News: Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister has announced the development of two genome-edited rice varieties, marking a new beginning in the field of scientific research and innovation. Genome-Edited Rice Varieties.
About Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
- Developed by: ICAR – Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi and the Indian Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Hyderabad
- They are world’s first genome-edited rice varieties, named as – DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1.
About DRR Dhan 100 Kamala
- It was developed by ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad, based on Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204).
- Objective: Its objective is to increase the number of grains per panicle (450 to 500 more grains) and it matures 20 days earlier (~130 days).
- The yield is almost 25% more, which is about eight tonnes more per hectare.
- Due to its shorter duration, it helps save water and fertilizers and reduces methane gas emissions.
- Its stalk is strong and does not fall.
- The rice quality is similar to the original variety, Samba Mahsuri.
About Pusa DST Rice 1
- It was developed from MTU1010 and is a ‘salinity tension tolerant’
- When cultivated under areas that have national average of salinity, the new variety produced 66% additional yield than MTU1010.
- Similarly, in alkaline conditions, the new variety gave 66% more yield than its original and under ‘salinity tension’ conditions; the yield of the new variety was 30.36%.
Technique involved
- These new varieties were developed using genome-editing technology based on CRISPR-Cas, which makes precise changes in the organism’s genetic material without adding foreign DNA.
Not a GM Crop
- Current genome technology involves using living organisms from native crop species (known as SDN 1 and SDN2 types of genome editing) to enhance productivity and achieve desired results, rather than incorporating alien organisms or bacteria.
- The two new varieties incorporate no foreign DNA, so they are not genetically modified (GM).
- Hence, these varieties are exempt from the biosafety regulations outlined in Rules 7-11 of the 1989 Environment (Protection) Act.
Background
- National Agricultural Science Fund: In 2018, ICAR initiated genome-editing research to improve two major rice varieties – Samba Mahsuri and MTU 1010 – under the National Agricultural Science Fund.
- In the 2023-24 budget, the Government of India allocated ₹500 crores for genome editing in agricultural crops.
- ICAR has initiated mega genome editing projects for horticulture crops, animals, fish, and microbes.
