Genome-Edited Rice | Agriculture | UPSC Current Affairs | InNews | Drishti IAS English

Summary

This session discusses the development and benefits of genome-edited rice varieties in India. The Agriculture Minister of India recently released two genome-edited rice varieties, DRR dhan 100 Kamla and Pusa DST Rice 1, which offer enhanced stress tolerance, better yield, and improved adaptability to climate change. These varieties promise higher productivity, reduced water usage, and environmental benefits, such as lower greenhouse gas emissions. The technology behind these varieties, including CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, ensures precision in plant modification. This marks a significant step in advancing India’s agricultural production and enhancing food security.

Takeaways

• 😀 India is an agriculture-based country with over 50% of its population engaged in agricultural activities, yet the production and productivity are low, prompting discussions on how to improve them.
• 😀 The session focuses on rice varieties, particularly genome-edited varieties, and how they can be both eco-friendly and pocket-friendly, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity.
• 😀 Genome-edited rice varieties, such as DRR dhan 100 Kamala and Pusa DST Rice-1, have been developed to improve stress tolerance, drought resistance, and early maturity, which can boost rice production in India.
• 😀 Genome editing technology, including CRISPR-Cas9, allows precise changes in plants' genes, improving their characteristics without altering their original form, ensuring better yields and resilience.
• 😀 DRR dhan 100 Kamala is a variety developed for better drought tolerance and early maturity, offering significantly improved drought resistance compared to the parent variety, Samba Masuri.
• 😀 Pusa DST Rice-1 is another genome-edited variety focused on improving drought and salt tolerance, addressing challenges in India's soil, which is often saline and prone to drought.
• 😀 Genome-edited rice varieties can lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 20% and save irrigation water, which could be redirected for other crops, promoting more sustainable farming practices.
• 😀 The cultivation of genome-edited rice varieties is expected to conserve water and produce higher yields, benefiting both economically and environmentally.
• 😀 The Indian government, through ICAR and other research institutions, is exploring genome editing for other crops like oilseeds and pulses, aiming to expand the use of this technology beyond rice.
• 😀 The adoption of genome-edited varieties in rice cultivation can significantly improve India's food security by increasing productivity and ensuring a more stable food supply, especially as rice is a crucial food source for many households in India.

Q & A

What is the significance of genome-edited rice varieties in India?

Genome-edited rice varieties are significant in India as they offer improvements in stress tolerance, drought resistance, and yield capacity, which are crucial for increasing agricultural productivity and sustainability in the country.

What is the role of CRISPR-Cas9 technology in developing rice varieties?

CRISPR-Cas9 technology allows for precise and targeted gene modifications in plants, enabling the development of rice varieties with better resilience to environmental stressors like drought and salinity, without compromising their natural genetic makeup.

How do the genome-edited rice varieties help conserve water?

The genome-edited rice varieties, such as *Kamla* and *Pusa DST Rice One*, are designed to require less water due to their improved drought tolerance. This results in significant water savings, reducing the overall need for irrigation.

What are the environmental benefits of these genome-edited rice varieties?

These rice varieties contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing water consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, and offering more efficient crop production, making them eco-friendly and environmentally responsible.

What specific improvements do the *Kamla* and *Pusa DST Rice One* varieties offer?

Both *Kamla* and *Pusa DST Rice One* offer improved stress tolerance, better yield, and early maturity compared to traditional varieties. *Kamla* enhances drought tolerance, while *Pusa DST Rice One* targets both drought and salt tolerance, making them suitable for various challenging environmental conditions.

What are the key benefits of using genome editing in agriculture?

Genome editing provides several benefits, including the ability to develop crops that are more resilient to environmental stress, have higher yields, and require fewer resources, such as water and fertilizers, ultimately leading to more sustainable agricultural practices.

How does genome editing impact food security in India?

By improving the yield and resilience of crops like rice, genome editing can play a crucial role in enhancing food security in India. It helps ensure stable and consistent food production, especially in regions prone to drought and salinity, thereby supporting the nation's food supply.

What are the methods used in genome editing for rice varieties?

Two methods mentioned in the script are SDN-1 and SDN-2. SDN-1 involves making small, natural mutations in the plant’s DNA, while SDN-2 involves precise changes through directed nuclear transfer. Both methods promote natural mutations without altering the original genetic form.

What are the safety measures taken in the development of genome-edited rice varieties?

The development of genome-edited rice varieties follows strict safety measures, including the use of CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which allows for precise and minimal changes in the plant's genome. These varieties are subject to institutional approval and regulatory reviews, ensuring their safety for consumption and environmental release.

How does the development of genome-edited rice varieties contribute to economic benefits?

The development of these varieties contributes economically by reducing the need for water, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and improving crop yields. These factors result in cost savings for farmers and better profitability while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability.