India unveils world’s first genome-edited rice varieties, promising up to 30% higher yields
These varieties mature about 20 days earlier than traditional ones, offering both environmental and economic benefits.
INDIA – The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has introduced two genome-edited rice varieties; ‘DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’, that promise to boost yields by 20–30%, reduce methane emissions by 20%, and conserve approximately 7,500 million cubic meters of water annually.
According to the council, these varieties mature about 20 days earlier than traditional ones, offering both environmental and economic benefits.
During the launch on May 4, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Agriculture Minister, described the varieties as a significant step toward a “second green revolution, emphasizing the importance of swiftly delivering these climate-resilient seeds to farmers.
ICAR noted that certified seeds will be available to farmers in approximately two years, pending the completion of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) procedures.
Developed using CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology, these rice varieties were designed by modifying native plant genes without introducing foreign DNA. This approach allows scientists to enhance traits such as higher yield, climate resilience, and disease resistance while maintaining the original strengths of the parent varieties.
The ‘Kamala’ variety is recommended for widespread cultivation across major rice-producing states, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’ is also suitable for most of these regions.
ICAR began its genome-editing research in rice in 2018, focusing on two widely grown rice types—’Samba Mahsuri’ and ‘MTU1010’—to improve their productivity and stress tolerance. The result of this work is expected to impact about five million hectares of rice-growing area and could produce an additional 4.5 million tonnes of rice annually.
Despite these advances, India’s rice sector faces mounting environmental challenges. By 2025, per capita land availability is projected to fall to 0.23 hectares, down from 0.32 in 2001, intensifying pressure on agriculture.
However, India is set to maintain its global leadership in rice production and exports. For 2024/25, India’s rice production is forecast to reach a record 147 million metric tons, up 6.7% from the previous year, marking the ninth consecutive record crop.
This growth is attributed to favorable prices, increased government support, and adequate irrigation supplies.
In addition, India’s rice exports are projected to hit a record 24 million tons in 2025, offsetting declines from other major exporters and reinforcing India’s dominance in global rice trade. The adoption of high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties is expected to help sustain this momentum and meet rising domestic and international demand.
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