The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has made a significant breakthrough in agricultural biotechnology by developing two genome-edited rice varieties. These new strains promise higher productivity and shorter cultivation periods, potentially transforming rice farming across India.
About ICAR
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is the apex national organization responsible for coordinating agricultural education and research across India. Functioning as an autonomous body under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, ICAR plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s agricultural policies and innovations.
ICAR was established on 16 July 1929, initially named the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research. It was registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, based on the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Agriculture. With its headquarters located in New Delhi, ICAR oversees a vast research network that includes 113 ICAR research institutes and 74 agricultural universities nationwide.
Over the decades, ICAR’s innovations have contributed to a multi-fold increase in India’s agricultural output. Between 1950-51 and 2021-22:
Foodgrain production increased by over 6 times.
Fruit and vegetable output rose by more than 11 times.
Fish production surged by over 21 times.
Milk production grew 13 times.
Egg production saw an increase of over 70 times.
These advancements have been instrumental in enhancing India's food and nutritional security, reducing import dependency, and improving farmers’ incomes.
Breakthrough In Genome Editing
In its latest achievement, ICAR scientists have developed two rice varieties using precision genome-editing techniques. This marks a major step forward in the application of cutting-edge biotechnology in Indian agriculture.
DRR Dhan 100 Kamala:
This variety was developed by modifying the genome of Samba Mahsuri, one of India’s most popular high-yielding and disease-resistant rice strains.
The improved version matures 15–20 days earlier than the original, allowing for faster crop cycles.
It delivers a remarkable 25% increase in yield—translating to an average of 8 tonnes per hectare.
Each rice panicle in this variety produces 450 to 500 more grains compared to the parent variety, significantly boosting overall productivity.
MTU1010-Derived Variety:
The second genome-edited rice variety is based on MTU1010, another high-performing rice strain commonly cultivated in various parts of India.
While detailed performance data is still being evaluated, early findings indicate enhanced agronomic traits, such as better grain quality and resilience to changing climatic conditions.
Implications For Indian Agriculture
These new varieties are expected to:
Reduce input costs for farmers by shortening crop duration.
Enhance food production in less time and on limited land.
Offer resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses, especially in the face of climate change.
Improve profitability for small and marginal farmers who rely on faster cropping cycles.
Additionally, since these varieties are developed using genome editing rather than transgenic methods, they may face fewer regulatory hurdles and greater public acceptance compared to traditional GMOs.
Conclusion
ICAR’s development of genome-edited rice varieties demonstrates the power of agricultural innovation in addressing food security, productivity, and sustainability. As India looks to feed a growing population while conserving its natural resources, such scientific advancements will be crucial in ensuring a resilient and farmer-friendly agricultural future.
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