Latest news with #IndianCouncilofAgriculturalResearch
Scroll.in
a day ago
- Science
- Scroll.in
India has developed two genome-edited rice varieties – but some experts are concerned
In a significant stride towards bolstering food security amid escalating climate challenges, researchers at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and the Indian Institute of Rice Research, both operating under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, have developed two innovative genome-edited rice varieties, named DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1. These varieties aim to enhance yield and resilience against environmental stresses. Developed by Indian Institute of Rice Research in Hyderabad, DRR Dhan 100 or Kamala is based on the popular Samba Mahsuri (BPT-5204) and exhibits high yield potential along with improved drought and salinity resistance. Pusa DST Rice 1 is developed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi from Cotton Dora Sannalu (MTU 1010) and is engineered for enhanced DST or drought and salt tolerance. Both varieties were developed using the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technique, which allows for precise modifications in the plant's DNA without introducing foreign genes. This, according to the scientists, is a very different method from genetic modification of the plant. Genome editing accelerates the breeding process and enables the development of crops with desired traits more efficiently. Genome editing vs genetic modification While both genome editing and genetic modification involve altering an organism's genetic material, they differ fundamentally in approach and outcome. Genome editing uses specific tools to make targeted changes to the organism's own DNA without introducing genes from other species. In contrast, genetic modification typically involves inserting foreign genes into an organism's genome, often resulting in transgenic organisms. Viswanathan C, joint director (research) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, explains, 'In genome editing, mutations are induced at specific sites where change is needed. These are internal and guided changes – a modern, targeted way to induce genetic mutations that also occur in nature, but with precision for specific outcomes.' Genetic modification, on the other hand, can result in unintended genetic changes and has been subject to stricter regulatory scrutiny. Scientists have used Site-Directed Nuclease 1 and Site-Directed Nuclease 2 (SDN-1 and SDN-2) genome editing techniques to develop the seeds. Vishwanathan highlights that genome editing in rice is being pursued to address agricultural challenges such as low yields, drought, and soil salinity, which are increasingly prevalent due to climate change. For instance, Pusa DST Rice 1 and DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) were developed to tolerate harsh conditions such as drought and saline soils, which are common in many Indian farming regions. Kamala, derived from the popular Samba Mahsuri rice, also has improved grain numbers and reduced environmental impact, according to the scientists. Biosafety concerns The release of these genome-edited rice varieties has garnered attention from various stakeholders in the agricultural sector. While many experts view this development as a positive step towards sustainable agriculture, some have raised concerns about the long-term implications and regulatory oversight of genome editing technologies. The Coalition for GM-free India, in a press conference held in Bengaluru, put forward the concerns around the safety of genome editing of crops such as rice. They alleged that both SDN-1 and SDN-2 techniques used for the rice varieties are illegal and unsafe. Kavitha Kuruganti, a member of the coalition says, 'Published studies such as Sukumar Biswas et al. in their paper say that SDN-1 technology, using CRISPR/Cas9 system is not precise in rice. Early and accurate molecular characterisation and screening must be carried out for many generations before the edited rice varieties are handed over to the farmers.' In a rebuttal, Indian Council of Agricultural Research scientists responded to these allegations saying that genome editing techniques, (SDN-1/SDN-2) are comparable to natural or chemical-induced mutations used safely for more than 75 years. They explain that these techniques require specific tests to confirm absence of foreign DNA. 'More than 30 agriculture-based countries have exempted SDN1 and SDN2 genome editing from stringent biosafety regulations. India too joined the progressive nations and notified the exemption of SDN1 and SDN2 genome edited plants in 2022,' the rebuttal sourced by Mongabay India says. While Kurnganti questions the need for a better yielding paddy, considering India is one of the largest rice producers in the world, second only to China, and the country could do better with better distribution of paddy produced, Vishwanathan says that rice plays a central role in the country's food security and cannot be overlooked. He adds that similar research is ongoing in millets and other crops as well.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
VP Dhankhar urges rural youth to become agri-entrepreneurs
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, while interacting with the students at the Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, on Saturday stressed on use of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture. He remarked, 'Nowadays, when we talk about Artificial Intelligence, the younger generation is indeed fortunate because they can journey from Agriculture Intelligence to Artificial Intelligence.' He further added, 'You can travel from Agriculture Intelligence (AI) to Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence, Agriculture Intelligence is the medium that will bring revolutionary changes in the rural system. The life of the farmer will change.' Speaking on the roadmap to a developed India at the university, the Vice-President stated, 'The path to a developed India goes only one way — through the farmer's field. And that will happen only when you hold the farmer's hand.' He described farmers not only as annadata (providers of food) but also as bhagya vidhata — shapers of our destiny. Expressing concern over the export-oriented mindset, Dhankhar said, 'I find it very troubling when people say — 'this is export material, this is for export'. Why? Shouldn't we eat the best, wear the best?' He proudly pointed out how Indians are now leading major global institutions and lauded the rising participation of women in leadership roles. On the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, the Vice-President urged the Indian Council of Agricultural Research to revise the current ₹6,000 payout in line with inflation. He said, 'If support is given directly to the farmer… If the indirect financial support being given to the agriculture sector is routed directly to farmer families, then, based on my assessment, and that assessment comes after study — where they now get ₹6,000 annually, they will end up receiving ₹30,000 a year.' Highlighting the benefits