Pusa DST Paddy 1: A Genome-Edited Paddy Variety for Saline Soils and Higher Yields

05 May 2025, New Delhi: Pusa DST Rice 1 is another remarkable genome-edited Paddy variety developed by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, using the widely cultivated MTU 1010 as the genetic base. This variety leverages CRISPR-Cas based genome-editing technology, approved under Indian biosafety norms for SDN-1 and SDN-2 gene edits.

One of the defining features of Pusa DST Paddy 1 is its tolerance to saline and alkaline soils, a growing challenge due to climate change and poor water management practices. In such conditions, this variety has demonstrated a yield improvement ranging from 9.66% to 30.4%, offering a vital solution for farmers in degraded soil regions.

Genome editing has enhanced the plant’s stress resilience without the addition of foreign genes, making Pusa DST Paddy 1 a non-GMO, regulatory-compliant innovation. Under field conditions, it shows up to 20% higher production potential, particularly useful for regions with marginal land productivity.

The variety is expected to significantly contribute to India’s “Minus 5 and Plus 10” formula, which aims to reduce the rice cultivation area by 5 million hectares while increasing production by 10 million tons in the same footprint. This will help diversify cropping systems and encourage the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds.

Pusa DST Paddy 1 has been released for states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry (Zone VII), Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh (Zone V), Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal (Zone III).

This genome-edited rice variety stands out as a forward-looking innovation in Indian agriculture that combines yield performance, stress tolerance, and sustainability—precisely what is needed for future-ready farming.

Also Read: Post-Harvest Field Management and Safe Grain Storage: Essential Practices for Farmers – IARI Advisory

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