India Approves First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

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05.05.2025 | 16:11

India has announced the release of two genome-edited rice varieties with improved yield and climate resilience, marking a breakthrough in agricultural biotechnology. The genome editing techniques used to develop these lines were partly established by Healthy Crops researchers and successfully transferred through close collaboration with researchers from India. A milestone for genome-editing efforts and scientific collaboration.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stands at the center holding a display case with samples of newly launched genome-edited rice varieties, joined by senior ICAR scientists and officials during the official release event in New Delhi

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with senior officials, during the launch of first genome-edited rice varieties

In a historic step for agricultural biotechnology, India has approved its first genome-edited rice varieties: DRR Dhan 100 Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1, developed using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. These varieties promise up to 30% higher yields, enhanced resilience to climate stress, and reduced cultivation costs.

For us at Healthy Crops this is a major milestone as well: not only is this laying the groundwork for other genome-edited rice lines in India, but we are also happy to have been involved in this success story. The foundational research techniques involved in creating these rice lines originated partly in our laboratories, for which Prof. Wolf B. Frommer, a principal investigator in our consortium, is listed as one of the inventors on the patent. In a collaborative effort working together with Indian researcher, we achieved to transfer this important knowledge to where it was needed and implemented in such a successful way.

Key Features of the New Varieties:

DRR Dhan 100 Kamala (from Samba Mahsuri):
Matures 15–20 days earlier, increases yields by approximately 25%, and adds 450–500 grains per panicle.
Pusa DST Rice 1 (from MTU1010):
Shows up to 30.36% higher yield under saline stress, and strong performance in alkaline and water-limited soils.

Both varieties are optimized for direct seeding and require less water and fertilizer, making them well-suited for regions facing climate and resource challenges.

This milestone was announced by India’s Union Agriculture Minister at the ICAR-IARI in New Delhi, who described the approval as a “golden day in history” and a step toward empowering Indian agriculture through science-driven solutions.