The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has firmly rejected recent allegations made by the Coalition for a GM-Free India regarding the testing and release of two genome-edited rice varieties, Pusa DST-1 and DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala). The Coalition accused ICAR of manipulating and exaggerating test data to promote these genetically edited crops, claims that ICAR has labeled as baseless and driven by an anti-development agenda.
The controversy began following the official release of the two genome-edited rice varieties by Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on May 4, 2024. Soon after, the Coalition for a GM-Free India held a press conference where it presented data extracted from the Annual Progress Reports of ICAR’s All India Coordinated Research Project on Rice (AICRPR) for 2023 and 2024. According to the Coalition, this data reveals inconsistencies and contradictions between ICAR’s reported conclusions and the underlying trial results, suggesting scientific manipulation.
Specifically, the Coalition raised concerns about the performance claims of Pusa DST-1, which was promoted as drought and salinity tolerant with significantly higher yields. The group pointed out that the 2023 reports showed no testing data for drought or salinity tolerance due to limited seed availability. Moreover, the trial data indicated that Pusa DST-1 performed at par or even 4.8% lower than its parent variety MTU-1010 in several trials. In fact, at 12 out of 20 test sites, the genome-edited line underperformed. For 2024, the data showed no yield advantage in coastal or inland salinity trials and only a marginal 1.6% gain in alkaline soils. Despite this, the summary table in the report claimed a 30% higher yield based on results from just eight locations within one zone, raising questions about the validity of such broad claims.
Regarding DRR Dhan 100, also known as Kamala, the Coalition disputed its portrayal as a “miracle variety” with 17% higher yield, early maturity, and superior nitrogen use efficiency. Their analysis of ICAR’s own documents revealed that in 2023, Kamala underperformed in 8 of 19 trial sites, contradicting claims of consistent superiority.
The Coalition’s spokesperson, activist Kavitha Kuruganti, emphasized the seriousness of these issues, stating, “Doing bad science in agriculture, that too from the public sector, has a direct bearing on the lives and livelihoods of millions of farmers.” She and other members called for a moratorium on releasing such data until credible biosafety regulations and independent oversight mechanisms are established to ensure transparency and accuracy.
In response, ICAR strongly denied all allegations of data manipulation or premature release of the rice varieties. In an official statement, it said, “The allegations made by the Coalition for a GM-Free India that ICAR ‘rigged and hyped’ testing results are baseless and motivated by an anti-development agenda that undermines the achievements of Indian scientists.” The council reiterated that it has already provided detailed, point-by-point responses to every allegation and conducted multiple clarifications with the Coalition and other organizations.
ICAR explained that the release and testing of the genome-edited rice varieties strictly followed all protocols and standard operating procedures prescribed by the Central Sub-Committee on Crop Standards, Notification & Release of Varieties, under the Seed Act of 1966. It emphasized that the genome-edited plants were subjected to the same rigorous evaluation procedures established for all crop varieties.
These evaluations were conducted through All-India multi-location trials (MLTs) coordinated by the AICRPR, which is the nodal agency responsible for testing and recommending rice varieties for release in India. According to ICAR, both DRR Dhan 100 and Pusa DST-1 underwent independent testing at more than 24 locations across the country during 2023 and 2024. The process involved blind-coding of breeding lines, a system in place since 1965, which ensures unbiased evaluation by multiple cooperating research centers.
ICAR further highlighted that the AICRPR annually tests over 500 breeding lines and has contributed to the development and release of more than 1,000 rice varieties over its long history. The genome-edited rice lines were evaluated alongside other entries and check varieties, ensuring full compliance with established protocols and independent validation at all participating sites.
The council’s statement concluded by reaffirming its commitment