genetically edited rice variety — a climate-smart rice. This rice was created using an advanced hybridization technique that enhances its ability to withstand climate change, yielding positive outcomes on both environmental and sustainable agriculture fronts. Genome editing, as a precise technology, contributes to increased rice productivity and the cultivation of crops more resilient to environmental stress, paving the way for a more sustainable agricultural future.
According to Financial Express, this genetically edited rice is not classified as a genetically modified organism (GMO), as the technique involves editing the plant’s original genes without introducing genes from other organisms. Therefore, it is not considered genetically modified in the traditional sense.
Environmental Benefits of Genetically Edited Rice
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Genetically edited rice contributes to a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions — equivalent to 32,000 tons — which helps alleviate environmental stress and mitigate global warming.
Lower Water Consumption
Due to its ability to withstand harsh climate conditions such as drought and rising temperatures, genetically edited rice requires less water, reducing the strain on water resources.
Prevention of Soil Degradation
This rice variety tolerates high levels of soil acidity and salinity, reducing the need for artificial soil enhancement and prolonging the life cycle of arable land.
Increased Agricultural Productivity
Yields of genetically edited rice are expected to be 25% higher than those of conventional varieties, supporting food security and promoting sustainable agriculture in the face of escalating environmental challenges.
Enhanced Agricultural Biodiversity
The availability of multiple crop and grain varieties resistant to extreme weather helps prevent crop extinction and fosters greater genetic diversity.
Energy Efficiency
Producing genetically edited rice lowers energy consumption and environmental resource use — such as fuel — while improving agricultural efficiency and reducing reliance on irrigation systems.
How Traditional Rice Farming Affects Soil and Water?
According to research published on the National Library of Medicine, traditional rice farming relies on pesticide-treated seeds, which kill beneficial organisms and insects, negatively impacting soil biodiversity.
These pesticides not only harm the soil but also lead to water pollution in lakes and rivers due to the runoff of large quantities of nitrogen. This results in the death of fish and aquatic organisms, and the overgrowth of algae that consume significant amounts of dissolved oxygen in the water.
Such agricultural practices can also produce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change. The negative impacts are not limited to the environment alone — they also pose a serious threat to global food security.
As a result, it has become essential to seek sustainable agricultural alternatives that reduce emissions and mitigate climate change, which endanger all living beings and entire ecosystems.
