Chinese scientists have made an agricultural breakthrough that could feed more than 200 million people.
The scientists, from the Qingdao Saline-Alkali Tolerant Rice Research and Development Center announced on Tuesday that they were growing high-yield rice in saltwater.
Photo: Apdnews
The new strain had been previously tried and tested, but these scientists reportedly managed to nearly triple yields, to 4.5 metric tons per hectare, making it ready for commercialization.
Saltwater cultivation may boost China’s rice production by nearly 20 percent and will be able to feed more than 200 million people, according to research leader Yuan Longping, known as China’s “father of hybrid rice” for his pioneering work in this field.
Photo: Apdnews
The scientists from the Qingdao Saline-Alkali Tolerant Rice Research and Development Center announced on Tuesday that they were growing high-yield rice in saltwater.
Photo: Sohu
The new type of hybrid rice has been grown among 200 varieties of rice in Qingdao, a coastal city in eastern China’s Shandong Province. The researchers pumped and diluted seawater from the Yellow Sea, and then channeled it into the rice paddy fields.
Diluted seawater rice has already gone on sale. However, at 50 yuan (7.50 US dollars) a kilo, the new variety is eight times more expensive than traditional rice.
Source: Apdnews
