Gene Editing of Rice Varieties, Implications and Challenges

Context: Two varieties of rice – ‘DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1‘, developed by ICAR and its institutes – are the world’s first genome-edited varieties, and promise to be a game-changer in sustainable agriculture.

What Makes Gene Editing of Rice Varieties a Game-Changer

• Higher Yields: They offer 20%-30% more yield compared to traditional varieties.
  • Potential to produce 5 million tonnes of additional paddy when cultivated on 5 million hectares.
• Water Efficiency: These varieties require significantly less irrigation water.
  • Can help save 7,500 million cubic metres of water, addressing the growing water stress in agriculture.
  • Traditional rice requires ~2,500 litres of water per kg, making this a major breakthrough.
• Climate Resilience: The new varieties are drought-tolerant, helping farmers deal with climate change-induced water scarcity.
  • They are better suited for a future with less water and more extreme weather.
• Reduced Methane Emissions: Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is commonly emitted from paddy fields.
  • These new varieties can reduce methane emissions by up to 20%, contributing to climate mitigation.
• No Foreign DNA – Less Regulatory Burden: The varieties are genome-edited using SDN1 and SDN2 techniques, not genetically modified (no foreign DNA inserted).
  • This makes them equivalent to natural mutations and exempt from stringent GM regulations.
  • Cleared by India’s Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM).
• Targeted Adaptation: Derived from widely cultivated rice strains like Samba Mahsuri and MTU1010, they retain local adaptability and taste.
  • Suitable for states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
• Seed Sovereignty & Quick Adoption: Genome editing allows the preservation of native strengths of existing varieties while improving resilience.
  • Commercial seed availability is expected within two years, fast-tracking adoption.

Implications for Sustainable Agriculture

• Helps India meet food security needs sustainably for a population of over 800 million rice consumers.
• Aligns with SDG goals: Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Sustainable Water Management (SDG 6).
• Reduces pressure on over-exploited groundwater and irrigation resources.
• Sets a model for low-input, high-efficiency agriculture using modern science.

Challenges & Opposition

• Coalition for a GM-Free India opposes these varieties, citing health, environmental, and seed sovereignty concerns.
• The debate on regulation and public trust in new biotechnology is ongoing, despite scientific reassurances.

Way Forward

• Effective Communication to farmers and the public about genome editing vs GM.
• Accelerated Seed Multiplication to ensure timely farmer access.
• Agro-extension support to help farmers adopt water-saving practices alongside new varieties.
• Monitoring of environmental outcomes post-deployment to reassure stakeholders.

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