Asia experiences growth in the hybrid rice market
Published on: May 2, 2024.
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Chinese Hybrid Rice Strain Boosts Food Security in Belt and Road Countries
By Liu Kun in Wuhan and Li Menghan in Beijing | China Daily | Updated: 2024-04-23 07:50
A hybrid rice strain developed in China is proving to be a game-changer for countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, significantly improving their food security. The Honglian hybrid rice, known for its resistance to diseases and pests, as well as its ability to tolerate high temperatures, has gained recognition in several South Asian and Southeast Asian countries including Pakistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
The Honglian hybrid rice was initially developed by Zhu Yingguo, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, dean of the Life Sciences Institute at Wuhan University, and the chief scientist of Wuhan Guoying Seed Corporation. This strain is not only of exceptional quality, but it also possesses valuable characteristics that are well-suited for BRI countries due to its disease resistance, pest resistance, and heat tolerance.
Last year, trial plantings of various rice strains developed by the company, such as the Honglian hybrid rice and the water-saving, drought-resistant rice, were conducted in Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysia. The results were astonishing, with yields reaching 11.08 metric tons of grain per hectare. This represents an increase of over 120 percent compared to local rice varieties, earning high recognition from local governments, agricultural authorities, and farming communities.
Following the success in Malaysia, Wuhan Guoying Seed Corporation has established a partnership and cooperation agreement with Sarawak’s agricultural department. This agreement aims to expand the Malaysian market, with plans to export 300 to 500 tons of rice seeds this year and 1,000 tons next year. In three years, the export volume is expected to reach 3,000 tons, generating over $10 million in revenue.
In the Philippines, the export volume of hybrid rice seeds has already reached an impressive 10,000 tons per year, resulting in earnings of approximately $30 million. The success of the Honglian hybrid rice strain has solidified its position as a solution for improving food security in multiple BRI countries, with its ability to deliver high yields and withstand challenging environmental conditions.
Source: China Daily
