India unveils genome-edited rice to boost yields, cut emissions, and save water

In a landmark step for sustainable agriculture, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced the development of India’s first genome-edited rice varieties—DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1—designed to boost yields, conserve water, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The varieties, developed by scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) using CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing, mark a breakthrough in precision agriculture. Unlike genetically modified organisms (GMOs), these crops involve no foreign DNA and fall under approved biosafety regulations (SDN 1 and SDN 2 categories).

“These new rice varieties represent a new era of scientific innovation,” said Chouhan, highlighting their potential to increase yield by up to 19%, cut methane emissions by 20%, and save 7,500 million cubic meters of water annually. He described the development as a milestone in fulfilling Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a self-reliant and prosperous India.

DRR Rice 100 (Kamla), based on Samba Mahsuri and developed by ICAR-IIRR Hyderabad, matures 20 days earlier than traditional varieties, improving water efficiency and reducing fertiliser and methane output. It also features enhanced grain output per panicle and strong, non-lodging stalks.

Pusa DST Rice 1, developed by ICAR-IARI New Delhi from MTU 1010, demonstrates improved performance in saline and alkaline soils, with yield gains of up to 30% and increased resilience to drought and climate stress.

These varieties are tailored for diverse agro-climatic zones across India, including Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.

Chouhan introduced the “Minus 5, Plus 10” strategy—reducing rice cultivation by 5 million hectares while increasing production by 10 million tons—to free land for pulses and oilseeds and promote crop diversification.

He emphasised the need to bridge the gap between scientific research and farming practices: “When scientists and farmers come together, miracles happen.”

Scientists honoured for their contributions included Dr Ashok Kumar Singh, Dr Satyendra Kumar Mangruthia, and others from ICAR institutes. The event also saw participation from senior officials including Dr M.L. Jat, Dr R.M. Sundaram, and Dr Devendra Kumar Yadava, who called for demand-driven research based on farmer feedback.

ICAR has already initiated genome-editing programmes for other crops, including oilseeds and pulses. A budget allocation of Rs 500 crore in FY 2023–24 has accelerated genome-editing research, aligning with India’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable agriculture and food security.