China’s Hybrid Rice Cultivation in Pakistan Leads to Bountiful Crop Harvests
Published on: November 10, 2023.
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Muhammad Ashfaq, an assistant professor at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Punjab, recently conducted an important research project involving the examination of Honglian type hybrid rice. This rice variety, created by Wuhan University in 1972, is recognized as one of the top three cytoplasmic male sterility hybrid rice types worldwide.
To conduct the research, Ashfaq collected over 2,000 samples of rice leaves from the university’s pilot field. These samples were carefully packaged with dry ice to keep them fresh and were then expedited to Wuhan University for further analysis.
The purpose of the research was to assess the quality of the Honglian type hybrid rice planted at the University of the Punjab. This particular rice variety is known for its high yield, adaptability to hot climates, and resistance to plant diseases and insect pests. It is perfectly suited for cultivation in Belt and Road partner countries facing such challenges.
Collaboration for Research
In 2019, researchers from Wuhan University, Zhu Renshan and Wu Xianting, traveled to the University of the Punjab to collaborate on various aspects of rice research. This included studying high-temperature resistant genes, promoting advanced rice planting technologies, and improving rice quality.
During their collaboration, Ashfaq observed that the Honglian hybrid rice had a yield that was 12.5% higher than the best local variety. This significant increase in yield prompted further research and cooperation between the two universities.
In 2020, the Wuhan University-University of the Punjab Joint Research Center of Honglian Type Hybrid Rice was established. This center received state-level support and recognition, marking a significant milestone in their collaboration.
Field Trip to Wuhan University
In order to gain a deeper understanding of the new rice variety, Ashfaq visited Wuhan University for an on-site visit of their latest rice fields. He was particularly impressed by the Luohongyou 1564 rice field, which covered an area of 1,200 mu (about 80 hectares).
Ashfaq noted that the high plants with abundant rice ears indicated a high yield potential. Each mu of the Luohongyou 1564 rice field could yield 700 kilograms of rice. Additionally, the seeds from one mu of the field could be used to plant 200 mu of rice paddies, resulting in a potential yield of 140 metric tons of food.
Excited by these results, Ashfaq eagerly shared this information with his colleagues in Pakistan and expressed his desire to scale up the cultivation of this new rice variety in the country.
Impact and Future Research
The joint research efforts between Wuhan University and the University of the Punjab have not gone unnoticed. In the past five years, the research center has successfully conducted trial plantings and promoted the adoption of Honglian hybrid rice in Pakistan. This has garnered significant interest from local farmers, seed companies, and government entities.
Currently, the research team at Wuhan University is focusing on enhancing the resistance of Honglian hybrid rice to bacterial leaf blight. By developing a more robust and adaptable rice variety, they aim to further improve its cultivation in Pakistan.
Success Beyond Pakistan
The impact of Honglian hybrid rice extends beyond Pakistan. Many Belt and Road partner countries have also benefited from this innovative rice variety. For instance, over 70% of the hybrid rice imported by the Philippines from China is of the Honglian type. Additionally, several African countries, including Mozambique, Namibia, Kenya, and Chad, have conducted trial cultivations of Honglian hybrid rice, yielding impressive results surpassing those of local rice variants.
Overall, the collaboration between Wuhan University and the University of the Punjab has proved fruitful in advancing rice research and promoting the adoption of high-yield, adaptable rice varieties. Continued efforts and research in this field have the potential to significantly improve agricultural practices and food security in Belt and Road partner countries.
Source: China.org.cn
