ICAR – Genome edited Rice Varieties
Context: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) said it has developed the world’s first genome-edited (GE) rice varieties with superior yields, drought and salinity tolerance, and high nitrogen-use efficiency traits.
Important Pointers:
► India becomes the first country to develop two genome-edited rice varieties using CRISPR-Cas technology.
► Developed Varieties:
DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) ► Developed by: ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad ► Parent: Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204) ► Features: 20 days shorter duration (~130 days), strong stalk, increased grain count, reduced methane emissions, saved water/fertilizer
Pusa DST Rice 1 ► Developed by: ICAR-IARI, New Delhi ► Parent: MTU 1010 ► Features: Yield boost of 9.66%–30.4% in saline/alkaline soils, up to 20% higher productivity
► Technology Used: CRISPR-Cas genome editing (SDN-1 and SDN-2, no foreign DNA)
► Benefits: 19% yield increase; 20% reduction in GHG emissions; 7,500 million m³ irrigation water saved; Enhanced drought/salinity tolerance
► Target States: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, MP, UP, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal (Zones III, V, VII)
► Govt Support: ₹500 crore allocated in Budget 2023-24; Genome editing project began in 2018 under National Agricultural Science Fund;
► “Minus 5, Plus 10” Formula: Reduce rice cultivation area by 5 million hectares; Increase rice production by 10 million tons; Free land for pulses/oilseeds
► Key Institutions: ICAR-IARI (Delhi), ICAR-IIRR (Hyderabad); Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture (DKMA), ICAR