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Scroll.in
09-06-2025
- 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.
Deccan Herald
02-06-2025
- Science
- Deccan Herald
ICAR's nodal office dismisses concerns about gene-edited rice varieties
The two varieties of rice -- DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala), developed by Indian Institute of Rice Research in Hyderabad and Pusa Rice DST1 developed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi -- were released on May 4.
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.
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."
Deccan Herald
05-05-2025
- Science
- Deccan Herald
GM-Free India coalition slams Centre for releasing genetically modified rice varieties
The forum was referring to the release of the gene-edited DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) developed by Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad and Pusa Rice DST1 developed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Delhi.
