New Delhi: India has achieved a major scientific breakthrough by becoming the first country in the world to develop genome-edited rice varieties, marking a significant step forward in sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. The announcement was made during a launch event in New Delhi, where Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled two groundbreaking rice varieties developed by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes.
The newly developed varieties – DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1 – promise higher yields, improved climate adaptability, and reduced environmental impact. These rice types were developed using CRISPR-Cas based genome-editing technology, which allows precise genetic changes without introducing foreign DNA. This innovation is seen as a game-changer for Indian agriculture.
DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala), derived from the popular Samba Mahsuri variety, matures 15 to 20 days earlier and can produce 25% more yield. The second variety, Pusa DST Rice 1, is tolerant to salinity and alkalinity, offering a 30% higher yield in salt-affected soils. Both varieties have been tailored for cultivation in multiple Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Chouhan hailed the launch as a historic achievement and praised Indian agricultural scientists for their innovation and dedication. He emphasized that these varieties align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and will contribute significantly toward food security and sustainable agriculture.
“These genome-edited varieties will reduce the cost of cultivation, increase productivity, and help meet the nutritional needs of our growing population,” said Chouhan. “They are not just beneficial to farmers but also the entire nation.”
According to ICAR, cultivating these varieties across five million hectares of recommended agricultural land could yield an additional 4.5 million tonnes of paddy. Furthermore, the environmental impact is notable, with an estimated 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a saving of 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water.
The DRR Dhan 100 variety, developed by ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) in Hyderabad, features stronger stalks, early maturity, and grain quality comparable to the original Samba Mahsuri. Pusa DST Rice 1, created by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, shows substantial yield gains in saline conditions, making it a suitable option for marginal lands.
The development of these genome-edited crops was initiated in 2018 under the National Agricultural Science Fund, with a vision to enhance major rice varieties like Samba Mahsuri and MTU 1010. The government has been actively supporting this cutting-edge research, allocating Rs 500 crore in the 2023–24 Union Budget for genome editing in crops.
Experts believe this advancement could usher in a second green revolution, offering climate-smart solutions for a sustainable agricultural future. ICAR has also launched genome-editing programs for other vital crops, including oilseeds and pulses.
India’s pioneering achievement in genome-edited rice reinforces its position as a global leader in agricultural innovation.
