Global Rice News

President Dr. Arif Alvi honored the first-ever Chinese recipient of the Outstanding Contribution Award, Yang Yuanzhu, during the 14th Outstanding Contribution Award celebration hosted by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). Yang Yuanzhu, the head researcher for hybrid rice varieties and vice president of Yuan Longping Hitech, a renowned Chinese Agriculture company, was recognized for their remarkable contribution to the economic development and bilateral trade between Pakistan and China.

The award, created by the LCCI, aims to acknowledge individuals who have significantly contributed to the country’s economic growth. This year, a total of 13 people received the award, with Yang Yuanzhu being the first non-Pakistani recipient since its establishment.

During the event, President Dr. Arif Alvi delivered a speech praising the outstanding contribution of Chinese hybrid rice to Pakistan’s food production and foreign exchange earnings from rice exports. Under the leadership of Yang Yuanzhu, the Yuan Longping High-Tech R&D team successfully developed high-quality hybrid rice varieties suitable for the Pakistani market after 10 years of dedicated efforts.

For the past three years, the annual sales of hybrid rice seeds have averaged around 5 million kg, capturing about 40 percent of the market share and ranking first among all seed companies in Pakistan. This achievement has led to an annual increase of over 800,000 acres of mixed rice cultivation, resulting in a yearly growth of more than 1.5 million tons of rice and generating over $300 million in foreign exchange earnings. All of these accomplishments have greatly contributed to Pakistan’s grain production and overall economic development.

The collaboration between Yuan Longping High-Tech and Pakistan Guard Agricultural Services began in 1999 with the signing of a cooperation agreement to jointly develop hybrid rice in Pakistan. Over the course of more than 20 years, the two sides have worked closely together to promote hybrid rice cultivation in Pakistan, which has yielded fruitful results. In 2013, to further utilize the high-quality rice germplasm resources in Pakistan, Yuan Longping High-Tech established the Yuan Longping South Asia Seed Research and Development Company in the country.

This recognition of Yang Yuanzhu’s contributions marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and China and highlights the immense potential for collaboration in the agricultural sector. Through continuous efforts and partnerships like these, Pakistan’s rice industry can thrive and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

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