Cibus and AgVayā Collaborate to Introduce Gene Editing Solutions for Indian Rice Growers

Cibus and AgVayā collaborate to introduce Indian rice growers to new solutions for scaling crop productivity through advanced gene editing. The companies will define market strategies, build partnerships, and accelerate the introduction of Cibus' gene editing technologies into India's rice seed industry. The goal is to develop more resilient and productive rice varieties that address challenges such as dependence on pesticides and climate resilience. The partnership aims to accelerate breeding timelines in India by more than a decade and make modern seed technologies more accessible.

Cibus (Nasdaq: CBUS), a leading agricultural technology company, has entered into a strategic partnership with AgVayā to introduce advanced gene-editing technologies into India's rice seed industry. The collaboration, announced on October 16, 2025, aims to accelerate the development of resilient, high-yield rice varieties and reduce dependence on pesticides, according to a Stocktitan report.

The agreement, which includes market strategy, stakeholder partnerships, and R&D and commercial collaborations, targets advanced herbicide and sustainability traits. Cibus and AgVayā will work together to make modern seed technologies more accessible across India's decentralized agricultural ecosystem, the article said.

India, the world's second-largest producer and largest exporter of rice, has approximately 50 million hectares (125 million acres) under cultivation. The partnership aims to leverage Cibus' gene-editing technologies to reduce breeding timelines in India by more than a decade, improve access to modern seed technologies, and enhance climate resilience, the Stocktitan article noted.

Key risks for the collaboration include successful local R&D transfers, regulatory acceptance, and effective partnerships with seed companies and public agencies. The partnership follows Cibus' recent material transfer agreement with CIAT/FLAR for Latin America, indicating a pattern of regional collaboration, the article added.

The collaboration is expected to deliver concrete milestones such as local R&D partnerships, regulatory submissions or approvals, and announced commercial seed launches. These milestones will provide insights into the near-term progress of the initiative, the article said.