Two New Genome-Edited Rice Varieties Developed in India: A Big Step Towards Better Farming

Key Highlights:

• Two genome-edited rice varieties have been launched in India.

• DDR Dhan 100 and Pusa DST Rice 1 were developed by ICAR.

• 19–20% higher yield with less water use.

• Suitable for 5 million hectares across 13+ states.

• Helps cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20%.

In a major breakthrough for Indian agriculture, scientists have developed two new genome-edited rice varieties that can give higher yields even in less water. These new varieties are expected to help farmers fight the challenges of climate change, save water, and increase production.

Let’s understand which rice varieties are, their features, and how they will benefit farmers.

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Who Developed These Rice Varieties?

These two genome-edited rice varieties have been developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Recently, Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan released these varieties for farmers and also honoured the scientists involved in this important research.

Names of the New Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

1. DDR Dhan 100 (Kamala) – Developed by ICAR-Indian Rice Research Institute (ICAR-IIRR), Hyderabad

2. Pusa DST Rice 1 – Developed by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi

Features of DDR Dhan 100 (Kamala)

• This variety is an improved version of the popular Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204).

• Developed using genome editing, it increases the number of grains per plant.

• Shows better yield, drought resistance, and nitrogen-use efficiency compared to Samba Mahsuri.

• Matures 20 days earlier than its parent variety.

• Offers an average yield of 5.3 tonnes per hectare, which is 19% more than Samba Mahsuri’s 4.5 tonnes per hectare.

Features of Pusa DST Rice 1

• Developed by editing the DST gene, which is responsible for drought and salt tolerance.

• Based on the popular long-grained rice variety MTU 1010, widely grown by farmers.

• Especially suitable for Rabi season rice farming in South India.

• Performs better in saline and alkaline soils.

• Delivers 20% higher yield than MTU 1010 under stress conditions like drought and salt.

Where Can These New Varieties Be Grown?

These rice varieties are suitable for farmers in the following states and union territories:

• Uttar Pradesh

• Madhya Pradesh

• Chhattisgarh

• Maharashtra

• Bihar

• West Bengal

• Jharkhand

• Odisha

• Kerala

• Puducherry

• Tamil Nadu

• Karnataka

• Telangana

• Andhra Pradesh

They can be grown across an area of 5 million hectares, increasing overall rice production by 4.5 million tonnes.

Benefits of Growing These New Rice Varieties

• 19% increase in yield compared to traditional varieties.

• Saves around 7,500 million cubic metres of irrigation water.

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, about 3,200 tonnes.

• More resistant to drought, salinity, and climate stress.

Also Read: Farmers Should Grow Dhaincha, Government Is Giving Rs 1000 Per Acre Subsidy

CMV360 Says

These two new genome-edited rice varieties, DDR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1, bring hope for millions of Indian farmers. With higher production, better stress resistance, and water-saving features, these varieties are expected to change the future of farming and support sustainable agriculture in the country.