Advancements in GE Crops in India

Summary of Genetically Edited Crops Development in India

1. Context and Current Status:

• India has only commercialized GM crops (Bollgard-II Bt cotton) since May 2006.
• Recent advancements have been made in developing genome-edited (GE) crops, particularly two rice lines for the 2023 kharif season:
  • Improved GE mutants of Samba Mahsuri (19% yield increase)
  • MTU-1010 (adapted for saline and alkaline soils).
• Additionally, a GE mustard line is undergoing trials aimed for release by August 2026.

2. Genetic Engineering Techniques:

• GE crops involve editing existing genes instead of inserting foreign genes from unrelated species (as in GM crops).
• Techniques used include CRISPR-Cas9 and Cas12a for editing:
  • Targeting drought and salt tolerance genes in rice.
  • Modifying genes (like Gn1a) that influence cytokinin degradation to enhance grain yield.

3. Regulatory Framework:

• GE crops are exempt from rigorous biosafety assessments mandated for GM crops (as per MoEFCC).
• Approval authority lies with the Institutional Biosafety Committee to certify the absence of foreign DNA.
• The exemption follows the MoEFCC memorandum from March 30, 2022.

4. Government Support and Funding:

• The government allocated ₹500 crore in the 2023-24 budget for agricultural research, including GE crop development:
  • ₹310 crore for field crops, ₹120 crore for horticulture, etc.
• Research initiated under the National Agricultural Science Fund since 2018.

5. Technological and Genetic Research Developments:

• ICAR scientists identified 178 genes in 24 field crops and 43 target genes in 16 horticultural crops for editing.
• Development of indigenous GE technologies is ongoing, including the 'miniature alternative' GE tool using TnpB proteins, which promises cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

6. Capacity Building:

• Training programs for scientists in advanced genomic techniques have been initiated, with collaborations with international institutes.
• Nobelist Jennifer Doudna's institute conducts training on advanced GE methodologies for Indian scientists.

7. Conclusion:

• India is gearing towards a GE crop revolution that could support agricultural productivity while bypassing the setbacks faced with GM crop regulations. The focus on indigenous technology and training signals a commitment to advancing agricultural science and resilience in the face of climate challenges.