In an exciting collaboration, the University of the Punjab in Pakistan and Wuhan University in China have been working together for five years to develop heat-tolerant hybrid rice varieties. 🌾
Over the past half-decade, the two universities have focused on cultivating the Honglian type hybrid rice under high-temperature conditions, aiming to upgrade rice varieties in both countries. This joint effort is not just about improving yields; it's about securing the future of food in the face of climate change.
Wuhan University has shared seeds of three new rice varieties, which have been planted in test fields at the University of the Punjab. The Honglian type hybrid rice, a major scientific achievement from Wuhan University, holds a significant position in the international hybrid rice scene. It's known for its high yield, good quality, wide adaptability, efficient nitrogen use, and impressive tolerance to high temperatures.
In September 2023, Muhammad Ashfaq, an associate professor at the University of the Punjab and leader of the research project, visited Wuhan with over 2,000 fresh rice leaves collected from the test fields in Pakistan. 🌱
\"Behind these leaf samples may lie the key information for unlocking the heat tolerance genes of Honglian type hybrid rice. It is of significance for global food production and climate adaptation in the future,\" said Wu Xianting, a project leader from Wuhan University.
During his visit to Hubei Province, Dr. Ashfaq also explored a Honglian type hybrid rice seed production field in Luotian County. Established by the two universities in 2021, this 0.8-hectare field aims to promote the trial planting of new-generation hybrid rice in Pakistan.
With the hybrid rice seed output of the Luotian field reaching an impressive 4.68 metric tonnes per hectare this year, Dr. Ashfaq expressed his enthusiasm. \"I hope to plant these rice varieties in Pakistan as soon as possible, not only for trial planting but for large-scale cultivation,\" he said excitedly.
Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, China has shared over 1,500 agricultural technologies, including those related to hybrid rice, with countries around the world. This collaboration between China and Pakistan is a testament to the efforts made by scientists from both nations to stabilize global food supply and pursue sustainable development. 🌍
In a world facing the pressing challenges of climate change and food security, such cross-border collaborations are planting seeds of hope for a better future. 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
