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New Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Recipe with science, sentiment and rice
In the world of rice breeding, few stories bloom as beautifully as Kamala's. Born not just in the lab but in the heart of a grieving son, Kamala — the world's first genome-edited rice variety — is both a scientific triumph and a tribute. Dr Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia, the principal scientist at the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Rajendranagar, and his team developed DRR Dhan 100 — popularly known as Kamala — entirely in India using cutting-edge genome editing. Kamala promises higher yields, stronger stems and sustainability — all without foreign DNA. As India joins the US and Japan in this breakthrough, Dr Mangrauthia, in a conversation with TNIE's Adeena A, discusses the significance of this innovation and its potential to transform Indian agriculture. Excerpts What makes Kamala unique? DRR Dhan 100, or Kamala, is the first rice variety in the world developed using genome-editing technology. This cutting-edge method allows for precise crop improvement, making Kamala a milestone in rice breeding. While the US and Japan have commercialised genome-edited crops, India has become the third country to apply this technology specifically to rice. Why the name 'Kamala'? Kamala is named in memory of my late mother. Losing her was one of the most painful moments of my life, and since then, I've dedicated all my work to her. Naming this variety Kamala is a heartfelt tribute to her love and support.
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Business Standard
11-05-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
Policy to plate: What genome-edited rice means for India's food future
In a landmark scientific breakthrough in agriculture, the Government of India has officially released the world's first two genome-edited rice varieties developed using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique, which marks a transformative step in its policy on agricultural biotechnology. The two rice varieties — DRR Dhan 100 (Kamla), developed by ICAR–Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad, and Pusa Rice DST 1, by the ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi — represent India's first genome-edited crops to receive public approval. This milestone is being celebrated by scientists and farmers alike as India's first major success in precision breeding using genome editing. It is particularly significant considering India's historically cautious approach to genetically modified (GM) crops. Since the release of Bt cotton in 2002, agricultural biotechnology has faced multiple hurdles, including a moratorium on Bt brinjal in 2010, delays in approving GM mustard, and stalled next-generation Bt/HT cotton technologies. These were compounded by policy bottlenecks such as the requirement for state-level NOCs for field trials, high testing costs, and a non-functional Event-Based Approval Mechanism (EABM). Adding to the challenges is the decade-long enforcement of the Cotton Seeds Price (Control) Order, 2015, which mandates a fixed maximum retail price (MRP) for Bt cotton seeds and further discouraged private investment and biotech-based innovation in the sector. Against this backdrop, the approval of genome-edited rice marks a strategic and science-backed policy shift aligned with global best practices. How is Genome Editing Different from Genetic Modification? Unlike genetically modified organisms (GMOs), the new rice lines contain no foreign DNA. Instead, scientists used the CRISPR-Cas9 system under the SDN-1 approach to make precise changes in native genes, enabling traits such as higher yield and drought and salinity tolerance without the regulatory complications of genetic modification or transgenics. Although transgenes were used in the development phase, the final products are free from foreign DNA. This development underscores the rising importance of CRISPR-based precision breeding in modern agriculture. Genome editing, particularly through the SDN-1 and SDN-2 pathways, allows for targeted, predictable changes in an organism's DNA without introducing any foreign genetic material — a key distinction that has opened doors to regulatory flexibility and public acceptance. Among the two, the DRR Dhan 100 'Kamla' variety is built on the widely cultivated Samba Mahsuri background and stands out for its innovation. IIRR researchers used a novel OsCKX2-deficient mutant allele, modified through SDN-1 genome editing to increase cytokinin levels in the rice panicle tissue. The loss of OsCKX2, a gene in rice that encodes a cytokinin oxidase enzyme involved in the degradation of cytokinin, thus boosts the growth-promoting cytokinin hormone in rice panicle tissue, resulting in higher grain yield and better productivity. On the other hand, the Pusa Rice DST 1 variety was developed by ICAR-IARI in the popular MTU1010 rice background by editing the DST gene using the SDN-1 technique of CRISPR-Cas9. By knocking out a gene responsible for suppressing stress resistance, again using SDN-1 technology, the scientists achieved plants with reduced stomatal density and water use, alongside improved tillering, grain yield, and salt tolerance. Both varieties were tested under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Rice and showed significantly better performance under drought and salinity stress compared to their parent varieties. Benefits include early maturity, drought tolerance, increased productivity (up to 15–20 per cent), reduced production costs, and better climate adaptability. Cultivating these improved varieties over five million hectares in eastern and southern India could yield 4.5 million tonnes of extra paddy and save about 7,500 million cubic metres of irrigation water, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent, as estimated by ICAR. Building a Regulatory Framework for Genome Editing India regulates genome-edited and GM crops under the Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms, Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989 (Rules 1989) of the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA), enforced by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and coordinated with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). While upstream research is regulated by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC) and the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) under the supervision of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, downstream R&D, field trials, and