India Unveils World’s First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

India has achieved a significant milestone in agricultural biotechnology by releasing two genome-edited rice varieties Kamala (DRR Dhan-100) and Pusa DST Rice.

These varieties promise to enhance per-hectare yields by up to 30% and reduce maturation time by 15–20 days compared to traditional varieties.

Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), these innovations aim to bolster food security and sustainability in Indian agriculture.

Enhanced Yield And Climate Resilience

Kamala, developed from the widely cultivated Samba Mahsuri variety, has demonstrated a 19% increase in yield, averaging 5.37 tonnes per hectare, compared to its parent variety’s 4.5 tonnes per hectare.

It also retains the fine grain quality that has made Samba Mahsuri a consumer favourite. Pusa DST Rice 1, derived from MTU1010, offers a yield advantage ranging from 9% to 30%, depending on soil conditions.

Both varieties exhibit improved stress tolerance and reduced water requirements, aligning with India’s goals for climate-resilient agriculture.

Accelerating Adoption And Future Prospects

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that these genome-edited varieties would undergo the standard seed multiplication process breeder, foundation, and certified seeds—before reaching farmers.

While the process typically takes 4–5 years, efforts are underway to expedite the timeline, ensuring that farmers benefit from these high-yielding varieties at the earliest opportunity.

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The government has allocated ₹500 crore for genome editing in agricultural crops during the 2023–24 Union Budget, underscoring its commitment to advancing agricultural biotechnology.

Global Leadership In Agricultural Biotechnology

India’s exemption of SDN1 and SDN2 genome-edited plants from certain provisions of the Environment Protection Act (EPA) has facilitated the development and deployment of these varieties.

Unlike genetically modified organisms (GMOs), genome-edited crops like Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1 do not contain foreign genes, distinguishing them from traditional GMOs and potentially easing regulatory processes.

Expanding The Horizon

Following the release of these rice varieties, ICAR plans to extend genome editing to approximately 24 other food crops and 15 horticultural crops, which are currently in various stages of development.

The focus will be on enhancing traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and improved nutritional content, aiming to create a diverse portfolio of climate-resilient and high-yielding crop varieties.

The introduction of Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1 marks a transformative step in India’s agricultural landscape.

By leveraging advanced genome editing techniques, India is poised to enhance food production, ensure sustainability, and establish itself as a global leader in agricultural innovation.