Indigenous Gene Editing Technology to Aid Cheaper, Commercial Crop Breeding

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

In News

• Indian scientists at ICAR’s Central Rice Research Institute have developed a patented indigenous Genome-Editing(GE) technology using TnpB proteins as a compact alternative to the globally patented CRISPR-Cas systems. 

TnpB or Transposon-associated proteins

• It acts as “molecular scissors,”  and precisely cuts and modifies plant DNA, enabling desirable traits without introducing foreign genes.
• Unlike bulky Cas9 and Cas12a proteins, the hypercompact TnpB (408 amino acids) can be easily delivered into cells via viral vectors, bypassing tissue culture methods. 
• ICAR secured a 20-year Indian patent in September 2025 and has filed for international protection, with adoption by plant breeders seen as the next critical step.

 Features

• It has smaller proteins compared to CRISPR-Cas, reducing complexity and cost.
• It enables targeted DNA cuts and modifications for crop improvement.
• It reduces dependence on foreign proprietary technologies.
• It is designed for commercial application in crop breeding programs.

 Benefits

• It cuts down licensing and royalty costs associated with foreign technologies.
  • It is seen as a potential game-changer because CRISPR-Cas tools are heavily patented by the Broad Institute and Corteva, which may impose license fees on commercial cultivation of genome-edited (GE) crops.
    • Indigenous tools could eliminate these IP barriers.
• It has the potential to deliver high-yield, climate-resilient, and pest-resistant varieties at lower costs.
• It strengthens India’s position in the $165.7 billion bioeconomy, projected to reach $300 billion by 2030.
• It enhances India’s ability to meet rising food demand sustainably.
• It positions India as a leader in affordable GE crop technologies.

 Challenges

• India’s GE crops face strict biosafety and approval hurdles under the Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights Protection Authority Act.
• Concerns around GM/GE crops persist among consumers and activists.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Need for advanced labs, trained personnel, and seed distribution networks.

Way Ahead

• India’s indigenous gene-editing technology offers a cost-effective alternative to global platforms, with the potential to democratize access to GE crops, enhance food security, and empower farmers. 
• To fully realize its promise, there is a need for  streamlining regulatory approvals while safeguarding biosafety and farmer rights.
• There is a need for building public trust through awareness, integrating efforts with national bioeconomy and innovation missions, fostering international collaboration.

Sources:IE