Global Rice News

Chinese scientists have made a groundbreaking achievement in agriculture by successfully developing fast breeding rice in desert greenhouses. Located in Hotan Prefecture, Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, this project has allowed rice to go from planting to harvest in just 75 days. This development is vital for year-round cultivation and fast breeding of crops in desert areas, as stated by the Institute of Urban Agriculture (IUA), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

The technology behind this achievement was developed by the chief scientist of IUA, Yang Qichang, and his research team. After five years of dedicated research, they were able to leverage the abundant solar energy in desert areas and implement measures such as multi-layer vertical soilless cultivation and artificial light source control. These methods significantly reduce the growth cycle of rice, shortening it by approximately 40% compared to rice cultivated in traditional fields. Notably, this breakthrough showcases the immense potential of agriculture in challenging environments.

Wang Sen, a researcher from IUA, explained that they used local rice and employed fast breeding techniques to cultivate the crop. The seedling cultivation took 15 days, followed by planting the rice seedlings in soilless cultivation tanks in February. By far, the entire production cycle only took 60 days. This accelerated timeline demonstrates the success and efficiency of the project.

The greenhouses in Hotan utilize vertical soilless cultivation technology, ensuring optimal growing conditions for rice. These conditions include light, temperature, water, air, and fertilizer, all controlled by intelligent LED supplementary lighting from artificial light sources. The facility maintains precise control over temperature, humidity, light intensity, and other factors. Although the costs of energy, operation, and construction are typically high, this experiment takes advantage of the abundant light and heat resources in the Taklimakan Desert, resulting in significantly reduced costs.

The implications of this achievement extend beyond rice production. This breakthrough can serve as a catalyst for further scientific research in the field, inspiring scientists to explore alternative solutions for national breeding and food security. The research team at IUA is also focusing on developing key technologies for the fast breeding of other staple crops like soybeans, corn, and wheat, as well as oilseed crops and cotton in desert greenhouses in Hotan.

The IUA has been at the forefront of exploring new technologies in agricultural infrastructure. In December 2023, they constructed a 10-meter-high unmanned greenhouse rack in Chengdu, Southwest China’s Sichuan Province. This rack, the tallest of its kind globally, automates various cultivation procedures, including sowing, thinning, harvesting, and packaging. This development demonstrates the institute’s commitment to advancing agricultural practices and embracing innovative solutions.

The successful cultivation of fast breeding rice in desert greenhouses represents a significant milestone in agricultural innovation. It not only showcases the potential for crop cultivation in challenging environments but also emphasizes the importance of scientific research in ensuring national food security. With ongoing efforts to explore new technologies and crops, the future of agriculture in China looks promising.

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