Gene-editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 are enabling India to develop crops with precise, targeted improvements without introducing foreign DNA. These advancements, faster and more accurate than traditional breeding, are helping address challenges such as drought, pest resistance, and nutritional deficiencies in Indian agriculture.
This approach is helping address major agricultural challenges such as drought, salinity, pest resistance, and nutritional deficiencies. Research institutions including ICAR, IARI, NIPB, and NABI are at the forefront of these efforts, contributing to innovations that support the country’s agricultural growth and sustainability.
Gene-Edited Crops:
These gene-edited crop varieties developed by Indian research institutions aim to improve resilience, nutrition, and sustainability in farming:
Pusa Rice DST1: Enhanced Drought Tolerance
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, developed Pusa Rice DST1 to enhance drought tolerance through DST gene editing. It allows rice crops to hold water for longer and endure dry spells with greater ease. Field tests began in 2022, and large-scale release is anticipated by 2026. This crop will be particularly beneficial for farmers experiencing unpredictable monsoons and decreasing water supplies.
Bananas for Improved Nutrition and Shelf Life
National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, has developed a Vitamin A-enriched banana using gene editing and enhanced beta-carotene content without inserting foreign DNA. This banana can combat Vitamin A deficiency among children and women. In sync, researchers are on the path of creating a non-browning banana by deactivating the PPO gene. This will enhance the shelf life and visual appeal of bananas, which is crucial for export and retail purposes.
Smart Mustard Cultivars for Better Oil Quality and Feed
CGMCP and ICAR laboratories of Delhi University have developed gene-edited mustard that yields less pungent cooking oil and seed cake. The seed cakes are more with glucosinolates, which can be used as livestock feed. It is also developing another variety of mustard with low glucosinolates and incorporated disease resistance. Both these crops are likely to enhance oil quality for human consumption as well as byproduct utilization for animal nutrition.
Groundnut and Tomato: Enhancing Oil Quality and Climate Resilience
ICAR–Directorate of Groundnut Research is breeding high-oleic acid groundnut varieties with enhanced oil quality and stability. In addition, the National Institute of Plant Genome Research is breeding stress-tolerant tomato lines to resist heat, drought, pests, and diseases, cutting losses and enhancing productivity in adverse climates.
Disease-Resistant Chilli for Reduced Chemical Use
Public laboratories are experimenting with breeding anthracnose-resistant chilli by genetically editing the plant's own susceptibility genes. This technology will minimize the use of chemical fungicides and provide better yields for farmers cultivating this high-value cash crop.
Rice Varieties with Reduced Nitrogen and Water Needs
IARI is also spearheading efforts to breed rice varieties with reduced nitrogen and water requirements. Gene editing has made it possible to create these crops that can thrive with less input, which can also reduce the cost of farming and the environmental footprint of the excessive use of fertilizers and irrigation water.
Embracing gene-edited crops with thoughtful regulation and inclusive policies can transform Indian agriculture. By ensuring affordability, supporting public research, and involving farmers, India can harness innovation to address critical challenges—building a resilient, sustainable, and food-secure future that benefits all, especially small and marginal farmers. This is a vital step toward agricultural progress.
