What’s in Today’s Article?

• Genome-Edited Rice Latest News
• Genome Editing (GE) in Plants and GM Crops
• ICAR Develops Two Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
• Practical Benefits of ICAR’s New Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
• Significance of the Breakthrough in Genome-Edited Paddy
• India’s Push for Genome Editing in Agriculture
• Genome-Edited Rice FAQs

Genome-Edited Rice Latest News

• ICAR has developed the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties featuring higher yields, drought and salinity tolerance, and improved nitrogen-use efficiency, making them climate-resilient and water-conserving.

Genome Editing (GE) in Plants and GM Crops

• Genome editing in plants refers to making precise, targeted changes to a plant's DNA without introducing foreign genetic material.
  • It uses technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 to edit specific DNA sequences within a plant's existing genome. 
  • This can involve deleting, inserting, or modifying DNA at precise locations.
• On the other hand, GM crops involve inserting genes from other organisms into the plant's genome.
• In essence, genome editing modifies existing DNA, while GM crops introduce new DNA.
• India has exempted GE crops from biosafety regulations under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986. 
  • These regulations govern both field trials and release for commercial cultivation in the case of GM crops. 

ICAR Develops Two Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

• ICAR has developed the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties—DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1—to enhance yield, drought and salinity tolerance, and nitrogen-use efficiency, without using any foreign DNA.

DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)

• Developed by: ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR), Hyderabad
• Parent Variety: Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204)
• Gene Targeted:Cytokinin Oxidase 2 (CKX2 or Gn1a)
• Technology Used: Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) genome editing
  • SDN1 uses DNA-cutting enzymes (nucleases) to create a targeted break in the DNA at a specific location. 
• Key Traits:
  • Early maturity (~130 days; 20 days earlier than parent)
  • Drought tolerance
  • High nitrogen-use efficiency
• Superior yield:
  • 5.37 tonnes/ha (vs. 4.5 t/ha for parent) – 19% increase
  • Up to 9 t/ha under optimal conditions
  • Retains the grain and cooking quality of Samba Mahsuri
• Recommended Zones: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala (Zone VII), Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh (Zone V), Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal (Zone III).

Pusa DST Rice 1

• Developed by: ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), New Delhi
• Parent Variety: MTU1010
• Gene Targeted:Drought and Salt Tolerance (DST) gene
• Technology Used: SDN1 genome editing
• Key Traits:
  • Drought and salinity tolerance
  • Enhanced yield under stress conditions:
    • Inland salinity: 3,508 kg/ha (9.66% higher than MTU1010)
    • Alkaline soils: 3,731 kg/ha (14.66% higher)
    • Coastal salinity: 2,493 kg/ha (30.4% higher)
  • Contains no foreign DNA, comparable to conventional varieties
• Recommended Zones: Same as Kamala – major rice-growing states across India

Practical Benefits of ICAR’s New Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

• Higher Yields, Lower Emissions
  • Cultivating DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1 over 5 million hectares can:
    • Increase paddy production by 4.5 million tonnes
    • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32,000 tonnes (approx. 20%)
• Significant Water Savings
  • Kamala's shorter maturity period allows for:
    • Three fewer irrigations
    • Savings of 7,500 million cubic metres of irrigation water, which can benefit other crops
• Use of Safe and Award-Winning Technology
  • Developed using CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing technology, awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
  • No foreign DNA used; only native gene edits to enhance traits
  • Follows Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) and SDN2 methods — considered equivalent to natural mutations
• Exempt from Stringent GMO Regulations
  • Under India's Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, SDN1 and SDN2 crops are:
    • Exempt from strict GMO rules (Rules 7–11)
    • Classified as genome-edited, not genetically modified
• Regulatory Clearances Granted
  • Institutional Biosafety Committees (IBC) of ICAR approved the lines
  • Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) cleared them in May 2023
  • Declared safe under India’s simplified regulatory framework for genome-edited crops
• IPR Concerns Being Addressed
  • Some concerns exist about the Intellectual Property Rights of the genome-editing technology, but ICAR has assured they are being looked into and will be resolved in due course

