UPSC Science and Technology Most Important Topics: Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

Among the UPSC Science and Technology most important topics, the recent release of the world’s first two genome-edited rice varieties stands out as a significant milestone in India’s agricultural innovation. Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), this advancement aims to bolster food security and promote sustainable farming practices.

These varieties—DRR Dhan 100 Kamla and Pusa DST Rice 1—are distinct from genetically modified (GM) crops because they do not involve the introduction of foreign genes, focusing instead on precise gene editing through technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and SDN1

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India Pioneers Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

India has become the first country in the world to release two genome-edited rice varieties. These varieties were released by the ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) in May 2025. It is important to note that these are genome-edited, not transgenic or genetically modified (GM) crops. Rice is a vital part of the diet and a significant export commodity for India.

Specific Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

The two newly released genome-edited rice varieties are:

1. DRR Dhan 100 Kamla
2. Pusa DST Rice 1

DRR Dhan 100 Kamla: Development And Key Features

The DRR Dhan 100 Kamla variety was developed using SDN1 (Site-Directed Nuclease 1) technology. This technology employs a “molecular scissor” capable of cutting DNA or a specific gene This variety was developed by genome editing the already popular Samba Mashuri variety

.Key Features of DRR Dhan 100 Kamla:

• Yield Increase: Approximately 19-20% increase in yield.
• Early Maturity: Matures 15-20 days earlier than traditional varieties.
• Drought Resistance: Exhibits a moderate level of drought resistance, requiring less water.
• Grain Quality: Retains its grain quality, despite early maturity and reduced water supply.

(Memory Tip: When the term ‘nuclease’ appears, it signifies a ‘molecular scissor’).

Pusa DST Rice 1: Development And Key Features

The Pusa DST Rice 1 variety is designated for Drought and Salt Tolerant (DST) characteristics. This variety was developed using CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

Key Features of Pusa DST Rice 1:

• Water Efficiency: Requires less water for cultivation.
• Stress Tolerance: Highly tolerant to drought and salinity (salt-affected soil).
• Increased Cultivation Area: Allows rice cultivation in areas with less water and higher soil salinity.
• Yield: Offers better yield, with up to 30% higher yield in saline and alkaline soils.

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Importance And Benefits Of Genome-Edited Crops

The development of these varieties is important for addressing the harmful impacts of climate change, which affects rain patterns and agricultural conditions. These climate-resilient crops aim to ensure food and nutrition security.

Summary of Key Benefits:

• Productivity: A 19-20% increase in yield.
• Water Conservation: These two varieties combined are projected to save 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water.
• Climate Adaptability:

• 20% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission.

• Rice cultivation is known for methane emission. The shorter crop maturity period (15-20 days earlier) reduces the time the crop stands in waterlogged conditions, thereby decreasing methane release.

• Other Improvements: Enhanced tolerance to drought, salinity, and climate distress.

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Core Technologies For Genome Editing

The two primary technologies used for these genome-edited rice varieties are:

CRISPR-Cas9:

• Considered one of the best tools for genome editing.

• Enables precise cutting of a specific part of the genome to remove a particular gene.

• Applications extend beyond agriculture to cancer treatment and human genomics.

SDN1 (Site-Directed Nuclease 1):

• A technology that also functions as a “molecular scissor” to cut genes.

• Can be related to advanced tools like CRISPR-Cas9 for genome editing.

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Comparative Analysis: Genome-Edited (Non-Transgenic) Versus Transgenic Crops

The distinction between genome-edited (non-transgenic) and transgenic crops is fundamental.

Relevance For Policy And National Goals

The development of these genome-edited rice varieties is relevant for India’s strategic goals, aligning with the concept of a “Second Green Revolution.”

Goals of the Second Green Revolution:

• Higher Production: Achieve increased agricultural output using less land and water.
• Nutritive Value: Enhance the nutritive content from the agricultural setup.
• Food Security: Strengthen food security and resilience against climate change impacts.
• Resource Efficiency: Conserve water, reduce dependency on fertilizers, and cut methane emissions.

-5 + 10 Strategy:

This strategy aims to produce 10 million tons more rice while utilizing 5 million hectares less land. This highlights the efficiency and sustainable potential of these new crop varieties.

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