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Xiaozhan Rice, a popular variety in China is harvesting at a field in Tianjin. Photo: Collected[/caption]
Chinese provincial authorities have been investing in funds and talent to improve new rice brands and for a while cultivating reputable varieties, as the nation has taken steps to strengthen food security.
The northern port city of Tianjin plans to turn its Xiaojun paddy cultivated area into a national favorite for the past few years, by 2022, by 66,667 hectares.
Beginning with the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), this breed gained a time-honored status in China because of its distinctive aroma and taste. However, the area under cultivation has decreased over the years.
Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed with agricultural experts and emphasized the importance of planting centuries-old quality grain, and called for further development of Xiaojian rice.
Responding to the President's call, Tianjin announced a Ziaojin paddy revitalization operation and injected 18 million yuan ($ 2.54 million) in funds to grow cultivable land from 20,000 hectares in 2016 to 53,333 hectares by the end of this year.
Most of these efforts have been finalized. During a recent conference by the local authorities, the total average production of Xiaojen paddy reached 11,940 kg per hectare.
Shen Xin, Party secretary of Tianjin Committee of Agricultural and Rural Affairs, said: "The city has teamed up with top research institutes and companies, including the Institute of Genetics and Biology Development under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin Food Group and Haiken Group for improving plantation standards, developing quality seeds and advanced planting technologies for the major plantation areas in Jinnan, Ninghe, Baodi and Xiqing districts."
In Baodi district, Tianjin Food Group has invested up to 30 million yuan to increase the plantation area to 2,066 hectares this year, according to Tianjin TV.
Provincial authorities in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province are spending 50 million yuan to promote Daohuaxiang Rice, one of China's most popular rice varieties. In East China's Jiangsu province, where Xiaozhan and Daohuaxiang were the dominant brands traditionally, authorities have unveiled Su Rice, a local brand, to boost regional rice plantations and sales.
Li Jiayang, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the academy is conducting research on a new rice variety that can help reduce diabetes. "If the new variety is promoted on a national scale, the overall health of residents will improve."
Source: CHINA DAILY
SZK
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