Cibus and Crystal Crop Partner to Develop Gene-Edited Mustard Traits for India
Collaboration aims to combine Cibus’ gene-editing technology with Crystal Crop’s mustard breeding capabilities and distribution network to develop improved varieties for Indian farmers
01 October 2026, San Diego: Cibus, Inc., a plant biotechnology company, and Crystal Crop Protection Limited, an Indian crop solutions company, have entered into an agreement to develop gene-edited traits in Brassica juncea, commonly known as Indian mustard.
The collaboration will focus on developing improved mustard traits using Cibus’ gene-editing platform and evaluating and commercializing the resulting traits in India under an exclusive license to Crystal Crop.
Mustard is one of India’s major oilseed crops, cultivated across approximately 8.5 million hectares. Despite being the world’s largest mustard producer, India remains heavily dependent on imports to meet domestic edible oil demand, importing more than half of its consumption, or around 17 million tonnes annually.
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The companies said improved mustard varieties could help increase productivity and potentially improve farm-level returns while contributing to India’s efforts to strengthen domestic edible oil production.
Combining Gene Editing with Local Seed Expertise
Cibus’ technology platform is designed to make precise changes to a plant’s existing genes without introducing foreign DNA. The company says its approach can accelerate the development of improved crop varieties compared with conventional breeding methods.
Under the agreement, Crystal Crop will work with Cibus to develop gene-edited traits in Brassica juncea. Crystal Crop will subsequently evaluate and commercialize qualifying traits in India under an exclusive license.
Crystal Crop will contribute its mustard breeding and production program, knowledge of the Indian seed market and distribution network. As of March 31, 2026, the company had more than 14,823 independent distribution partners across 23 states and four Union Territories in India.
“Mustard matters to India the way few crops matter to any country. Improving it has real consequences for farmers and for the country’s food supply,” said Peter Beetham, Ph.D., co-founder, President and Chief Operating Officer of Cibus.
According to Beetham, the collaboration combines Cibus’ experience in making targeted genetic improvements with Crystal Crop’s understanding of Indian farmers and the mustard market.
Focus on India’s Oilseed Production
The collaboration comes as India seeks to increase domestic oilseed production and reduce its dependence on imported edible oils.
The National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds, launched by the Indian government in 2024, targets an increase in India’s oilseed production from around 39 million tonnes in 2022-23 to approximately 70 million tonnes by 2030-31. Genome editing is among the technologies identified under the mission.
Indian mustard yields are currently estimated at around 1,200–1,400 kilograms per hectare, compared with approximately 1,800–2,000 kg/ha in leading mustard-producing countries. Closing this productivity gap has remained a longstanding challenge for breeders.
Regulatory Framework for Gene-Edited Crops
India’s regulatory framework also provides a pathway for certain gene-edited crops. In 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change determined that plants developed through specific genome-editing techniques that do not contain foreign DNA would be exempt from the country’s biosafety regulations applicable to genetically modified organisms.
The regulatory distinction has enabled research and development around gene-edited crops in India, although individual products remain subject to applicable regulatory and varietal approval requirements.
“Crystal Crop is customized for Indian farmers through research and development including by collaborations with various multi-national companies, delivering relevant solutions that aim to enhance farm economics, yield, productivity and profitability,” said Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of Crystal Crop.
He said the company intends to combine its mustard varieties and distribution reach with Cibus’ technology to develop improved mustard options for Indian growers.
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