Hybrid tech cited for China's rice output

MANILA, Philippines – The successful story of hybrid rice in China has sparked its ambition to attain rice sufficiency through hybrid technology.

To fully develop agriculture and invigorate its rural economy, China, the most populous nation on earth, has popularized advance science and technology which today, has not only substantially raised its food production but has also improved the living standards of its farmers.

“This was the result of the successful implementation of hybrid rice production technology in China which enabled it to feed over 1.3 billion people and still be in a position to export its surplus in the world market,” said Henry Lim, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of SL Agritech Corp.

“Hybrid rice technology is one of the key technologies that can make the Philippines self-sufficient in rice. Local farmers growing the ordinary rice varieties can increase their yields many times more if they use hybrid seeds and the latest farming technology,” he said.

The Chinese government turned to hybrid seeds developed by Prof. Yuan Longping in the 1970s to turn around its rice production. In China, more than 60 percent of its rice lands are planted to hybrid rice.

Prof. Longping, dubbed China’s “Father of Hybrid Rice” who is himself a recipient of numerous international awards including the coveted Ramon Magsaysay Award, is the director of the China National Hybrid Rice Research and Development Centre in Changsha City in China.

He said the government’s investment in the hybrid rice program will have tremendous multiplier effect on the economy since farmers can earn a net income of P120,000 per hectare per season if they harvest 14 to 16 metric tons (MT) per hectare.

“Marami ng magsasaka sa buong bansa ang makapagpapatunay na ang inaani sa pagtatanim ng hybrid rice ay tatlong doble halos ang laki kumpara sa inaani sa pagtatanim ng inbred rice,” Lim said, adding that the additional yield of hybrid rice over inbred rice variety has been good for the country in terms of savings in rice importation.