In a landmark development, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has unveiled the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties — DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1 — aiming to enhance productivity by 20-30%, conserve water, and reduce methane emissions.

Launched by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, these climate-smart, high-yielding rice varieties are expected to usher in a Second Green Revolution. Chouhan directed ICAR to expedite seed distribution, though certified seeds are anticipated to reach farmers within two years due to ongoing Intellectual Property Rights procedures.

Developed using CRISPR-Cas genome-editing technology, the rice variants have been fine-tuned by modifying native genes — without introducing foreign DNA — for better drought resilience, shorter maturity cycles, and improved traits.

ICAR estimates that cultivation across 5 million hectares could generate 4.5 million tonnes of extra rice, save 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water, and cut methane emissions by 20% — a major win for both food security and climate goals.

The ‘Kamala’ variety is suitable for major rice-producing states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, while Pusa DST Rice 1 is adaptable across similar regions. Initiated in 2018, this genome-editing effort enhanced well-known cultivars Samba Mahsuri and MTU1010 to develop the two new varieties.

This breakthrough sets a precedent for genome-editing in other crops, pushing India closer to its Viksit Bharat (Developed India) vision.