India's New Rice Can Grow Faster and Yield 30% More
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has created the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties marking a big step toward improving food security while tackling environmental issues like water shortage and greenhouse gas emissions.
Meet the New Varieties: 'Kamala' and 'Pusa DST Rice 1'
The two new rice varieties, named ‘DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’, can increase rice yields by 20-30%. These are specially developed to mature faster (around 20 days earlier), use less water, and produce fewer greenhouse gases especially methane, a major contributor to climate change.
How Genome Editing Works
These improved varieties were created using a modern technique called CRISPR-Cas, a type of genome editing. This allows scientists to make precise changes in the plant’s own genes without adding any foreign DNA. It’s like fine-tuning nature to make crops stronger, healthier, and more productive.
Big Benefits for Farmers and the Planet
ICAR estimates that growing these new varieties over 5 million hectares could:
- Produce 4.5 million more tons of rice
- Save around 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water
- Cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20%
This innovation also helps make rice farming more resilient to climate changes like drought and heat.
Where Will These Be Grown?
The ‘Kamala’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’ varieties are suited for major rice-producing states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra, Odisha, and others. Farmers in these regions are expected to benefit greatly from these high-performing crops.
The seeds are currently going through the final legal steps, including Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) registration. According to officials, certified seeds will likely be ready for farmers within two years.
Conclusion
By enhancing popular rice varieties like Samba Mahsuri and MTU1010, ICAR has not only improved yield but also made crops more resistant to stress and climate change. Experts believe this could pave the way for similar improvements in other staple crops as part of India’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
