BS EDIT: India's Gene-Edited Rice Breakthrough

Major Innovation

India releases DRR Dhan 100 and Pusa DST Rice 1

Yield boost: up to 30% using SDN1 genome editing

Smart Farming Gains

15–20 days faster maturity

Less water, better nitrogen use

Enables efficient crop rotation

Saving Water-Stressed Regions

Lower water use can ease groundwater stress in Punjab & Haryana—major but overburdened rice belts

New Hope for Low-Yield Areas

Salt- and drought-resistant traits suit: U.P., West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra

Brings balance to rice production

Not GMO, Fewer Hurdles

No foreign DNA = faster adoption, less controversy

Wider public & regulatory acceptance likely

Time for Policy Action

• Include in state procurement

• Train farmers

• Boost agri R&D funding (currently ₹10,466 cr)

Biotech is key to long-term food security