India launches its first genome-edited rice varieties

India has launched its first genome-edited rice varieties—Pusa Rice DST1 and DRR Dhan 100—offering higher yields, drought resistance, and faster maturity without using foreign DNA. Developed using CRISPR technology, these breakthroughs signal a major step toward climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture.

India has approved its first genome-edited rice varieties, marking a shift toward sustainable, high-yield crops developed without incorporating foreign DNA. Unlike traditional genetically modified organisms (GMOs), these varieties use the CRISPR-Cas9 system for precise gene editing to boost resilience and productivity.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unveiled two varieties — Pusa Rice DST1 and DRR Dhan 100 — developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), both operating under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Calling it a landmark for Indian agriculture, ICAR Director General Mangi Lal Jat said, “New agriculture regimes need adapting to new techniques. Old methods won’t work in new climate realities.” He added that more gene-edited crop varieties are expected in the coming years. Over 10 such crops — including pulses, mustard, wheat, tomato, and banana — are currently under research across Indian institutions.

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.