India on Brink of Approving Pioneering Gene-Edited Mustard Crop
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India is poised to break new ground in agricultural technology by approving a genetically edited mustard crop, which boasts enhanced nutrition and disease resistance. According to officials, the move marks a significant shift towards embracing CRISPR technologies, a gene-editing tool that enables precise changes without introducing foreign DNA. The Indian government has signaled a willingness to expedite regulatory clearances for gene-edited crops, aiming to boost productivity and climate resilience. This approach is a departure from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which have been met with controversy in the world's largest producer of farm commodities. The country is gearing up to release a range of gene-edited varieties, with state-backed institutions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) researching over 40 crops, including pulses, tomatoes, tobacco, and bananas. One notable example is the transgene-free Indian mustard (brassica juncea) lines developed by the Institute of Plant Genome Research, known as Varuna. This gene-edited variety has been engineered to reduce its glucosinolate content, making it more resilient while preserving its taste and pungency. The gene-edited mustard is currently undergoing final inspections under the All India Coordinated Research Project, a nationwide network of research centers. This development follows the successful release of two gene-edited rice varieties, Pusa Rice DST1 and DRR Dhan 100, in May. These crops were engineered to offer improved drought tolerance and increased yields, with the latter boasting a 19% boost. The approval of the gene-edited mustard crop is expected to be a significant milestone, paving the way for the release of many other gene-edited crop varieties in the coming years. As India continues to explore the potential of CRISPR technologies, it is likely to play a leading role in shaping the future of agricultural innovation.