environmental release are regulated by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of MoEF&CC. The broad regulatory framework of GM crops and genome-edited plants is a perfect example of co-development and regulation jointly by multiple relevant ministries based on their expertise. The process began in 2020, when DBT initiated consultations on genome editing guidelines. The resulting 'Guidelines for the Safety Assessment of Genome Edited Plants' incorporate gene technologies like self-cloning, gene deletion, and cell hybridisation — thereby ensuring comprehensive regulation of research, development, import, manufacture, and storage of genome-edited plants. The guidelines classified genome editing into three categories, in which both SDN-1 and SDN-2 introduce small changes without adding any foreign DNA, while SDN-3 is typically categorised as transgenic and falls under more stringent biosafety and regulatory scrutiny, similar to GM technology. Dispelling the Myth of Regulatory Exemption of Genome-edited Plants Contrary to claims, SDN-1 and SDN-2 genome-edited plants are not exempt from GM regulation. Initial oversight under the EPA Rules 1989 applies if foreign gene, DNA, or vector sequences are present. Once these elements are proven absent by the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM), the products are no longer considered transgenic and exit the EPA Rules 1989 regulatory framework via Rule 20. In contrast, genome-edited plants developed using the SDN-3 category containing foreign genes are subjected to further regulatory scrutiny similar to that of GM crops. Following this, SDN-1 and SDN-2 genome-edited plants undergo varietal evaluation under the Seeds Act, 1966, Seeds Rules, 1968, and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983, administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. This involves multi-location trials under ICAR-AICRP, followed by registration and release by the Central Varietal Release Committee (CVRC). This dual-track regulation — initial biosafety checks followed by agronomic evaluation — is both scientifically sound and time-bound. The term 'exemption' refers specifically to Rule 20 of the EPA Rules, which also allowed rDNA pharma products to be regulated separately from GMOs after a 2006 task force led by RA Mashelkar. Those pharma products are now regulated by IBSC, RCGM, and then by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. By applying a similar, streamlined regulatory approach to SDN-1 and SDN-2 genome-edited plants, India aims to avoid the protracted bureaucratic hurdles that have historically delayed the commercialisation of GM crops. The streamlined framework eliminates the need for cumbersome state-level NOCs, enabling faster and more predictable crop development. The successful release of these genome-edited rice varieties marks a turning point — not just in science, but in policy on GM crops. It reflects a new era of biotech-driven agriculture tailored to meet the challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and the growing food demands of a burgeoning population. India is now poised to lead in genome-edited crop innovation and agricultural biotechnology. The authors are from the South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), Jodhpur.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
India's first genome-edited rice variety developed in Hyd
1 2 Hyderabad: In a landmark moment for Indian agricultural science , ICAR–Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) at Rajendranagar developed the country's first genome-edited rice variety, DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala). The official announcement was made by Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, recognising two genome-edited rice lines—DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST1—the latter developed by ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad What sets the Hyderabad-developed variety apart is its foundation in non-transgenic genome editing . Unlike genetically modified (GM) crops, which involve the insertion of foreign genes, DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) was developed using CRISPR-Cas mediated genome editing under India's regulatory framework for New Breeding Technologies (NBTs). This technology enables precise improvements within the plant's own DNA. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like People Aged 50-85 With No Life Insurance Could Get This Reassured Get Quote Undo Developed in the genetic background of the widely grown Samba Mahsuri, DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) is the result of research led by Dr Satendra Kumar Mangrauthia and his team in Rajendranagar in the city. Scientists used targeted editing of the cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase gene to alter cytokinin metabolism. This modification boosted reproductive development and increased the number of grains per panicle. According to multi-location field trials conducted across India, the variety showed an average 19% yield advantage over Samba Mahsuri. It also demonstrated early maturity — a valuable trait for rain-fed and rotation-based agriculture — and stronger culms, providing better resistance to lodging under intensive cultivation. Speaking to TOI, Dr Mangrauthia said, "It took nearly three years to develop this, including two years of multi-location field trials. We now have nucleus seeds and are awaiting the gazette notification for the release of seeds. Importantly, this is not a GM crop. In 2022, the govt of India clearly defined that genome editing without foreign DNA is not genetic modification." Dr. Mangrauthia noted that the variety showed consistent performance even under low nitrogen and phosphorus inputs. "It also has moderate drought tolerance and a more robust root system, which makes it viable for resource-poor and climate-stressed environments," he said. He clarified that genome editing involves "targeted correction" of traits that hinder performance in otherwise high-performing varieties like Samba Mahsuri, originally from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The release sparked pushback from an umbrella organisation called Coalition for a GM-Free India, which demanded the immediate withdrawal of both genome-edited varieties—Kamala and Pusa DST1. The group urged the govt to bring genome editing under stricter regulatory oversight. In a statement, they warned: "The two genome-edited rice varieties have the potential to harm humans and cause irreversible damage to the environment, in addition to threatening our seed sovereignty."
