"Genome editing is not just a scientific breakthrough; it's a promise for a sustainable future," says an ICAR researcher. India has emerged as the first country to develop genome-edited rice varieties, marking a significant leap in agricultural technology. This innovation promises to revolutionize food and nutritional security.
The development, spearheaded by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 2018, focuses on improving rice varieties using CRISPR-Cas technology. This method allows precise genetic modifications without introducing foreign DNA, differentiating it from genetically modified crops. Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuele Charpentier were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 for the development of the CRISPR -- Cas1 genome-editing tool.
Two standout varieties, DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1, showcase the potential of this technology. DRR Rice 100, developed in Hyderabad, matures 20 days earlier and yields up to 9 tons per hectare. Pusa DST Rice 1, created in New Delhi, is tailored for saline soils, impacting a vast 6.72 million hectares.
These genome-edited rice varieties offer a multitude of benefits. They promise a 19% increase in yield, significant water savings, and a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, they exhibit improved tolerance to drought, salinity, and other climate stresses.
The CRISPR-Cas9 technology extends beyond rice, offering applications in crops like wheat, maize, potato, and soybeans. These modifications can enhance drought tolerance, boost yield, and improve nutritional content. This includes biofortification efforts like "Golden Rice" and "Golden Maize," enriched with beta-carotene and lysine, respectively.
Genome-edited crops are gaining global acceptance, with approximately 30 countries viewing them as equivalent to conventionally bred crops. With increased accessibility and affordability, this technology holds immense promise for farmers and consumers alike. Farmers can expect higher production and disease resistance, while consumers benefit from enhanced nutrition and food safety.