HAIKOU, September 9. /TASS/. The Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) set up an open mechanism in Hainan's Sanya to develop the agricultural sector while using advanced technologies in plant breeding, reported the Sanya Daily.
According to the newspaper, the project is being implemented by a laboratory center and a research complex in Yazhouwan innovation zone (also known as Yazhou Bay Science City) with the participation of branches of several leading Chinese universities. The program enjoys active support from the Chinese government which intends to establish a “Selective Silicon Valley” on Hainan. The tasks of this complex structure include not only research activities, but also the widespread introduction of developments in agriculture through interaction with interested organizations and individuals.
"Our research and observation of harmful factors that hinder the development of plants are bearing new fruit. Recognized breeding brands are gradually emerging on Hainan," said deputy head of CATAS Guo Anping.
As he clarified, the climate in Sanya is ideal for the development of viable crops. Guo Anping said that this part of Hainan has excellent soils. "All this allows us to grow plants all year round," the deputy head of the academy added.
More than 100 highly qualified CATAS specialists are working on new varieties of rice and other agricultural products. They strive to create plants that can thrive in the presence of dangerous weeds, insects and diseases that can kill crops. With the state assistance, regular modernization of research technologies is underway, due to which, as expected, the breeding base at Yazhouwan will constantly create new promising developments.
China's leading plant breeding center
Hainan plays a key role in China's seed production program. Breeding projects carried out in the province annually draw the attention of several hundred research organizations, leading universities and enterprises. They are attended by thousands of specialists from different regions of China, as well as from other countries. The development in Sanya is closely related to the fate of the leading Chinese breeder, the "father of hybrid rice" Yuan Longping (1930-2021), who regularly visited the place in winter for the last 50 years.
According to the plans of the Chinese government, a developed research and production complex should be set up on the island in the coming years, capable of stimulating the intensive development of agriculture country-wide. It is assumed that thanks to the facilities located on the territory of Yazhouwan innovation zone, the authorities will be able to significantly enhance China's food security.