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Chinese savant backs hybrid rice technology

07/24/2008

A Chinese rice scientist, who was formerly with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), said hybrid rice technology “is the best technology that can make the Philippines self-sufficient in the staple.”

Dr. Weijun Xu, now with SL Agritech Corp. as vice president for research and development, said hybrid rice technology will likewise enhance the country’s socio-economic conditions thereby benefiting the board masses of its people.

He said of the many types of seeds used to boost rice production, “hybrid seeds have proved their worth.”

Dr. Weijun cited Prof. Yuan Longping, acknowledged in China as the “Father of Hybrid Rice” who was in the country in 2001 as guest of Henry Lim, chairman and chief executive officer of SL Agritech Corp.

Lim said Prof. Yuan made true his promise to him to transfer hybrid rice farming technology to the Philippines “to help our country attain rice sufficiency like what he did in China.”