of direct subsidies, he said, 'If the fertilizer subsidy is given directly to farmers, the farmer will decide — do I want to buy that fertilizer, or raise livestock and use cow dung manure instead? The farmer will think — should I do organic farming, natural farming? The farmer will make that decision himself.' Emphasizing rural entrepreneurship, the Vice-President said, 'Boys and girls from the farming community in rural areas must be trained to become entrepreneurs, agri-entrepreneurs. A force must be raised.' Citing the example of the United States, he noted that the average income of farming families there is higher than that of average households because government support goes directly to farmers. Underscoring the need for value addition, Dhankhar remarked, 'Today we must pay attention to the rural system. Vegetables come to the village from cities, fruits come from cities — how can we tolerate this in our country? That when tomatoes are in surplus, they are dumped on the streets?' He called for value addition and food processing to be done at the farmland level. The vice President also planted a sapling in memory of his mother Kesari Devi and also visited the exhibition on the campus by various farmer producers organizations and start ups. 'Success of Op Sindoor has given different identity to country' 'Success of Operation Sindoor has given a different identity to the country', said the Vice-President at Dr YS Parmar Horticulture and Forestry University Nauni in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday. Talking about the valour of the Armed forces of the country, Dhankhar said, 'This is the first occasion when no one is asking for proof of this'.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Need to revise farm scheme in proportion to inflation: Dhankar
Shimla: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Saturday called upon the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to revise the current Rs 6,000 payment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to account for inflation. "If the indirect financial support being given to the agriculture sector is routed directly to farmer families then, based on my assessment, and that assessment comes after study — where they now get Rs 6,000 annually, they will end up receiving Rs 30,000 a year," said Dhankhar, while addressing the students at Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Solan. He said the path to a developed India went only one way and that was through the farmer's field. "And that will happen only when you hold the farmer's hand," Dhankhar said, adding that farmers were not only "annadata (providers of food)", "but also bhagya vidhata (shapers of our destiny)". While focusing on the direct subsidies' benefits, the Vice-President said if the fertiliser subsidy was given directly to the farmer, the farmer would decide whether he wanted to buy that fertiliser or raise livestock and use cow dung manure instead. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ¡Los Estados Unidos le ofrece el mejor futuro para usted y su familia! Usafis Registrarse Undo "The farmer will think — should I do organic farming, natural farming? The farmer will make that decision himself," he said. Boys and girls from the farming community in the rural areas ust be trained to become entrepreneurs and agri-entrepreneurs, Dhankhar added. Citing an example of the United States, he noted that the average income of farming families there was higher than that of average households because govt support went directly to the farmers. TNN
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Over 8 lakh farmers have benefited from agri campaign so far
Lucknow: State agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi on Friday said that he has requested all MPs, MLAs and district panchayat presidents to ensure their participation in 'Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan which started from May 29 and will continue till June 12. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Addressing a press conference in Lok Bhawan, Shahi said that the aim of the campaign is to realize the vision of 'One Country, One Agriculture, One Team'. Under this campaign, farmers are being informed about the latest agricultural techniques, improved seeds, modern farming methods and govt schemes for Kharif crops. This campaign has been started on the initiative of the govt of India and is being operated with the cooperation of the institutes of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Agricultural Universities, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Cooperatives. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched this campaign in UP on May 29. The minister said that so far, programmes have been organized at a total of 4,959 places, in which 8,39,617 farmers have participated – including 6,48,449 men and 1,91,168 women. It is proposed to organize programs at a total of 10,125 sites. Shahi has participated in many events of the campaign, including the one in Lucknow, Bahraich, Deoria, Meerut, Hapur and Kanpur Nagar. At all the places, he directly communicated with scientists, departmental officials and hundreds of farmers and also planted trees. Under the campaign, 550 agricultural scientists and subject experts are training farmers according to their region, soil, weather and crop. This is an effort to implement the lab-to-land model at the ground level. To ensure timely sowing of Kharif 2025 and availability of improved seeds, the state govt has planned to distribute a total of 4,58,000 free minikits. The state govt has provided financial approval of a total of over Rs 410 crore for the successful implementation of this campaign.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Nationwide ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' campaign launched to empower farmers
In a significant move to bolster agricultural development and empower farmers across India, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, has launched the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan'. The campaign, which runs from May 29 to June 12, 2025, aims to promote advanced kharif crop technologies, disseminate information on government schemes, and gather valuable feedback from farmers. As part of this nationwide initiative, over 2,000 multi-disciplinary teams are visiting more than 700 districts, engaging directly with farmers to strengthen grassroots agricultural practices. These teams include scientists, agricultural experts, and government officials, who are working closely with local communities. In Karnataka, more than 70 dedicated teams are actively participating in the campaign, conducting daily outreach programs. Their efforts are supported by ICAR institutes, agricultural universities, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and state agricultural departments. A key highlight of the campaign in Karnataka will be the visit of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who is scheduled to address farmers and interact with the media on Sunday, June 8, at 10 a.m. at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta.
