China’s Hybrid Rice Sparks Bountiful Crops in Pakistan
Published on: November 11, 2023.
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WUHAN, China, Nov. 10, 2023 – Muhammad Ashfaq, assistant professor of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of the University of the Punjab, recently conducted research on the quality of Honglian type hybrid rice in Wuhan, China. The Honglian type hybrid rice, invented by Wuhan University in 1972, has been instrumental in international agricultural cooperation and aid due to its high yield and adaptability to hot climates.
In 2019, Zhu Renshan and Wu Xianting of Wuhan University collaborated with the University of Punjab to research high-temperature resistant genes and improve the quality of rice. Ashfaq planted Honglian hybrid rice and observed that its yield surpassed that of the best local type by 12.5%.
In 2020, the Wuhan University-University of the Punjab Joint Research Center of Honglian Type Hybrid Rice was established, receiving state-level support and recognition. The research teams on both sides have published significant research papers in the field of agriculture.
Ashfaq had the opportunity to visit the 1,200 mu (about 80 hectares) Luohongyou 1564 rice field in Wuhan University. Impressed by the high plants and rich rice ear, he eagerly shared his findings with his colleagues in Pakistan, expressing his desire to extensively cultivate the new hybrid rice in his home country.
The research center has been actively promoting the cultivation of Honglian hybrid rice in Pakistan by establishing bases, organizing meetings, and conducting training programs. This new rice variety has garnered significant interest from local farmers, seed companies, and governments in Pakistan.
China has been sharing its agricultural technologies, including hybrid rice, with Belt and Road partner countries. The Honglian hybrid rice has been particularly sought after, with over 70% of hybrid rice imported by the Philippines coming from China. African countries such as Mozambique, Namibia, Kenya, and Chad have also conducted successful trial cultivations of Honglian hybrid rice.
The research team at Wuhan University is currently focused on enhancing the hybrid rice’s resistance to bacterial leaf blight, with the aim of developing a more resilient and adaptable rice variety for Pakistan.
Summary:
Honglian type hybrid rice, developed by Wuhan University, is creating opportunities for international agricultural cooperation and aid. The high-yield, adaptable rice variety has been successfully cultivated in Pakistan and other Belt and Road partner countries, generating great interest from farmers and governments. Ongoing research aims to further improve the hybrid rice’s resistance to diseases and pests, ensuring its continued success.
