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Genome-edited rice varieties face opposition from GM-free coalition

6 May 20251 min read
AGRICULTURE & RURALGenome-editedrice varieties faceopposition fromGM-free coalition6 May 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

The Coalition for GM-Free India, already fighting GM crops in the Supreme Court, demanded withdrawal of two genome-edited paddy varieties.

Key facts

  • Kamala (DRR Dhan 100): Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad.
  • Pusa DST Rice 1: Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Delhi.
  • The coalition calls the move illegal, citing deregulation of SDN-1 and SDN-2.

Concerns

  • Possible harm to human health and the environment.
  • Yield claims called unscientific; alleged corporate lobby pressure.
  • ICAR member Venugopal Badaravada criticised “science for headlines”.

Exam angle

  • Techniques in dispute: SDN-1 and SDN-2.

Test yourself

1. Which institute developed the genome-edited rice variety Kamala (DRR Dhan 100)?

Kamala (DRR Dhan 100) was developed by the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad.

2. The Coalition for GM-Free India says deregulation of which gene editing techniques occurred without safety tests?

The coalition cites deregulation of SDN-1 and SDN-2 techniques without safety tests.

3. Pusa DST Rice 1, a genome-edited paddy variety, was developed by which body?

The notes credit the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Delhi for Pusa DST Rice 1.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 6 May 2025 (16 topics).

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