Ever thought tiny seeds could be a nation's big deal? 🤔 In China, seeds are becoming the new superheroes of national security! 🇨🇳🌱
Meet Chen Qingshan, a soybean breeding expert at Northeast Agricultural University—one of China's top agricultural universities nestled in the soybean heartland of Heilongjiang Province. Chen and his team are on a mission: to speed up the breeding of new soybean varieties and help China achieve self-sufficiency in soybean production. 🌾🚀
\"The soybean is a pain point for the country,\" Chen admits. With geopolitical tensions on the rise, especially the ongoing Ukraine crisis, China is feeling the pressure to reduce dependence on imported soybeans. 🛢️🌍
But why all the fuss over soybeans? 🤷♀️ Turns out, seeds are the \"chips\" of agriculture—they're tiny but mighty! Just like how semiconductors power our gadgets, seeds power our food supply. And germplasm, the living genetic resources, are the very building blocks of seed breeding. 🧬💡
Back in July 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that \"germplasm security should be elevated to the strategic height of national security.\" 🌟 That's a big deal! It means China is putting serious effort into controlling its agricultural destiny, starting from the ground up. 🌏💪
For Chen and his team, this isn't just about farming—it's about the future. By making breakthroughs in soybean germplasm, they're not only boosting crop yields but also strengthening the nation's food security. 🍲❤️
So next time you see a soybean, remember it's more than just a humble bean—it's a seed of national importance! 🌱✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
