In a groundbreaking partnership, the University of the Punjab in Pakistan and Wuhan University in China have been conducting joint research on cultivating Honglian type hybrid rice under high-temperature conditions for the past five years.
The collaboration aims to upgrade rice varieties in both countries, enhancing their resilience to climate change and contributing to global food security. Wuhan University has provided seeds of three new Honglian hybrid rice varieties, which have been planted in test fields at the University of the Punjab.
Honglian type hybrid rice, a significant scientific achievement of Wuhan University, holds a prominent position in the international hybrid rice sector. Known for its high yield, good quality, wide adaptability, high nitrogen use efficiency, and tolerance to high temperatures, it is a promising solution for regions facing climate-induced agricultural challenges.
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 be 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, Ashfaq also toured a Honglian hybrid rice seed production field in Luotian County. Established by the two universities in 2021, the 0.8-hectare field is dedicated to promoting the trial planting of next-generation hybrid rice in Pakistan. The field symbolizes the joint efforts of scientists from both countries to stabilize the global food supply and pursue sustainable development.
With the hybrid rice seed output of the Luotian field reaching 4.68 metric tonnes per hectare this year, Ashfaq expressed excitement about planting these rice varieties in Pakistan on a larger scale. “We hope to plant these rice varieties in Pakistan as soon as possible, not only for trial planting but for large-scale cultivation,” he said.
Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, China has shared over 1,500 agricultural technologies, including hybrid rice techniques, with countries around the world. This collaboration between Pakistan and China exemplifies the shared commitment to addressing global challenges through technological innovation and cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
