Genome Edited Crops Revolutionising Indian Agriculture

The year 2025 marks milestone in Indian agriculture with the imminent release of genome edited (GE) crop varieties. Unlike genetically modified (GM) crops, which have seen limited progress beyond Bt cotton, GE crops are now poised to transform farming. Two GE rice lines and a promising mustard variety are undergoing advanced trials and may soon be commercialised. This development signals a new era in crop improvement driven by precise gene editing technologies.

Difference Between GM and Genome Edited Crops

GM crops contain foreign genes from unrelated species. For example, Bt cotton has a gene from Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria producing insecticidal proteins. GE crops, however, involve editing native genes within the plant. This editing causes mutations or changes in the DNA sequence without introducing external DNA. GE uses molecular tools like CRISPR-Cas proteins to cut and modify specific gene regions, enhancing desired traits naturally.

Recent Advances in GE Crop Varieties

Two GE rice lines, based on popular Samba Mahsuri and MTU-1010 varieties, have completed multi-location trials. One shows a 19% yield increase, while the other tolerates saline and alkaline soils. A third GE mustard variety, with canola-quality oil and resistance to pests and fungi, is in trials across North and Central India. If successful, it could be released by August 2026, expanding the scope of genome editing beyond rice.

CRISPR-Cas Technology in Crop Improvement

CRISPR-associated proteins Cas9 and Cas12a are the primary tools used. Cas9 edited drought and salt tolerance genes in MTU-1010 rice and glucosinolate transporter genes in mustard. Cas12a targeted the cytokinin oxidase 2 (Gn1a) gene in Samba Mahsuri rice. Editing Gn1a reduces cytokinin degradation, increasing grain numbers per plant. The resulting plants are transgene-free, as the editing enzymes are removed in subsequent generations.

Regulatory and Policy Landscape

GE crops are exempt from strict biosafety regulations that apply to GM crops. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change allows Institutional Biosafety Committees to approve GE crops if no foreign DNA is present. This streamlined process accelerates research and commercialisation. The government supports this with funding, including Rs 500 crore allocated in the 2023-24 budget for agricultural biotechnology.

Research and Human Resource Development

Indian scientists have identified 178 target genes in 24 field crops and 43 genes in 16 horticultural crops suitable for editing. Training programmes with international experts, including Nobel laureate Jennifer Doudna’s Innovative Genomics Institute, enhance local expertise. Indigenous tools like the patented TnpB protein system offer cost-effective alternatives to traditional CRISPR methods, boosting India’s self-reliance in GE technology.

Future Prospects and Challenges

The GE crop revolution is gaining momentum in India, overcoming the stagnation faced by GM crops. Precise editing, faster regulatory approvals and government backing provide a conducive environment. Continued research, capacity building and public acceptance will be crucial for the widespread adoption of genome edited crops, potentially improving food security and farmer incomes.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Taking example of genome edited crops, discuss the impact of biotechnology on sustainable agriculture in India.
2. Examine the role of regulatory frameworks in balancing innovation and biosafety in agricultural biotechnology.
3. Analyse the significance of international collaboration and indigenous innovation in advancing genome editing technologies in developing countries.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical and socio-economic challenges posed by modern genetic modification techniques in agriculture.

Answer Hints:

1. Taking example of genome edited crops, discuss the impact of biotechnology on sustainable agriculture in India.

1. Genome edited (GE) crops like rice and mustard show enhanced yield and stress tolerance, promoting productivity.
2. GE crops reduce reliance on chemical inputs by improving pest and disease resistance, aiding environmental sustainability.
3. Precision gene editing (e.g., CRISPR-Cas) enables targeted trait improvement without introducing foreign DNA, reducing biosafety concerns.
4. Faster development and approval of GE crops compared to GM crops accelerates adoption of resilient varieties suitable for diverse agro-climates.
5. Government funding and policy support boost research in biotechnology, facilitating sustainable crop improvement.
6. Improved varieties tolerant to abiotic stresses (salinity, drought) help adapt to climate change impacts, ensuring food security.

2. Examine the role of regulatory frameworks in balancing innovation and biosafety in agricultural biotechnology.

1. GM crops face stringent biosafety regulations requiring clearance from Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) for trials and release.
2. GE crops exempted from strict regulations if transgene-free, approved by Institutional Biosafety Committees, enabling faster innovation.
3. Regulatory differentiation based on presence/absence of foreign DNA balances risk management with research facilitation.
4. Clear guidelines ensure environmental safety while avoiding unnecessary delays that could hinder technological progress.
5. Government policies, such as MoEFCC’s 2022 office memorandum, reflect evolving understanding of genome editing’s risk profile.
6. Effective regulation builds public trust and encourages responsible deployment of biotechnology in agriculture.

3. Analyse the significance of international collaboration and indigenous innovation in advancing genome editing technologies in developing countries.

1. Training of Indian scientists abroad (US, Europe, Australia) builds skilled human resources for GE research and development.
2. Collaborations with global institutes (e.g., Innovative Genomics Institute) provide access to cutting-edge tools like GeoCas9 and CasLambda proteins.
3. Indigenous innovations like the patented TnpB protein system reduce dependency on foreign intellectual property, lowering costs.
4. Combining global expertise with local knowledge accelerates development of crop varieties suited to regional agro-ecological conditions.
5. International partnerships encourage knowledge exchange, capacity building, and adoption of best practices in biosafety and regulation.
6. Such synergy enhances self-reliance and competitiveness of developing countries in agricultural biotechnology.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the ethical and socio-economic challenges posed by modern genetic modification techniques in agriculture.

1. GM crops like Bt cotton faced public concerns over safety, biodiversity impact, and corporate control over seeds.
2. Genome editing raises ethical questions about gene manipulation, potential unintended effects, and transparency in technology use.
3. Socio-economic issues include access and affordability of GE seeds for smallholder farmers, risk of widening inequality.
4. Intellectual property rights and patenting of biotechnologies may limit farmers’ seed-saving practices and increase dependency.
5. Public awareness and informed consent are necessary to address fears and misconceptions about modern biotech crops.
6. Balancing innovation benefits with equitable distribution and environmental stewardship remains a key challenge.