A controversy has erupted in India concerning two newly developed genome-edited rice varieties. The Coalition for a GM-Free India has accused the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) of manipulating test results and making exaggerated claims about the success of these varieties. These allegations specifically target two rice types: Pusa DST-1 and DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala).
The Coalition claims that the claims made about Pusa DST-1’s performance in saline and alkaline soils, stating it is superior to its parent variety MTU-1010, are not supported by evidence. They cite an ICAR report indicating a lack of data on drought or salinity tolerance due to limited seed availability. In the same year, Pusa DST-1’s yield was either equal to or 4.8% lower than the parent variety, and it performed poorly at 12 out of 20 test locations. In 2024, this variety showed no advantage in saline trials. Despite this, a claim of 30% higher yield was made based on results from just 8 locations in one region.
Similar doubts have been raised about DRR Dhan 100 Kamala. This variety was advertised as having a 17% higher yield and maturing 20 days earlier. However, the Coalition states that in 2023, it performed poorly at 8 out of 19 test sites. The following year, data from several sites were removed without explanation, and a 17.21% higher yield claim was made using results from only 6 sites. Furthermore, there is no published data to support the claim of earlier maturity; Kamala actually matures in 101 days, while its parent variety, BPT 5204, matures in 104 days, a difference of only 3 days. Astonishingly, its overall average yield was 4% lower than BPT 5204.
In response, ICAR has strongly refuted these allegations, calling them baseless and motivated. ICAR stated that neither variety was released prematurely, nor were their test results manipulated or exaggerated. The Council emphasised that both varieties underwent rigorous testing at over 24 locations across India under the All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project. ICAR assured that all protocols and standard operating procedures under the Seeds Act (1966) were strictly followed.
The Coalition for a GM-Free India has demanded the immediate withdrawal of all promotional claims about these genome-edited rice varieties. They have also called for an independent scientific review of ICAR’s testing data and methodology to ascertain the truth. Soumik Banerjee, an independent researcher, stated that if the technology is truly safe and effective, there should be no hesitation in making all data publicly available.