India has officially approved and released two genome-edited rice varieties, DRR Rice 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1, developed using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology. This marks a significant advancement in Indian agriculture, promising increased yields, climate resilience, and water conservation. These varieties are distinct from traditional genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as they are developed without introducing foreign DNA, making them a form of precision breeding. 

Pusa Rice DST1, from IARI, has been engineered for enhanced drought and salt tolerance. By disabling a gene that limits stress response, scientists reduced stomatal density and water use while improving tillering, salt resilience, and grain yield. It showed significantly better performance under stress compared to the MTU1010 variety.

DRR Dhan 100, developed by IIRR, modifies the Samba Mahsuri variety by editing the OsCKX2 gene to boost yield by 19%, accelerate maturity by 20 days, and perform better under drought and low-fertilizer conditions.

India’s 2022 policy exempting certain gene-edited plants from GMO regulation helped speed up approval. The next steps include larger cultivation trials and eventual commercialization, offering a scalable innovation model for the global south.

Key Features and Benefits:

Higher Yields:

DRR Rice 100 (Kamala) has shown a 19% increase in yield, while Pusa DST Rice 1 can increase yields in saline and alkaline soils by up to 30.4%. 

Climate Adaptability:

Both varieties exhibit improved tolerance to drought, salinity, and climate stresses, making them more resilient to changing environmental conditions. 

Water Conservation:

DRR Rice 100 (Kamala) matures 20 days earlier, potentially saving water and reducing methane emissions. 

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

The development of these varieties also leads to a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 

Precision Breeding:

CRISPR-Cas9 technology allows for precise gene editing, enabling scientists to modify the DNA of rice varieties without introducing foreign DNA, unlike traditional GMOs. 

Significance:

Sustainable Agriculture:

These varieties represent a step towards more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. 

Food Security:

Increased yields and climate resilience can contribute to improved food security in India. 

Advancement in Biotechnology:

The development and approval of these varieties demonstrate India's advancements in biotechnology and its potential to address challenges in agriculture. 

Potential Risks and Concerns:

While the benefits are numerous, some scientists and activists have raised concerns about potential risks, including:

Unintended Mutations:

There's a possibility of unintended genetic mutations occurring during the gene editing process. 

Seed Sovereignty:

Concerns have been raised about the impact on seed sovereignty and biodiversity. 

Overall, the approval of these genome-edited rice varieties marks a significant milestone for Indian agriculture, offering the potential for increased yields, climate resilience, and water conservation. However, it's important to acknowledge and address the potential risks associated with this new technology.