Significance of the Breakthrough in Genome-Edited Paddy

• Paddy: India’s Most Critical Foodgrain Crop
  • Paddy is the main kharif crop and occupies one-third of India’s foodgrain cultivation area.
  • It contributes about 40% to the total foodgrain basket, making it essential for national food security.
  • Major paddy-growing states include: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Assam.
• India’s Paddy Production Paradox
  • India had the largest area under paddy cultivation (45 million ha) globally in 2020.
  • But in production, India ranked second (186.5 million tonnes) after China (211 million tonnes).
  • The gap is due to lower yield in India:
    • India: 4,138 kg/ha
    • World average: 4,717 kg/ha
    • China: 7,043 kg/ha
    • Indonesia: 5,128 kg/ha
    • Bangladesh: 4,809 kg/ha

India’s Push for Genome Editing in Agriculture

• Beyond Rice: Genome Editing in Other Crops
  • Genome-editing research is underway for oilseeds and pulses.
  • The University of Delhi has already developed a genome-edited mustard variety.
• Government Support and Funding
  • The Indian government has allocated ₹500 crore for genome-editing research in agricultural crops to boost yield and climate resilience.

Genome-Edited Rice FAQs

Q1. What is genome-edited rice?

Ans. Genome-edited rice involves precise gene changes using CRISPR, improving traits without introducing foreign DNA.

Q2. Which are ICAR’s new genome-edited rice varieties?

Ans. DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1 are ICAR’s newly developed genome-edited rice varieties.

Q3. What traits do Kamala and Pusa DST Rice 1 offer?

Ans. They offer higher yield, drought and salinity tolerance, and better nitrogen-use efficiency.

Q4. How is genome editing different from GM crops?

Ans. Genome editing modifies native DNA; GM crops insert foreign genes from other organisms.

Q5. Are genome-edited rice varieties regulated like GMOs in India?

Ans. No, they are exempt from GMO regulations under India’s Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Source: IE | ICAR | ToI

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Maize Ethanol Controversy Latest News
• Imbalance from Ethanol: Impact on Maize Supply and Prices
• Collateral Impact: Ethanol Push Hits Soyabean Market
• Can Imports Restore Balance in Maize Supply
• Maize Ethanol Controversy FAQs

Maize Ethanol Controversy Latest News

• Agriculture provides food, feed, fibre, and fuel. For example, cotton yields lint (fibre), edible oil from seeds (food), and protein-rich cake (feed). 
• However, the growing use of crops like maize for fuel is raising concerns among traditional user industries, as it affects the availability and cost of maize for food and feed purposes. 

Imbalance from Ethanol: Impact on Maize Supply and Prices

• Until 2021–22, India produced 32–33 million tonnes (mt) of maize, against a domestic demand of 28 mt.
• Surplus allowed for 3.7 mt in exports.

Major demand segments:

• Poultry feed: 15 mt
• Cattle feed: 5 mt
• Industrial starch: 5 mt
• Human consumption: 2 mt
• Seed/other uses: 1 mt

Rising Ethanol Demand

• Maize, rich in starch (68–72%), is now used to produce ethanol for fuel blending.
• 1 tonne of maize = ~380 litres of ethanol.
• Ethanol production from maize:
  • 2022–23: 0.8 mt maize → 31.51 crore litres
  • 2023–24: 7.5 mt maize → 286.54 crore litres
  • 2024–25 (contracted): Projected 12.7 mt maize → 484.35 crore litres

Disruption in Supply Chain

• Biofuel demand has disrupted the earlier demand-supply equilibrium.
• Livestock feed industry, particularly poultry and cattle feed sectors, is hit hard.

Surge in Prices

• Maize prices have risen from Rs 14,000–15,000 to Rs 24,000–25,000 per tonne over four years.
• Main reason: diversion of maize towards ethanol under the blending programme.

Collateral Impact: Ethanol Push Hits Soyabean Market

• After ethanol extraction, the leftover mash is dried to form Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS).
  • DDGS is a by-product of ethanol production, specifically from the fermentation and distillation of starch-rich grains like corn. 
• DDGS is protein-rich:
  • Maize-based DDGS: 28–30% protein
  • Rice-based DDGS: Up to 45% protein

DDGS vs Traditional Protein Sources

• Conventional protein feed ingredients include de-oiled cakes (DOC) of soyabean, mustard, cottonseed, groundnut, and rice bran.
  • DOC refers to the residue left after oil has been extracted from seeds or grains, typically through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction. 
  • It's a byproduct of the oil extraction process and is used as a source of protein and nutrients in animal feed and as an organic fertilizer. 
• These are more expensive than DDGS:
  • Soyabean DOC: ₹31,000–32,000/tonne
  • Maize DDGS: ₹16,000–17,000/tonne
  • Rice DDGS: ₹18,000–19,000/tonne

Pressure on Soyabean Prices

• Increased DDGS supply offers a cheaper substitute to soyabean DOC (de-oiled cake).
  • DOC refers to the residue left after oil has been extracted from seeds or grains, typically through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction.
• Livestock feed manufacturers are blending DDGS with soyabean DOC to cut costs.
• Result: Soyabean DOC prices down by ~30% in two years.
• Soyabean grain prices have dropped to ₹4,300/quintal, below the MSP of ₹4,892.

