A Historic Step in Agricultural Biotechnology
India Launches First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties: DRR Rice 100 and Pusa DST Rice 1: On May 4, 2025, India made history by becoming the first nation globally to officially release genome-edited rice varieties, representing a major breakthrough in agricultural science. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan introduced two cutting-edge rice varieties, DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1, during a launch event held at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium in New Delhi. Developed by ICAR-IIRR and ICAR-IARI respectively, these rice strains are tailored to deliver higher yields, withstand climate stress, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making them integral to India’s Second Green Revolution vision.
Technology Behind the Breakthrough
These new varieties are powered by CRISPR-Cas genome editing, specifically SDN-1 and SDN-2 types, which allow precise modification of native genes without introducing foreign DNA. This makes the process faster, safer, and compliant with India’s biosafety regulations. The approach enhances traits like early maturation, salt tolerance, and high productivity—all crucial for climate-smart farming.
Features and Performance of New Varieties
DRR Rice 100 (Kamla), developed by ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad, is based on Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204). It matures 20 days earlier, saving irrigation water and reducing methane emissions. It features strong stalks and increased grain count per plant. On the other hand, Pusa DST Rice 1, from ICAR-IARI, is built on MTU 1010 and delivers up to 30.4% higher yield in saline and alkaline soils, particularly in climate-stressed regions.
Impact and National Coverage
These rice types are projected to increase yields by 19%, cut GHG emissions by 20%, and save around 7,500 million cubic meters of water. They are intended for deployment across 13 Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Their widespread adoption is expected to boost India’s ₹48,000 crore basmati export market and enhance food security in a climate-challenged world.
Static GK Snapshot for Exams
India Launches First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties: DRR Rice 100 and Pusa DST Rice 1:
| Topic | Details |
| Announced On | May 4, 2025 |
| Announced By | Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Agriculture Minister) |
| Varieties Launched | DRR Rice 100 (Kamla), Pusa DST Rice 1 |
| Developed By | ICAR-IIRR (Hyderabad), ICAR-IARI (New Delhi) |
| Technology Used | CRISPR-Cas genome editing (SDN-1 & SDN-2) |
| Key Benefits | Higher yield, early maturity, climate resilience, water conservation |
| Target States | AP, Telangana, TN, Kerala, MP, Odisha, Bihar, UP, etc. |
| Water Saved | 7,500 million cubic meters |
| GHG Emission Reduction | 20% |
| Budget Allocation for Genome Editing | ₹500 crores (Union Budget 2023–24) |
| Export Boost | Supports ₹48,000 crore basmati rice market |
