Why in the news?

  • ICAR developed Pusa DST-1 and DRR Dhan 100 Kamala, two gene edited rice varieties.

Pusa DST-1

  • What is it?: Drought tolerant rice variety developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through Gene-editing tools.
  • Key Features:
    • DST gene–based drought tolerance: Contains Drought Screening Tolerant (DST) allele introgressed through marker-assisted selection, which helps maintain yield under water-stress, especially during reproductive stages.
    • Semi-dwarf, early-maturing variety
    • Suitable for rainfed and drought-prone ecosystems of eastern & central India.
    • Enhanced root architecture enabling better water uptake.
    • High harvest index under moisture stress.

DRR Dhan 100 Kamala

  • What is it?: Low glycemic index rice variety developed by ICAR–Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad.
  • Key Features:
    • Low Glycemic Index: Suitable for diabetics and health-conscious consumers.
    • High Yielding & Short-Duration Variety
    • Superior Grain Quality: Medium-slender grains, Good cooking quality and Soft texture, preferred by consumers.
    • Supports India’s fight against lifestyle diseases.
    • Aligns with ICAR’s Nutri-cereal and Healthy Grain Mission.

Source: Press Information Bureau

 

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