Winners and Losers

• Maize farmers benefit from rising prices due to ethanol demand (close to or above MSP of ₹2,225/quintal).
• Soyabean farmers, however, suffer price declines due to falling demand for soy DOC.

Can Imports Restore Balance in Maize Supply

• High Maize Dependency in Livestock Feed
  • Maize share in feed:
    • Broiler chicken: 55–65%
    • Egg-layer poultry: 50–60%
    • Cattle feed: 15–20%
  • Feed industry is under pressure due to rising maize prices and seeks import liberalisation.
• Current Import Policy Constraints
  • India allows 0.5 million tonnes (mt) of maize imports annually at 15% duty; anything above that attracts 50% duty.
  • Genetically Modified (GM) maize imports are prohibited for food and feed use.
  • In April–January 2024–25, India imported 0.94 mt:
    • 0.51 mt from Myanmar
    • 0.39 mt from Ukraine
    • Both non-GM sources
• Industry's Proposal: GM Maize for Fuel Use Only
  • Industry experts propose importing GM maize solely for ethanol production, not for seed, food, or feed.
  • This would address the surge in demand from biofuel production without affecting food/feed safety norms.
• Global Trade Implications
  • Opening GM maize imports would benefit top exporters:
    • US, Brazil, and Argentina (major GM maize growers)
  • The US is actively seeking new buyers after China scaled down imports.
• Balancing Act: A Domestic Production Push
  • Experts suggest increasing domestic maize production by:
    • Boosting yields
    • Diverting acreage from rice, which is water-intensive and already in surplus
  • A “win-win” strategy would ensure maize expansion does not hurt soyabean or cotton farmers.

Maize Ethanol Controversy FAQs

Q1. Why are maize prices rising in India?

Ans. Due to growing ethanol demand, maize is being diverted from feed and food to fuel, creating supply shortages and price hikes.

Q2. How does ethanol production affect soyabean farmers?

Ans. Cheaper DDGS from ethanol plants replaces soy DOC in feed, reducing soyabean demand and pushing down market prices below MSP.

Q3. What is DDGS and why is it important?

Ans. Distiller’s Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) is a protein-rich ethanol by-product, now used as a low-cost livestock feed substitute.

Q4. Can GM maize imports solve the supply issue?

Ans. Only if restricted to ethanol use. It can ease demand pressure without impacting GM restrictions for food and feed applications.

Q5. What is the suggested long-term solution?

Ans. Shift surplus rice acreage to maize and boost yields to meet rising ethanol and feed demand without hurting soy or cotton.

Source: IE

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Vizhinjam Port Latest News
• Introduction
• Historical and Strategic Significance
• First Phase Development and Features
• Early Milestones and Global Interest
• Fast-Tracking Future Phases
• Infrastructure and Operational Challenges
• Associated Industrial and Economic Initiatives
• Vision of a Port-Led Economic Hub
• Conclusion
• Vizhinjam Port India FAQs

Vizhinjam Port Latest News

• Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the ₹8,800 crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram.

Introduction

• The inauguration of Vizhinjam International Seaport marks a historic moment in India’s maritime landscape. 
• Located in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, Vizhinjam is India’s first deep-water, semi-automated container transhipment port. 
• It is strategically positioned just 10 nautical miles from global shipping routes, making it a crucial asset for international trade. 
• With the first phase of development complete, the port is set to reshape India’s standing in global maritime logistics and provide an economic thrust to the southern region.

Historical and Strategic Significance

• Vizhinjam’s maritime relevance dates back to ancient times, known during the Chola period as Rajendra Chola Pattinam. 
• Over the years, it lost prominence due to colonial preferences for ports like Madras and Cochin. 
• However, renewed interest began in the 1940s when Travancore commissioned a study on its potential. After nearly eight decades, Vizhinjam is now reborn as a modern transhipment hub.
• Among all Indian ports, Vizhinjam is geographically closest to key international maritime lanes. 
• This proximity provides India an opportunity to reduce dependency on foreign ports like Colombo, Singapore, and Klang, which currently handle nearly 75% of India’s transhipped cargo.

