On May 4, 2025, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the development of India’s first genome-edited rice varieties, DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1, at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, New Delhi. This milestone, achieved by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), marks a significant advancement in agricultural innovation.
Overview of the Announcement
The event, attended by scientists, farmers, and dignitaries, celebrated the launch of two genome-edited rice varieties developed using CRISPR-Cas technology. Key details include:
- Date: May 4, 2025
- Location: Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, New Delhi
- Key Speaker: Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister
- Other Dignitaries: Shri Bhagirath Choudhary (MoS, Agriculture), Shri Devesh Chaturvedi (Secretary, DA&FW), Dr. M.L. Jat (DG, ICAR), Dr. R.M. Sundaram (Director, ICAR-IIRR), Dr. C.H. Srinivas Rao (Director, ICAR-IARI)
- Objective: Promote sustainable agriculture, enhance food security, and position India as a global food basket
Shri Chouhan described the achievement as a “golden opportunity” for Indian agriculture, stating,
“These new varieties will play a leading role in heralding the second Green Revolution.”
Details of Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
Developed under the National Agricultural Science Fund since 2018, the two varieties—DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1—offer significant benefits. They were created using SDN 1 and SDN 2 genome-editing techniques, approved under India’s biosafety regulations, without introducing foreign DNA.
1. DRR Rice 100 (Kamla)
- Developed by: ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad
- Base Variety: Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204)
- Features:
- Increases grains per panicle, boosting yield by 19%
- Matures in ~130 days (20 days earlier), saving water and fertilizers
- Reduces methane emissions by 20%
- Strong stalk, resistant to lodging
- Maintains Samba Mahsuri’s rice quality
- Scientists Honored: Dr. Satyendra Kumar Mangruthia, Dr. R.M. Sundaram, Dr. R. Abdul Fiyaz, Dr. C.N. Neerja, Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad
2. Pusa DST Rice 1
- Developed by: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi
- Base Variety: MTU 1010
- Features:
- Yield increase of 9.66% to 30.4% in saline/alkaline soils
- Potential for up to 20% production increase
- Improved tolerance to drought, salinity, and climate stresses
- Scientists Honored: Dr. Vishwanathan C, Dr. Gopal Krishnan S, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Dr. Shivani Nagar, Dr. Archana Vats, Dr. Soham Ray, Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Dr. Pranjal Yadav
Benefits:
- Saves 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 20%
- Enhances climate resilience and yield stability
These varieties target states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Strategic Vision and Policy Context
Shri Chouhan outlined a vision for sustainable agriculture, aligning with PM Modi’s call during Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to adopt modern techniques. Key policy points include:
- “Minus 5 and Plus 10” Formula: Reduce rice cultivation area by 5 million hectares while increasing production by 10 million tons, freeing land for pulses and oilseeds
- Food Security and Exports: Strengthen India’s role as a global food basket, with ₹48,000 crore in Basmati rice exports annually
- Focus Areas: Increase production of soybean, arhar, tur, lentils, urad, oilseeds, and pulses
- Budget Support: ₹500 crore allocated in 2023-24 for genome editing in crops, with ongoing ICAR research for oilseeds and pulses
- Farmer-Scientist Collaboration: Emphasized demand-driven research, with feedback from farmers to tailor solutions
Dr. M.L. Jat, ICAR Director General, stressed the importance of aligning research with farmers’ needs, ensuring effective delivery of innovations.
Significance for Indian Agriculture
The genome-edited rice varieties mark a step toward a second Green Revolution, offering:
- Higher Yields: Up to 19% increase, addressing food security for India’s growing population
- Climate Resilience: Tolerance to drought, salinity, and other stresses, critical amid climate change
- Environmental Benefits: Reduced water use and emissions, aligning with India’s net-zero goals
- Global Competitiveness: Strengthens India’s position in the global rice market, building on $11 billion in rice exports (FY2024)
The varieties support India’s Viksit Bharat vision by promoting sustainable agriculture and economic growth.
Why It Matters for Competitive Exams
This development is a high-priority topic due to its relevance to agricultural innovation, food security, and environmental sustainability. Key reasons include:
- Agricultural Policy: Aligns with PM Modi’s vision for modern farming and the second Green Revolution
- Current Affairs: The launch and its implications are likely to feature in MCQs, essays, and interviews
- Science and Technology: Highlights India’s advancements in CRISPR-Cas genome editing
- SDG Alignment: Supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land)
Key Points for Revision
For quick memorization, focus on these facts:
- Event: Launch of genome-edited rice varieties, May 4, 2025, New Delhi
- Varieties: DRR Rice 100 (Kamla), Pusa DST Rice 1
- Developed by: ICAR-IIRR (Hyderabad), ICAR-IARI (New Delhi)
- Benefits: 19% yield increase, 20% emission reduction, 7,500M m³ water savings
- Technology: CRISPR-Cas (SDN 1, SDN 2)
- Exports: ₹48,000 crore (Basmati rice annually)
- Budget: ₹500 crore for genome editing (2023-24)
Conclusion
The launch of DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1 on May 4, 2025, represents a transformative step in Indian agriculture, promising higher yields, climate resilience, and environmental benefits. For competitive exam aspirants, this development offers rich material for questions on agricultural innovation, sustainability, and policy.
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