Chouhan Unveils Genome-Edited Rice Varieties: Cost of Production Set to Plunge
New Delhi In [India], on May 4 (as reported by ANI), the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday launched two genome-edited rice varieties - DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1 developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research ( ICAR ) at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium in the national capital.
These types hold the capability to induce transformative shifts concerning increased yields, resilience to climatic conditions, and efficient water usage.
The Union Minister emphasized the advantages of two newly genome-edited rice varieties and outlined a six-point plan aimed at boosting farmers' earnings.
At today’s launch event, the Union Agriculture Minister outlined our six-pronged approach aimed at boosting farmers’ earnings. This plan includes enhancing productivity, reducing input costs, ensuring fair pricing for their produce, compensating losses, promoting crop diversity, and transitioning toward organic farming methods. The introduction of new rice strains addresses two key aspects: lowering production expenses. These benefits extend beyond just farmers to include the general populace. Given the rising demand for nutrition due to population growth, it becomes essential to ramp up agricultural output,” stated the minister.
Chouhan additionally stated that because of cultivating these variants, the time for the crops to mature will shorten, and less irrigation will be necessary. Consequently, approximately 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water will be conserved.
He mentioned that because these varieties mature quickly, you can sow the subsequent crop promptly and implement a multiple cropping system.
Chouhan highlighted that in the future, it will be essential to guarantee food security, boost nutrient-rich output, and supply sustenance for both India and global markets, aiming to transform India into the world’s pantry. He mentioned, “Our endeavors have resulted in annual exports of Basmati rice valued at 48,000 crores.”
The Minister additionally stressed the importance of implementing further measures to boost the production of soybeans, arhar, lentils, urad, oilseeds, and pulses.
He encouraged the farmers, particularly the younger ones, to embrace modern farming methods. Chouhan stated, "It’s essential to bring agricultural research directly to the farmers. The collaboration between agricultural researchers and farmers will lead to remarkable outcomes."
These novel variants have been created utilizing genome-editing technology grounded in CRISPR-Cas, enabling accurate modifications within an organism’s genetic makeup without incorporating external DNA sequences. The alteration of SDN 1 and SDN 2 gene categories through this process has received approval under India's biosafety guidelines applicable to standard agricultural products. (ANI)
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