Indian Express
04-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
ICAR marks a first, develops two genome-edited varieties of rice
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) said it has developed the world's first genome edited (GE) rice varieties with superior yields, drought and salinity tolerance, and high nitrogen-use efficiency traits. Two of its affiliate institutions — the Hyderabad -based Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) at New Delhi — have bred improved GE mutants of the popular Samba Mahsuri (BPT-5204) and Cottondora Sannalu (MTU-1010) varieties using CRISPR-Cas SDN-1 (Site-Directed Nucleases-1) technologies. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan released the two rice varieties at the ICAR's NASC Complex on Sunday. GE is different from genetic modification or GM. The latter involves introduction of genes from unrelated species into host plants. These could, for example, be genes from Bacillus thuringiensis, a soil bacterium, that code for the production of proteins toxic to various insect pests in cotton. GE, on the other hand, entails mere 'editing' of genes naturally present in the host plant, leading to mutation or changes in their DNA sequence. No foreign genes or DNA are incorporated. CRISPR-Cas uses 'Cas' enzymes, or proteins that act like molecular 'scissors', to cut and modify the DNA sequence of a native gene at its targeted location. Such editing is intended to bring forth desirable alterations in that gene's expression and function. In this case, scientists at IIRR have used the CRISPR-Cas12 protein for editing the 'cytokinin oxidase 2' gene (also called Gn1a) in Samba Mahsuri rice, in order to the increase the number of grains produced from each panicle (plant earhead) of this variety. The Gn1a gene basically codes for an enzyme that regulates the number of grains per panicle, thereby indirectly influencing yields. Through 'editing', the scientists are able to reduce the expression of that gene, leading to an increase in the number of grains per plant. The Samba Mahsuri rice variety is extensively cultivated in about five million hectares (mh) across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The new GE line – called IET-32072 or 'Kamala' – is claimed to have recorded an average paddy (rice with husk) yield of 5.37 tonnes per hectare with a potential of 9 tonnes. This is higher than the corresponding average and potential yields of 4.5 tonnes and 6.5 tonnes/hectare from its parent Samba Mahsuri (BPT-5204) variety. Further, 'Kamala' matures in about 130 days (from seed to grain), 15-20 days earlier than Samba Mahsuri, but has the same grain attributes and cooking quality 'exactly like the original variety', according to an ICAR statement. The CRISPR-Cas9 protein has been used similarly to edit the 'DST (drought and salt tolerance)' gene in the MTU-1010 or Cottondora Sannalu rice variety, which is grown in 4 mh across southern, central and eastern India. The variety is popular for its high yields (potential of 7 tonnes/hectare), early duration (125-130 days), and producing long slender grains. The new GE mutant of MTU-1010 will enable this variety to also be cultivated in areas prone to drought and salinity stress. The GE SDN-1 mutant line – called IET-32043 or Pusa DST Rice 1 – is claimed to have recorded an average paddy yield of 3.508 tonnes/hectare under inland salinity stress conditions, compared to 3.199 tonnes of the parent (MTU-1010) variety). It has also given an average of 3.731 tonnes/hectare under alkaline and 2.493 tonnes/hectare under coastal stress conditions, as against the corresponding yields of 3.254 tonnes and 1.912 tonnes per hectare respectively. India has exempted GE crops from biosafety regulations under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986. These regulations govern both field trials and release for commercial cultivation in the case of GM crops that are treated as 'hazardous substances' under the Act. The GE mutants created through SDN-1 and SDN-2 techniques are free of foreign genes or exogenous DNA. Their 'release' into the environment is, hence, seen to not pose risks and require multi-year trials and approvals, if at all, from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Both the improved GE varieties were tested in multi-location field trials under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Rice during 2023 and 2024. This followed the approval from the Department of Biotechnology's Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation to consider these as 'free of exogenous introduced DNA' and 'equivalent to conventional mutant/breeding lines'. The ICAR statement said that the development of the two GE rice varieties has paved the way for using this technology for higher yields, climate resilience, and improved quality traits in oilseeds, pulses and other crops too. The 2023-24 Union Budget had allocated Rs 500 crore for GE breeding and research in agriculture. The statement conceded there are still issues over intellectual property rights on the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which is patented by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. Its use is licensed. The IPR concerns 'are being looked after and will be resolved in coming times,' ICAR said.
