RICE AS BIG AS PEANUTS!

China has successfully cultivated the “giant rice,” as big as peanuts which has grown to over two meters — twice as tall as regular rice. Netizens called it a ‘dream coming true’’ moment for beloved “father of hybrid rice’’ Yuan Longping, who passed away this year.

This unique type of rice was cultivated in Southwest China’s Chongqing for 10,000 square meters and is expected to be harvested this month. Chen Yangpiao, the deputy director of Chongqing branch of China National Hybrid Rice Research and Development Center, said that the giant rice was raised in Chonqing’s Changhong village in April this year and seedlings were planted in May. The yield per mu is likely to reach 750-900 kilograms.

The high yielding and tall rice can withstand floods and even help simultaneous small fish production with standing water.

According to Chen, the average height of each rice plant is between 1.8 meters and 2.25 meters, much taller than the ordinary one. This type of rice has sturdy and tall rice stalks, it’s also resistant to flooding and salt-alkali soil. It can also bring sufficient nutrients to the plants nearby and provide the best habitat for aquatic and mammals for shelter.

When rice fields where the “giant rice” is located store a 60–80 centimeter-depth of water, the field would be conducive to raise fishes, shrimps, or crabs. Starting next year, thousands of fields will conduct this type of project in Chongqing.

Chinese netizens hailed it as a “dream coming true’’ moment for China’s “Father of Hybrid Rice” Yuan Longping. Many posted online to pay respect to Yuan after reading the news, saying “your dream is gradually coming true, can you see it.” Yuan had said “I dream that rice will grow as high as sorghum, its ears as long as a broom, and the grains as big as peanuts, while my assistant and I are sitting under the ears of rice to enjoy the cool day.” The top rice scientist, who cultivated the first high- yield hybrid rice strain, died at 91 in Changsha in May this year.

Source: Himalayan News Chronicle