Context: India’s genetically modified (GM) crop progress has remained stagnant since the approval of Bt cotton in 2006. However, genome-edited (GE) crops have advanced rapidly due to regulatory relaxation, indigenous scientific tools, and rising public acceptance. This marks a major policy and technological shift in India’s approach to agricultural biotechnology.
Understanding Gene Editing
Gene editing modifies native genes within a plant without inserting foreign DNA.
It uses two key components:
- Protein “scissors” to cut DNA at a targeted site
- Guide RNA to direct the scissors precisely
This method mimics natural mutations and is therefore seen as safer, faster, and more predictable than traditional genetic modification.
How Gene Editing Differs from GMOs
1. Foreign DNA vs Native DNA
- GMOs introduce genes from other species (transgenic).
- GE crops alter only the plant’s own genes; no foreign DNA is added.
2. Regulatory Burden
- GMOs require extensive biosafety, environmental, and GEAC-level approvals.
- GE crops undergo simpler clearance through Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBCs), provided no foreign DNA remains.
3. Technological Pathway
- GMOs rely on gene insertion into random genome locations.
- GE techniques like CRISPR–Cas9, Cas12a, and TnpB create precise, site-specific edits.
4. Market Landscape
- GM technology is dominated by large multinational corporations.
- Gene editing democratises innovation, enabling public research institutions and small biotech labs to develop new varieties.
India’s Progress in Genome-Edited (GE) Crops
Indian research institutions have developed multiple GE lines:
1. GE Rice
- Samba Mahsuri (High Yield)
- MTU-1010 (Alkalinity Tolerance)
2. GE Mustard
- Low-pungency, canola-quality mustard developed through targeted gene edits.
3. Editing Tools in Use
- CRISPR–Cas9: drought and salinity tolerance
- CRISPR–Cas12a: editing Gn1a gene for spikelet proliferation and higher yields
- TnpB Miniature Gene Editor: an indigenous, patent-free, low-cost precision tool
Why GE Crops Are Succeeding Faster in India
1. Simplified Regulation
- GE crops bypass GEAC if proven free of foreign DNA, reducing delays and costs.
2. Higher Public Acceptance
- Absence of external genes reduces the controversy associated with GMOs.
3. Lower R&D Costs
- CRISPR-based edits are economical and accessible to Indian labs.
4. Indigenous Innovation
- India’s TnpB-based editor reduces reliance on expensive foreign technologies.
5. Targeted Government Support
- The government allocated ₹500 crore (2023–24) exclusively for GE crop research.
6. Export Benefits
- Countries like Japan and Australia allow GE food imports without GM labelling, supporting India’s agri-export potential.
Key Regulatory Bodies
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
- Apex body under MoEFCC for environmental release of GM organisms.
Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)
- Verifies that gene-edited crops contain no foreign DNA and ensures biosafety compliance under DBT norms.
Conclusion
India’s transition from GM to genome-edited crops marks a strategic evolution in agricultural biotechnology. With regulatory clarity, indigenous tools, and strong research momentum, GE crops offer the potential for higher yields, climate resilience, and reduced input costs—positioning India for the next phase of sustainable agricultural innovation.