In a significant move for India's agricultural sector, the central government is reportedly on the verge of approving the release of the country's first genome-edited mustard variety. This development comes just six months after India introduced the world's first genome-edited rice varieties, signaling a rapid acceleration in the adoption of this new breeding technology.
A Leap in Oilseed Production
The new mustard variety, developed by scientists at the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council - National Institute of Plant Genome Research (BRIC-NIPGR), is engineered to produce more oil with lower pungency. This trait enhancement could be a game-changer for India's edible oil sector, which relies heavily on imports. The genome-edited lines are currently undergoing rigorous evaluation under the ICAR - All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) trials, a final step before potential commercial release.
Beyond Mustard: A National Gene-Editing Push
The focus on mustard is just one part of a much broader national initiative. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has already initiated genome editing research programs in a total of 41 crops. This ambitious portfolio includes 24 field crops and 17 horticultural crops, indicating a strategic, widespread application of the technology to boost productivity and resilience across the farming spectrum.
A Strategic Alternative to GM Crops
This push for genome-edited crops represents a strategic pivot for Indian agricultural policy. For years, the government has faced substantial public and political opposition to Genetically Modified (GM) technology. This resistance has largely stalled the release of new GM food crops, with BT cotton remaining the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in India.
Genome editing, particularly techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, is scientifically distinct from traditional GM technology. While GM involves inserting foreign DNA, gene editing makes precise tweaks to the plant's own genome. Indian authorities and scientists are banking on this distinction to help diversify the country's agricultural technology toolkit and overcome the regulatory and public acceptance hurdles that have hampered GM crops.
If approved, the gene-edited mustard will stand as a landmark achievement, demonstrating a new path forward for crop improvement in India. It promises not only higher domestic oilseed production but also showcases India's growing prowess in cutting-edge, homegrown agricultural science.
