Coalition for GM-Free India Opposes Genome-Edited Paddy Varieties

Context:

Coalition for GM-free India demands withdrawal of two genome-edited rice varieties announced by the Centre. The group is currently fighting a Supreme Court case against genetically modified (GM) crops

Health and Environmental Concerns

• Coalition warns that genome-edited seeds may harm human health and cause irreversible environmental damage
• Cites an “enormous body of scientific literature” questioning the safety of gene editing techniques

Criticism of Government and Research Bodies

• Venugopal Badaravada, ICAR governing body member, criticizes focus on “science for headlines” over practical farm solutions
• Accuses the Centre of acting “under corporate lobby pressure” and bypassing scientific safety norms

Regulatory Allegations

• The coalition calls the announcement illegal, citing deregulation of SDN-1 and SDN-2 gene editing techniques without safety tests
• Claims varieties are being promoted using unscientific claims of higher yield and drought resistance without valid testing

Details of Released Varieties

• Kamala (DRR Dhan 100) developed by Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad
• Pusa DST Rice 1 developed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Delhi

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