'Father of rice': Yuan Longping, who developed the first hybrid rice strains, dies at 91

Yuan Longping, China’s agronomist who is known to boost rice harvests in country during Cultural Revolution era with hybrid varieties and is also recognised as ‘far of hybrid rice’ has passed away at age of 91 on May 22, reported news agency Xinhua. Reportedly, he died in a hospital in Changsha, capital city of central Hunan Province around 1 PM on Saturday (local time). However, report did not specify illness that Longping succumbed to. He was also among first batch in 2019 of “Republic Medal” recipients, highest order of honour in China.

Longping cultivated world’s first high-yielding hybrid rice strain in 1973, eventually, it grew into a large scale production in China as well as or nations to raise output. As per report, it was his research that “pulled countless people out of hunger” as food security and self-supply efficiency remains China’s communist regime’s topmost priority. Longping was also honorary chairman of Shenzhen-listed Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Co. which is a seed maker controlled by Chinese conglomerate CITIC Group.

Condolences pour in for Longping and his family

Soon after news was reported by Xinhua, condolences started pouring for Longping and his family on social media. Chinese Foreign Minister spokesperson Lijian Zhao also posted a heartfelt message for ‘far of rice’ and hailed his contribution to fighting hunger in country. Zhao said “rest in peace” and shared an image of agronomist who was born in 1930. image also showed famous and most recalled lines by Longping that said, “Everyone in world should have enough eat.”

While his high-yielding hybrid strain developing technique was used across globe, in following four deces after 1973, ‘far of rice’ continued to research and upgre hybrid rice. As per reports, research has reached its third generation with Longping conducting a study in a seed breeding base in Hainan. In China, reportedly rice is staple for majority of 1.4 billion population and reportedly planting area of hybrid rice has exceeded 16 million hectares, which helps food supply to 80 million people in a year.

IMAGE:  @Jiaqi_Shih/Twitter