India has taken a historic step in agricultural science with the development of the world’s first genome-edited (GE) rice varieties using CRISPR-Cas SDN-1 technology. Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), these rice varieties promise higher yields, resilience to drought and salinity, and improved nutrient use efficiency. Unlike genetically modified (GM) crops, these genome-edited plants do not contain foreign DNA—a key reason behind their faster regulatory approval in India.

This development has far-reaching implications for food security, farmer incomes, environmental sustainability, and India’s global leadership in agricultural biotechnology. The move also aligns with India's goals for climate-resilient agriculture, as climate change continues to impact crop productivity and natural resources.

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What is Genetically Modified (GM) Rice?

Genetically Modified (GM) rice involves inserting one or more genes from unrelated organisms (often bacteria or other plant species) into the rice genome to confer specific traits such as pest resistance or enhanced nutrition.

Genetically Modified (GM) Rice Examples

• Golden Rice: Contains genes from maize and a soil bacterium (Erwinia uredovora) to produce beta-carotene, a source of Vitamin A.
• Bt Rice: Contains a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis, which produces proteins toxic to pests such as stem borers.

GM rice varieties often face biosafety regulations, public resistance, and export limitations due to concerns over environmental and food safety.

Why in News?

On May 5, 2025, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan released two new genome-edited rice varieties:

1. IET-32072 (Kamala) – An improved line of Samba Mahsuri (BPT-5204)
2. IET-32043 (Pusa DST Rice 1) – An improved line of MTU-1010 (Cottondora Sannalu)

These rice lines were developed by:

• Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad
• Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi

They are the first GE rice lines globally released for cultivation using CRISPR-Cas SDN-1 technology.

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Here's a clear table comparing the two genome-edited rice varieties:

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Benefits of Cultivating Genetically Modified Rice Varieties in India

Some of the key benefits of the genome edited rice varieties in India include the following:

• Higher Yield and Faster Maturity: These varieties produce more grains and mature earlier, reducing the crop cycle and allowing for multiple cropping.
• Climate Resilience: Resistance to drought and salinity makes these crops ideal for areas affected by climate stress.
• Efficient Input Use: Improved nitrogen-use efficiency means reduced dependence on fertilizers—lower costs and environmental damage.
• Consumer and Farmer Acceptance: These varieties retain the grain quality and taste of popular varieties, ensuring market acceptability.
• Regulatory Advantage: As SDN-1 techniques do not involve foreign DNA:
  • They are exempted from strict biosafety rules under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • Approved by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) as equivalent to traditional mutants.
  • Do not require clearance from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC).

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Genome-edited crops using SDN-1 and SDN-2 techniques are not treated as GMOs under Indian regulations. This regulatory clarity allows faster field testing and commercial release.

However, some challenges remain:

• IPR Issues: CRISPR-Cas9 is patented by the Broad Institute (MIT and Harvard). Licensing for public-sector use needs to be resolved.
• Lack of public awareness: There is a risk of genome-edited crops being misunderstood as GMOs.
• Traceability and labelling concerns for exports.

Significance of Genome Edited (GE) Rice Varieties

The development of genetically modified rice varieties in India holds the following importance:

• Boost to National Food Security: India needs to feed 1.4 billion people with limited land and water. Higher-yielding, climate-smart crops are critical.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Efficient use of inputs reduces the carbon footprint, chemical runoff, and groundwater depletion.
• Innovation in Crop Breeding: The success of genome editing in rice paves the way for similar improvements in:
  • Pulses
  • Oilseeds (e.g., mustard, soybean)
  • Coarse cereals (e.g., millet, maize)
• Strategic Self-Reliance: With increasing global scrutiny of GM foods, genome editing offers a scientifically sound and culturally acceptable alternative for India’s agri-biotech ambitions.

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Difference Between Genome Editing and Genetic Modification

The table below shows the major difference between genome editing and genetic modification:

Conclusion

India’s achievement in developing the first-ever genome-edited rice varieties is a bold and progressive step in agricultural innovation. It reflects the nation’s scientific strength, policy flexibility, and focus on sustainable farming. By encouraging research, protecting intellectual property, and engaging with farmers and consumers, India can set a global example in deploying modern biotechnology responsibly and effectively.

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