Sat May 03 22:23:45 UTC 2025: ## India Unveils New Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
**New Delhi, May 4, 2025** – The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) announced today the successful development of two new genome-edited rice varieties, a breakthrough hailed as a “first-ever achievement” in the country. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is set to formally announce the development.
The first variety, DRR Dhan 100 Kamala, derived from the popular Samba Mahsuri rice, boasts a 25% higher yield (approximately eight tonnes more per hectare) and matures 15-20 days faster. Each panicle produces 450-500 more grains. It’s also more water and mineral efficient, and tolerant to higher temperatures, making it climate-friendly and suitable for direct seeding.
The second variety, Pusa DST Rice 1, developed from MTU1010, is designed for salinity and alkaline conditions. Tests showed yield increases of 9.66% in average salinity, 14.66% in alkaline conditions, and a remarkable 30.36% in high-salinity areas.
These advancements promise significant improvements in rice production and resilience to climate change, benefiting Indian farmers nationwide.
First Piper 