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Recently, Union Agriculture Minister released 2 genome-edited varieties of rice.
The genome is the entire set of DNA instructions found in a cell. In humans, the genome consists of 23 pairs of chromosomes located in the cell's nucleus.
In 2018, ICAR initiated genome-editing research to improve two major rice varieties – Samba Mahsuri and MTU 1010, under the National Agricultural Science Fund.
DRR Rice 100 (Kamala) variety |
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Pusa DST Rice 1 |
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In the 2023-24 budget, the Government of India allocated ₹500 crores for genome editing in agricultural crops. ICAR has already initiated genome-editing research for several crops, including oilseeds and pulses.
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Reference
PIB| Launch of 2 Genome Edited Rice Varieties in India