India Unveils First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

In a groundbreaking development, India has become the first country in the world to develop and officially announce genome-edited rice varieties. Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled two innovative rice strains—DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1—developed using CRISPR-Cas technology by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These varieties are poised to boost productivity, conserve water, and enhance climate resilience, representing a giant leap in India’s agricultural modernization.

Why in News?

India recently announced its first genome-edited rice varieties on May 4, 2025, positioning itself as a global pioneer in agricultural biotechnology. These varieties are expected to play a transformative role in addressing food security, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptability in farming.

Key Announcements

Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced two genome-edited rice varieties,

• DRR Rice 100 (Kamla)
• Pusa DST Rice 1
• Event held at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi.
• Minister honored ICAR scientists behind the breakthrough.

Aim and Significance

• To increase rice yield, reduce water usage, and enhance stress tolerance.
• Supports India’s ambition of being the food basket of the world.
• Contributes to the Second Green Revolution and climate-smart agriculture.

Technology and Methodology

• Based on CRISPR-Cas genome editing (SDN 1 & SDN 2 types).
• Alters gene expression without adding foreign DNA.
• Approved under India’s biosafety regulatory framework for general crops.

Details of the Varieties

DRR Rice 100 (Kamla)

• Developed by ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad.
• Based on Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204).
• Matures 20 days earlier (~130 days).
• Saves water, reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Strong stalks and high grain count per panicle.

Pusa DST Rice 1

• Developed by ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.
• Based on MTU 1010.
• Yield increases of 9.66% to 30.4% in saline/alkaline soils.
• Especially suited for climate-stressed environments.

Impact and Outcomes

• 19% increase in overall yield.
• 20% reduction in GHG emissions.
• Saves 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water.
• Boosts India’s Basmati rice exports (currently ₹48,000 crore annually).

Geographical Coverage

• Targeted states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, MP, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, UP, West Bengal.

Government Support

• ₹500 crores allocated in Union Budget 2023–24 for genome editing.
• Ongoing research for genome-edited oilseeds and pulses.