China’s Hybrid Rice Boosts Crop Yields in Pakistan, Encouraging Hope
Published on: November 11, 2023.
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WUHAN, China, Nov. 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A report from China.org.cn:
Muhammad Ashfaq, an assistant professor at the University of the Punjab’s Institute of Agricultural Sciences, recently conducted a groundbreaking study on rice leaves in Wuhan, China. In collaboration with Wuhan University, Ashfaq collected over 2,000 fresh rice leaf samples from the university’s pilot field. To ensure the freshness of the samples, they were carefully covered with dry ice and expedited to the Wuhan University lab.
These rice leaf samples are of paramount importance as they help examine the quality of the Honglian type hybrid rice, a variety developed by Wuhan University in 1972. This rice strain, known for its high yield, adaptability, and resistance to high temperatures, is ideal for cultivation in Belt and Road partner countries with hot climates and frequent plant diseases and insect pests.
The collaboration between Wuhan University and the University of the Punjab began in 2019 when Zhu Renshan and Wu Xianting of Wuhan University visited the University of Punjab. The purpose of the visit was to conduct research on high-temperature resistant genes, promote rice cultivation techniques, and improve rice quality. During this time, Ashfaq planted Honglian hybrid rice in Pakistan and observed a remarkable 12.5% increase in yield compared to the best local variety.
In 2020, the Wuhan University-University of the Punjab Joint Research Center of Honglian Type Hybrid Rice was established with support and recognition from the government. The research teams from both universities published influential research papers in the agricultural field, drawing global attention.
Ashfaq, eager to witness the results firsthand, visited the Luohongyou 1564 rice field in Wuhan University spanning 1,200 mu (approximately 80 hectares). Overwhelmed with excitement, he marveled at the tall stalks and abundant rice ears, which are indicative of a high yield. Each mu of the Luohongyou 1564 seed can produce 700 kilograms of rice, while the entire seed field can be used to cultivate 200 mu of rice paddies, resulting in an impressive 140 metric tons of food.
Enthusiastic about the potential of this new rice variety, Ashfaq plans to introduce it on a large scale in Pakistan. Over the past five years, the research center has successfully conducted trial plantings and promoted Honglian hybrid rice in Pakistan through the establishment of cultivation bases and organizing meetings and training programs. This initiative has garnered significant interest from local farmers, seed companies, and governments.
Wuhan University’s research team is currently focused on enhancing the resistance of Honglian hybrid rice to bacterial leaf blight, with the aim of cultivating a more resilient and adaptable rice strain for Pakistan.
China’s commitment to sharing agricultural technologies with Belt and Road partner countries has resulted in the delivery of over 1,500 technologies, including hybrid rice, in the past decade. Honglian hybrid rice has particularly benefited various partner countries, such as the Philippines, where over 70% of imported hybrid rice is of the Honglian variety. African countries such as Mozambique, Namibia, Kenya, and Chad have also conducted successful trials of Honglian hybrid rice, with yields surpassing 85% of that of local species.
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