Genome-Edited Seeds to Mark Beginning of Second Green Revolution

Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture, Science and Technology

Context

• The Union Agriculture Minister announced the development of two genome-edited rice varieties and said the technological advancement would lead to a second green revolution in the country.

What is Genome Editing?

• Genome editing refers to a group of technologies that enable scientists to precisely modify the DNA of an organism.
• One of the most advanced tools is CRISPR-Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-associated protein 9), which acts like molecular scissors to cut specific sections of DNA.
  • It allows for precise corrections or modifications without introducing foreign DNA, which distinguishes it from traditional genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
• In India, Site-directed nuclease (SDN)-1 and SDN-2 genome-editing techniques are permitted under biosafety regulations for general crops.

ICAR’s Genome-Edited Rice

• ICAR has developed India’s first genome-edited rice varieties – DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1. 
• In 2018, ICAR initiated genome-editing research to improve two major rice varieties – Samba Mahsuri and MTU 1010 – under the National Agricultural Science Fund. 
• These new varieties were developed using genome-editing technology based on CRISPR-Cas.
• The outcome of this research is the two advanced varieties that offer the following benefits:
  • A 19% increase in yield,
  • A 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,
  • A saving of 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water,
  • Improved tolerance to drought, salinity, and climate stresses.

Path towards Second Green Revolution

• Higher Yields: Genome-edited varieties offer higher yields, similar to how high-yielding varieties boosted food production during the first Green Revolution. 
• Stronger Climate Resilience: Unlike earlier Green Revolution crops, these varieties are tolerant to drought, salinity, and heat. This makes them more suitable for present and future climate conditions.
• Efficient Use of Resources: These new crops use less water and cut greenhouse gas emissions, correcting the overuse of water and chemicals seen during the first Green Revolution.
• Lower Chemical Dependency: By being more resistant to pests and diseases, genome-edited crops reduce the need for pesticides and fertilizers, lowering costs and environmental harm.

Concerns

• Global Regulatory Consensus: Although genome editing using SDN-1 and SDN-2 techniques is allowed in India, many countries have not yet finalized their stance on such technologies.
  • This limits the export potential of genome-edited agricultural products.
• Corporate Control: If private companies hold patents or exclusive rights to genome-editing tools and the seeds developed through them, farmers may become dependent on expensive, proprietary technologies.
• Threat to Genetic Biodiversity: Overreliance on a few high-performing genome-edited varieties might reduce the diversity of crops cultivated across regions.

Way Ahead

• The development of the varieties is a significant step toward India’s goal of becoming a developed nation and promoting sustainable agriculture. 
• In the 2023-24 budget, the Government of India allocated ₹500 crores for genome editing in agricultural crops. 
• ICAR has also initiated genome-editing research for several crops, including oilseeds and pulses.
• The government is focusing on promoting public-private partnerships, streamlining regulations, and building capacity among scientists and farmers to ensure responsible use of the technology.

Source: TH