Global Rice News

Seeds of Hope: China’s Hybrid Rice Revolutionizes Pakistan’s Agriculture

China’s hybrid rice has proven to be a game-changer for Pakistan’s agricultural sector, providing fruitful crops and offering hope for a brighter future. Developed by Wuhan University, the Honglian type hybrid rice has gained international recognition, making it a valuable asset in agricultural cooperation and aid programs.

Muhammad Ashfaq, an assistant professor at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of the University of the Punjab, recently conducted research on the quality of the Honglian hybrid rice. Taking over 2,000 samples of rice leaves from a pilot field at the university, Ashfaq ensured their swift delivery to the laboratory at Wuhan University. With its high yield, adaptability, and resistance to high temperatures, the hybrid rice proves to be ideal for cultivation in Belt and Road partner countries.

In 2019, researchers from Wuhan University visited the University of Punjab, initiating a collaboration to study high-temperature resistant genes, improve rice planting technologies, and enhance rice quality. Ashfaq planted the Honglian hybrid rice and witnessed a remarkable 12.5% increase in yield compared to the best local variety. This success led to the establishment of the Wuhan University-University of the Punjab Joint Research Center of Honglian Type Hybrid Rice in 2020, which received state-level support and recognition.

The joint research efforts yielded significant results, as research papers published by the teams garnered global attention from the agricultural community. Eager to witness the seed field firsthand, Ashfaq embarked on a field trip to Wuhan University. Standing before the vast Luohongyou 1564 rice field, spanning approximately 1,200 mu (80 hectares), Ashfaq was overcome with enthusiasm as he observed the tall plants with abundant rice ears, indicative of a high yield.

Each mu of the Luohongyou 1564 seed can produce 700 kilograms of rice, and the seed field has the capacity to cultivate 200 mu of rice paddies. As a result, the field can generate up to 140 metric tons of food. Ashfaq wasted no time in sharing this promising information with his colleagues in Pakistan, expressing his hopes to scale up cultivation of the new hybrid rice in the country.

Over the past five years, the research center has conducted trial planting and promoted the Honglian hybrid rice in Pakistan through the establishment of bases, organizing meetings, and facilitating training programs. The rice variety has captured the interest of local farmers, seed companies, and government entities. The Wuhan University research team continues to enhance the hybrid rice’s resistance to bacterial leaf blight, aiming to cultivate a more robust and adaptable rice variety tailored to Pakistan’s needs.

China’s commitment to sharing agricultural technologies with Belt and Road partner countries has been instrumental in transforming their agricultural landscapes. Apart from Pakistan, other countries along the Belt and Road, such as the Philippines and several African nations, have reaped the benefits of the Honglian hybrid rice. In fact, over 70% of the hybrid rice imported by the Philippines from China belongs to the Honglian type, while African nations including Mozambique, Namibia, Kenya, and Chad have witnessed successful trial cultivations with yields surpassing 85% of the local species.

The groundbreaking achievements in hybrid rice research and cultivation underline the contributions made by China to global food security and agricultural development. Thanks to initiatives like the Honglian hybrid rice, countries worldwide can look forward to a brighter and more sustainable future.

Source: [china.org.cn](https://technode.global){:target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”}