India develops genome-edited rice varieties

Why in news?

• India has become the first country in the world to develop genome-edited rice varieties.

Key points:

Announcement and launch:-

• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched these varieties in New Delhi.
• This initiative was completed by ICAR scientists.

Key objectives:

• To meet the nutritional needs of the growing population.
• To increase agricultural production and reduce costs.
• To promote climate-friendly agriculture.
• To usher in Green Revolution 2.0.

Two major varieties developed:-

•  DRR Paddy 100 Kamala:
  • Features:
  • Variety that ripens 15–20 days earlier.
  • 25% more production.
  • More profit in less time.
• Pusa DST Rice 1:
  • Features:
  • Salinity and alkalinity tolerant variety.
  • 30% higher yield in saline/brackish soil.
  • Ability to yield under adverse conditions.

Benefits and Impacts:

• Farmers benefit from better yield and lower cost.
• Nutritious rice to general consumers.
• Estimated benefits:
  • Cultivation in 5 million hectares.
  • 4.5 million tonnes additional paddy production.

Recommended States:

• Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh. 

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous body working under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, which is the country's apex body in the field of agricultural research, education and extension services.
• Its establishment has played an important role in making India self-reliant in the field of scientific agriculture.

Establishment and History

• Establishment: 16 July 1929
• Original name: Imperial Council of Agricultural Research
  • In1950 It was renamed as Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Headquarters: New Delhi.