First Phase Development and Features

• The port was developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model at a cost of ₹8,867 crore. 
• Contributions included ₹5,595 crore from the Kerala Government, ₹2,454 crore from Adani Ports (the concessionaire), and ₹817.8 crore Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from the Union Government.
• Key features include:
• Natural draft of 20 metres, allowing docking of Ultra Large Container Vessels.
• Semi-automation, with women crane operators trained at the Community Skill Park.
• India’s first greenfield deep-sea port, operational since July 2024 with full-scale commercial activity from December.
• Within months, the port exceeded its projected target of handling 1 lakh TEUs annually by processing 6 lakh TEUs and hosting 280 vessels. In March 2025 alone, it handled 1.08 lakh TEUs.

Early Milestones and Global Interest

• Global shipping giant Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has included Vizhinjam in its Jade and Dragon shipping services. Notable events include:
  • Docking of MSC Claude Girardet, South Asia’s largest container ship (24,116 TEUs).
  • Handling of 10,330 containers from MSC Anna in a single visit, a record for any Indian port.
  • MSC Irina, the world’s largest container ship, is expected to dock in May 2025.

Fast-Tracking Future Phases

• The Kerala Government, in partnership with Adani Ports, aims to complete remaining construction phases by 2028, significantly earlier than the initial 2045 target. These phases involve:
  • Increasing capacity from 1 million TEUs to 4.87 million TEUs.
  • Extending container berth length from 1,200 to 2,000 metres.
  • Investment of ₹20,000 crore.
  • Environmental clearance for phases two and three was granted in March 2025.
• The port has been featured at global forums including WEF 2025 and the Invest Kerala Global Summit.

Infrastructure and Operational Challenges

• Despite strong progress, several infrastructural gaps remain:
  • No Integrated Check Post (ICP), which is vital for import-export operations and crew change facilities. The application is pending with the Union Home Ministry.
  • Delays during high ship traffic (40 ships in February) due to inadequate support systems.
  • Customs office was only recently opened, and a permanent Port Health Office is still awaited.

Associated Industrial and Economic Initiatives

• To promote local economic integration, the Kerala Government is pushing forward:
  • A Vizhinjam Development Zone, envisaging an industrial corridor.
  • State-specific business centres near the port.
  • A proposal to station a dedicated IAS officer for the Vizhinjam Economic Growth Corridor.
  • Allied businesses including shipbuilding, logistics, warehousing, and clean bunkering (hydrogen, ammonia).
  • The energy agency ANERT is exploring green hydrogen and wave energy projects.

Vision of a Port-Led Economic Hub

• Echoing global models like China’s Shenzhen SEZ, there is a proposal to designate Vizhinjam as a Special Investment Region (SIR). The Kerala Government is expected to introduce an SIR Bill, focused on:
  • Creating a special economic zone (SEZ).
  • Ensuring compensation and rehabilitation for landowners.
  • Studying best global practices in port-led economies.
• Concerns remain about the financial burden of Union Government’s VGF repayment, potentially ballooning from ₹817.8 crore to ₹10,000 crore. 
• There are also calls to halt nearby rival transhipment projects, like the one proposed in Colachel, to ensure Vizhinjam’s economic sustainability.

Conclusion

• Vizhinjam International Seaport stands at the crossroads of opportunity and challenge. As India’s first deep-sea transhipment port with world-class capabilities, its success will depend on coordinated efforts among the State, Centre, businesses, and global shipping firms. 
• If fully realised, Vizhinjam could serve as a transformative maritime hub for South Asia, propelling Kerala and India into a new era of trade leadership.

Vizhinjam Port India FAQs

Q1. What is the strategic importance of Vizhinjam Port?

Ans. It is India’s closest port to international shipping routes and is ideal for container transshipment.

Q2. Who are the stakeholders in the Vizhinjam Port project?

Ans. The Kerala Government, Adani Ports, and the Union Government are key stakeholders.

Q3. What is the current capacity of Vizhinjam Port?

Ans. It currently handles 1 million TEUs and is set to expand to 4.87 million TEUs by 2028.

Q4. What global milestones has Vizhinjam Port achieved?

Ans. It hosted South Asia’s largest container ship and is now part of MSC’s global shipping network.

Q5. What are the major challenges faced by Vizhinjam Port?

Ans. Lack of an Integrated Check Post, delays in cargo operations, and financial concerns regarding VGF repayment.

Source: TH