China has successfully completed its Third National Survey of Crop Germplasm Resources, a monumental effort spanning from 2021 to 2023 that aims to safeguard the nation’s agricultural biodiversity and bolster food security.
Conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the survey is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in China, covering 2,323 agricultural counties and gathering data from over 920,000 aquaculture households. Notably, aquaculture was included in the survey for the first time, highlighting the country’s commitment to understanding and preserving its aquatic agricultural resources.
Over the course of three years, more than 530,000 pieces of agricultural germplasm resources were collected. These resources are the building blocks of agricultural diversity, encompassing seeds, breeding materials, and genetic information crucial for crop improvement and resilience.
“We have achieved a thorough understanding of the types, quantities, distribution, and characteristics of various agricultural resources, laying a solid foundation for ensuring national food security and breeding innovation,” said Sun Haoqin, an inspector of the Seed Management Bureau at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
The survey’s extensive findings are expected to play a critical role in advancing China’s agricultural sector. By cataloging and preserving germplasm resources, China aims to enhance its ability to develop new crop varieties, improve yields, and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
As global challenges such as climate change and population growth intensify, the comprehensive data gathered from this survey positions China to contribute significantly to global food security efforts. The preservation and utilization of agricultural germplasm resources not only benefit China’s domestic needs but also hold potential importance for international agricultural developments.
Reference(s):
China completes third national survey of crop germplasm resources
cgtn.com
