India’s first genome-edited rice varieties

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan released India’s first genome-edited rice varieties on May 4.

• Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) using advanced genome editing technology.
• The two climate-resilient rice varieties are:
  • DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)
  • Pusa DST Rice 1

DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala):

• Developed by targeting the Cytokinin Oxidase 2 (CKX2) gene (also known as Gn1a) to increase grain number per panicle.
• Derived from the popular variety Samba Mahsuri.
• Matures 15–20 days earlier than its parent.
• Offers 25% higher yield compared to Samba Mahsuri.

Pusa DST Rice 1:

• Developed by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi.
• Based on the MTU1010 fine-grain variety.
• Developed using Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) genome editing.
• Targets the DST (Drought and Salt Tolerance) gene to enhance resistance to drought and saline/alkaline soils.
• Designed to perform better in harsh soil and climate conditions, especially where traditional varieties struggle.
• Both varieties conserve water, boost yields, and improve climate resilience, without compromising existing strengths.