Transformation of Crop Resilience and Nutrition via Gene Editing in India
India has taken a significant stride in agricultural innovation, with the recent release of two genome-edited rice varieties aimed at improving resilience, yield, nutrition, and sustainability in farming. The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare unveiled DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1 in early May 2025.
Developed by the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad, and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, respectively, these varieties offer promising traits such as enhanced drought and salinity tolerance, increased yield by up to 30%, and faster maturation times. They also consume less water and contribute to sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technique was used in the development of these varieties, allowing for precise modifications without introducing foreign genes, accelerating the breeding process.
However, the release of these gene-edited rice varieties has sparked controversy among Indian agricultural scientists and coalitions. A group named the ‘Agricultural Scientists Manch’ has expressed concerns about the premature release, as the varieties have not yet passed all evaluation and safety clearance processes. They fear potential biosafety risks and unintended effects, and also express concerns about threats to India's native rice germplasm.
Another prominent concern is the issue of intellectual property rights (IPR). With unresolved IPR issues around CRISPR technology, there are warnings that farmers could become dependent on multinational corporations for seeds, which could undermine farmers’ rights and national seed sovereignty.
Furthermore, there are fears that these gene-edited varieties could pose threats to India’s export markets, as many global markets remain cautious or restrictive regarding gene-edited or genetically modified crops.
The government has assured that all IPR issues will be addressed without imposing licensing burdens on farmers, and that necessary licenses for gene editing technologies will be secured by the state.
In summary, India has made a pioneering step by releasing gene-edited rice varieties that promise improved resilience, nutrition, and sustainability in farming. However, the rollout has raised important questions about safety, regulatory rigor, intellectual property, and market acceptance, underscoring the need for careful governance as these technologies are integrated into Indian agriculture.
Embracing gene-edited crops with thoughtful regulation and inclusive policies can transform Indian agriculture, potentially reducing the cost of farming and environmental footprint. By ensuring affordability, supporting public research, and involving farmers, India can harness innovation to address critical agricultural challenges.
First published on: 03 Jun 2025, 10:55 IST.
These advancements in science, with the genome-edited rice varieties, not only focus on improving resilience and yield but also emphasize health-and-wellness through enhanced nutrition. The fitness-and-exercise analogy can be drawn here, as these gene-edited crops, like a balanced diet and regular exercise, aim to increase efficiency and sustainability. However, the technology behind these crops, CRISPR-Cas9, raises concerns about intellectual property rights and potential risks to native rice germplasm, thereby necessitating careful management and regulation.
