Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

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.