India’s gene-editing classification of SDN-1, SDN-2 and SDN-3 has carved out a non-GM exemption route. Discuss the science and the policy implications for Indian agriculture.

Introduction: An MoEFCC office memorandum of March 2022 exempts SDN-1 and SDN-2 genome edits without foreign DNA from the GM-organism regulation under Rules 1989; DBT Safety Assessment Guidelines for Genome Edited Plants (2022) provide the science backbone.

Body: First, the science — SDN-1 introduces targeted breaks with no template (knock-out), SDN-2 uses small templates for point edits, SDN-3 inserts large transgenes; only SDN-3 falls under the EPA 1986 GMO framework. Second, policy impact — Kamala (DRR Dhan 100) and Pusa DST Rice 1 were released on 4 May 2025 under the SDN-1 exemption, yielding ~19% gains. Third, the Supreme Court split verdict on GM mustard DMH-11 (July 2024) directed a National GM Crop Policy; civil-society groups challenge the SDN exemption over inadequate consultation.

Way forward: Pass the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority Bill, mandate PPV&FR Act 2001 registration of edited varieties, and publish transparent biosafety dossiers by 2027 under DBT.