Gene editing and apomixis open new paths for India's staple crops

The brief in 5 cards

1. Note1 / 5

   WHY IN NEWS?

   • A Hindu opinion piece examines new genetic tools for staple crops.
   • In May 2025, ICAR released India's first two genome-edited rice varieties: DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1.
   • The writer highlights apomixis, which could let farmers save hybrid seed.
   • It calls for more public funding of basic research as private companies enter.
2. Note2 / 5

   INDIA'S GENOME-EDITED RICE

   Variety	Developed by	Base variety	Reported benefit
   DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)	ICAR–Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad	Samba Mahsuri	About 19% higher yield; matures about 20 days earlier
   Pusa DST Rice 1	ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi	MTU 1010	Higher yield under saline and alkaline soils

   ICAR estimated that growing them on 5 million hectares could add about 4.5 million tonnes of paddy.

3. Note3 / 5

   KEY CONCEPTS

   1. How is genome editing different from GM?

   Genome editing, using tools like CRISPR, makes precise changes to a plant's own genes. GM (transgenic) crops carry genes from another species, such as Argentina's drought-tolerant HB4 wheat with a sunflower gene.

   2. What are SDN-1 and SDN-2?

   They are types of genome editing that make small changes without adding foreign DNA. In 2022, India exempted them from the strict biosafety rules that apply to GM crops.

   3. What is apomixis?

   It is seed formation without fertilisation, so offspring are clones of the parent. In crops, it could fix hybrid vigour so farmers can reuse seed. Scientists showed synthetic apomixis in rice in 2019.

   4. What does the PPVFR Act do?

   The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001 protects breeders' rights and guarantees farmers' right to save, use and sell farm-saved seed (but not branded seed).

4. Note4 / 5

   OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

   This card sets out documented positions. It does not adjudicate between them.

   • Food security: Higher yields without more land.
   • Climate resilience: Varieties for salty soils and shorter seasons.
   • Lower costs: Apomixis could cut repeated hybrid seed purchases.
   • Field validation: Complex traits need multi-location trials.
   • Seed monopolies: Patents on tools and traits could raise prices.
   • Diversity loss: Uniform varieties may crowd out landraces.
   • Public trust: Clear safety assessment and communication are needed.
5. Note5 / 5

   WAY FORWARD

   These are the writer's suggestions, not adopted policy.

   • Fund basic science in ICAR and agricultural universities.
   • Regulate proportionately with post-release monitoring.
   • Protect farmers through public seed supply and fair licensing.
   • Conserve landraces and wild relatives of crops.
   • Pair seeds with good practice: efficient irrigation, balanced fertiliser and pest management.

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