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NEW DELHI: Six months after releasing world’s first genome-edited rice varieties, Centre may soon approve release of genome-edited mustard which has potential to produce more oil with low pungency.Developed by Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council – National Institute of Plant Genome Research, genome-edited lines in mustard are currently being evaluated under ICAR – All India Coordinated Research Project trials. Besides rice and mustard, Indian Council of Agricultural Research has initiated genome editing in 24 field crops and 17 horticultural crops.The move will help India diversify to the gene-edited technology at a time when genetically modified (GM) technology faces opposition, preventing govt from releasing any new GM varieties beyond BT cotton – the only variety that is allowed for commercial cultivation. Genome-edited crops are different from GM crops.
