Global Rice News

Seeds of Hope: China’s Hybrid Rice Yields Fruitful Crops in Pakistan

A report from China.org.cn

Innovative research conducted by Muhammad Ashfaq, assistant professor of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Punjab, has revealed the promising potential of Honglian type hybrid rice. Ashfaq collected over 2,000 samples of rice leaves from a pilot field and expedited them to the lab at Wuhan University in central China’s Wuhan city. The samples were essential for assessing the quality and performance of this rice variety.

Honglian type hybrid rice, developed by Wuhan University in 1972, is globally recognized as one of the three cytoplasmic male sterility hybrid rice varieties. With its high yield, adaptability, and resistance to high temperatures, this hybrid rice is particularly suitable for cultivation in countries along the Belt and Road initiative, especially those in hot climates plagued with plant diseases and insect pests.

Collaborative Research and Exponential Growth

The collaboration between the University of the Punjab and Wuhan University began in 2019 when Zhu Renshan and Wu Xianting traveled to the University of Punjab. Their research focused on high-temperature resistant genes, improved rice planting techniques, and enhancing rice quality. It was during this partnership that Ashfaq planted Honglian hybrid rice and observed a 12.5% higher yield compared to the best local variety.

The success of the joint research project led to the establishment of the Wuhan University-University of the Punjab Joint Research Center of Honglian Type Hybrid Rice in 2020. The project received national-level support and recognition in the following year. The research teams from both universities published groundbreaking research papers that garnered attention worldwide.

In a bid to familiarize himself with the new rice variety, Ashfaq visited Wuhan University to witness the 1,200 mu (about 80 hectares) Luohongyou 1564 rice field firsthand. Excitedly, he remarked that the tall plants with abundant rice ears indicated a high yield. In fact, each mu of the Luohongyou 1564 seed can yield up to 700 kilograms of rice, and with each mu of the seed field capable of being used to plant 200 mu of rice paddies, a staggering 140 metric tons of food can be produced.

Enthusiastic and eager to share this breakthrough with his colleagues in Pakistan, Ashfaq plans to introduce the Honglian hybrid rice on a large scale in his home country. Over the past five years, the research center has conducted trial planting and extensive promotion of Honglian hybrid rice in Pakistan. Building bases, organizing meetings, and providing training programs have sparked significant interest among local farmers, seed companies, and the government.

Enhancing Resilience: Overcoming Bacterial Leaf Blight

Continuing their mission to improve the Honglian hybrid rice, the research team at Wuhan University is currently focusing on enhancing the variety’s resistance to bacterial leaf blight. By cultivating a more robust and adaptive type of rice specifically for Pakistan, the team aims to further elevate agricultural productivity.

China’s commitment to sharing agricultural technologies with participating Belt and Road countries has been remarkable. To date, over 1,500 agricultural technologies, including hybrid rice, have been delivered. Honglian hybrid rice has had a profound impact on several Belt and Road partner countries. Over 70% of the hybrid rice imported by the Philippines from China is of the Honglian type. Furthermore, countries in Africa, such as Mozambique, Namibia, Kenya, and Chad, have successfully conducted trials of Honglian hybrid rice, with yields surpassing 85% of the local species.

With the successful implementation and growth of the Honglian type hybrid rice, China continues to play a vital role in improving agricultural practices and boosting food security in Belt and Road partner countries.

Source: Seeds of Hope: China’s Hybrid Rice Yields Fruitful Crops in Pakistan