Global Rice News

President Dr. Arif Alvi presented the Outstanding Contribution Award to Yang Yuanzhu, a prominent Chinese researcher and vice president of Yuan Longping Hitech, a renowned Chinese Agriculture company. This award was given in recognition of Yuanzhu’s remarkable contributions to the economic development and bilateral trade between Pakistan and China.

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) hosted the 14th Outstanding Contribution Award celebration, where Yang Yuanzhu became the first non-Pakistani recipient of this prestigious award. The award was established by the chamber to honor individuals who have played a significant role in the country’s economic development.

During the ceremony, President Dr. Arif Alvi delivered a speech that praised the outstanding contribution of Chinese hybrid rice to Pakistan’s food production and foreign exchange earnings from rice exports. Yang Yuanzhu, under the leadership of Yuan Longping High-Tech’s R&D team, has successfully developed a range of high-quality hybrid rice varieties suitable for the Pakistani market over the span of ten years.

The sales of hybrid rice seeds have reached an average of 5 million kg per year, with a market share of about 40 percent, making Yuan Longping High-Tech the leading seed company in Pakistan. This has led to an annual increase of over 800,000 acres of mixed rice, producing an additional 1.5 million tons of rice and generating over $300 million in foreign exchange earnings each year. These achievements have made a significant impact on Pakistan’s grain production and economic development.

The collaboration between Yuan Longping High-Tech and Pakistan Guard Agricultural Services dates back to 1999 when they signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop hybrid rice in Pakistan. Over the past 20 years, both sides have worked closely to promote hybrid rice in Pakistan, resulting in successful cultivation and increased yields. In 2013, Yuan Longping High-Tech further established Yuan Longping South Asia Seed Research and Development Company in Pakistan to harness the high-quality rice germplasm resources in the country.

This recognition of Yang Yuanzhu’s achievements and dedication underscores the strong ties between China and Pakistan, particularly in the field of agriculture. The hybrid rice varieties developed by Yuan Longping High-Tech have not only contributed to Pakistan’s self-sufficiency in rice production but have also established the country as a leading rice exporter.

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