately 20 days earlier than its parent variety, significantly reducing water usage and methane emissions. Despite these improvements, it retains the same grain quality and offers up to a 19% increase in yield.
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Pusa DST Rice 1: Developed by ICAR’s Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi, this variety is based on the MTU1010 cultivar. It has been designed to withstand environmental stressors, including drought and soil salinity. Field trials have demonstrated yield increases ranging from 9.66% to 30.4% in saline and alkaline soils, with the potential for an overall production boost of up to 20%.
Why is this considered a breakthrough for Indian agriculture?
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Enhanced Productivity: The new varieties promise yield increases of up to 30.4%, which amounts to an additional 4.5 million tons of paddy across five million hectares. This boost is crucial for meeting the food demands of India's growing population.
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Climate Resilience: With improved tolerance to drought, salinity, and other climate stresses, these varieties are better suited to withstand the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring stable yields even under adverse conditions.
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Water Conservation: Early maturation reduces the crop's water requirements, potentially saving 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water. This is particularly significant in regions facing water scarcity.
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Environmental Benefits: Shorter crop duration and improved nitrogen-use efficiency contribute to a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
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Farmer Empowerment: By reducing input costs and increasing resilience, these varieties can improve farmer livelihoods and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.
Where can these varieties be cultivated?
Although developed with specific traits in mind, the two genome-edited rice varieties — Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1 — are suitable for a wide range of agro-climatic zones across India. They can be cultivated in major rice-producing states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Their adaptability enhances their potential to significantly contribute to national rice output and food security.
How Do Governments Support Genome Editing?
Recognizing its transformative potential, the Indian government has implemented supportive policies to promote genome editing in agriculture. In 2022, it exempted certain genome-edited crops (those using SDN-1 and SDN-2 techniques) from the stringent regulations applicable to genetically modified organisms. This has accelerated the research and approval processes for such crops. Additionally, the Union Budget for 2023–24 allocated Rs 500 crore to support genome-editing research in agricultural crops.
Is India working on developing other genome-edited crop varieties too?
Yes, India is actively expanding its genome-editing research beyond rice. Under the leadership of ICAR and supported by substantial government funding, scientists are working on developing genome-edited varieties of oilseeds, pulses, and other cereals.
These research initiatives aim to enhance stress resilience, improve yields, and reduce dependency on inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. Since genome editing avoids the insertion of foreign DNA, it has gained broader regulatory support and public acceptance, potentially paving the way for faster adoption across Indian agriculture.
The introduction of India’s first genome-edited rice varieties marks a landmark achievement in the journey toward climate-smart and sustainable agriculture. By embracing cutting-edge biotechnology, India is taking proactive steps to safeguard its food systems against climate risks and resource constraints. This accomplishment not only places India at the forefront of agricultural innovation but also lays the groundwork for a more secure and prosperous future for its farmers and citizens.
