Genome-Edited Rice Varieties to lead Second Green Revolution

Context

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

Genome Editing

• Genome editing refers to a set of technology that permits scientists to exactly regulate the DNA of an organism.
• One of the maximum superior tools is CRISPR-Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-related protein 9), which acts like molecular scissors to cut particular sections of DNA.
  • It allows for precise corrections or adjustments without introducing foreign DNA, which distinguishes it from conventional genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
• In India, Site-directed nuclease (SDN)-1 and SDN-2 genome-enhancing strategies are authorised under biosafety policies for general crops.

ICAR’s Genome-Edited Rice

• ICAR has advanced India’s first genome-edited rice types – DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1. 
• In 2018, ICAR initiated genome-editing studies to develop two first rice varieties – Samba Mahsuri and MTU 1010 – under the National Agricultural Science Fund. 
• These new varieties advanced using genome-editing technology based on CRISPR-Cas.
• The final results of this research is the 2 superior types that provide the following advantages:
  • A 19% increase in yield,
  • A 20% discount in greenhouse gas emissions,
  • A saving of 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water,
  • Improved tolerance to drought, salinity, and weather stresses.

What is CRISPR-based technology?

• The CRISPR-Cas system is a tool to cut, delete, or add DNA sequences at particular locations, opening different windows to treat genetic disorders, develop drought-resistant plants, and modify food crops.
• CRISPR happens naturally in a few microorganisms, as part of their immune system that limits infections by recognising and destroying viral DNA.

Path in the direction of Second Green Revolution

• Higher Yields: Genome-edited varieties offer better yields, just like how high-yielding varieties boosted food production during the first Green Revolution. 
• Stronger Climate Resilience: Unlike in advance Green Revolution plants, those 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 plants use less water and cut greenhouse gas emissions, correcting the overuse of water and chemical substances seen during the first Green Revolution.
• Lower Chemical Dependency: By being more resistant to pests and diseases, genome-edited crops lessen the need for pesticides and fertilizers, reducing expenses and environmental damage.

Concerns

• Global Regulatory Consensus: Although genome editing using SDN-1 and SDN-2 strategies is authorized in India, many countries have not but finalized their stance on such technology.
  • This limits the export ability of genome-edited agricultural products.
• Corporate Control: If private organizations hold patents or rights to genome-enhancing equipment and the seeds advanced through them, farmers can also turn out to be depending on high priced, proprietary technologies.
• Threat to Genetic Biodiversity: Overreliance on a few high-performing genome-edited varieties would possibly lessen the variety of crops cultivated across areas.

Way Ahead

• The development of the varieties is a huge step in the direction of India’s purpose of becoming a developed country and promoting sustainable agriculture. 
• In the 2023-24 finances, the Government of India allotted ₹500 crores for genome enhancing in agricultural crops. 
• ICAR has also initiated genome-editing studies for several crops, which includes oilseeds and pulses.
• The government is specializing in promoting public-private partnerships, streamlining regulations, and constructing capability amongst scientists and farmers to ensure responsible use of the technology.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (2021)

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