In a landmark achievement for agricultural biotechnology, India has become the first country in the world to develop and release genome-edited rice varieties using indigenous research and technology. This historic development marks a transformative shift in how we approach crop improvement, sustainability, and food security.
Launched in May 2025 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the two rice varieties—DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1—represent the next generation of smart crops tailored to thrive in the era of climate change.
Genome editing, particularly using techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, allows scientists to make precise, targeted changes in the DNA of plants. Unlike genetically modified organisms (GMOs), genome-edited crops do not involve inserting foreign genes; instead, they enhance or silence native genes responsible for desirable traits.
India’s new rice varieties are not only non-transgenic but also fall under a regulatory exemption granted in 2022, which fast-tracked their approval for field use and public release. This means they are treated as conventional crops under current Indian biosafety laws.
DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala): Enhanced Yield, Early Maturity, Less Water
Developed by ICAR–Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) in Hyderabad, DRR Dhan 100 is derived from the popular Samba Mahsuri variety but with a twist—targeted editing of the CKX2 (cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase) gene, also known as Gn1a, which is responsible for grain number regulation.
Key Features:
Higher grain number per panicle, leading to 15–19% yield improvement. Shorter duration: Matures 20 days earlier than the parent line. Reduced water requirement, making it ideal for drought-prone or water-scarce regions. Lower methane emissions due to reduced paddy field flooding time. Same cooking quality and grain type as Samba Mahsuri, ensuring market acceptability.
This variety aligns with sustainable agriculture goals by saving resources while enhancing productivity—a true win-win for both farmers and the environment.
Pusa DST Rice 1: Built to Withstand Salinity and Drought
Created by ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, Pusa DST Rice 1 is based on the high-yielding MTU1010 cultivar but with genome editing to improve abiotic stress tolerance.
Salient Traits:
Edited DST gene (Drought and Salinity Tolerance) for improved stress resistance. Stable yields under salt-affected soils, with increases ranging from 9.66% to 30.4%. Consistent performance under both normal and stress environments. No yield penalty under favorable conditions, making it a versatile option for Indian farmers.
Given that over 6 million hectares in India are affected by soil salinity, Pusa DST Rice 1 offers a practical solution for increasing food security under environmental stress.
Why Genome Editing, Not Genetic Modification?
Genome editing offers a more precise and predictable tool compared to traditional GM technology. With techniques like CRISPR, changes can be made to specific genes without disturbing the rest of the genome, akin to editing a single word in a large book.
India’s regulatory decision to exempt site-directed nuclease (SDN-1 and SDN-2) genome editing from GMO laws has opened the door to fast-tracked innovation without compromising biosafety.
Advantages:
Faster breeding cycles. No foreign DNA = less consumer resistance. Lower development and regulatory costs. Environmentally aligned—fewer inputs and resources needed.
Policy and Global Implications
This innovation places India at the global forefront of plant biotechnology. While countries like the US and Japan have made progress in gene-edited crop research, India is the first to commercially release genome-edited rice varieties.
This breakthrough sets a precedent for:
Other staple crops like wheat, pulses, and millets. Global collaborations on gene-editing research. Export opportunities for Indian agricultural technology. Scaling sustainable solutions for climate-resilient agriculture worldwide.
What Does This Mean for Indian Farmers?
For millions of rice-growing farmers, especially smallholders, these varieties bring hope of higher income, lower input costs, and resilience against erratic monsoons, droughts, and declining soil health.
The early maturity of DRR Dhan 100 allows double cropping and better water use, while Pusa DST Rice 1 helps reclaim salt-affected soils—both critical for maintaining productivity amid climate disruptions.
Conclusion: A New Era of Crop Science in India
India’s genome-edited rice varieties symbolize more than just a scientific milestone—they represent a paradigm shift in how we breed crops for the future. By harnessing the power of genome editing, Indian scientists are turning challenges into opportunities and transforming agriculture into a smarter, more sustainable enterprise.
This is not just rice. This is resilience, precision, and innovation—planted in every grain.
References
Indian Council of Agricultural Research. (2025). ICAR develops world’s first genome-edited rice varieties. Retrieved from https://krishijagran.com
Financial Express. (2025, May 4). India launches climate-resilient genome-edited rice. Retrieved from https://www.financialexpress.com
Business Standard. (2025). Pusa DST and DRR Dhan 100 released by ICAR. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com