Farmers across China have been reaping a bountiful harvest, with over 70 percent of the country's grain crops already collected, according to recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
Bobai County of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is known for its hybrid rice seed production. Currently, over 40,000 mu (2,667 hectares) of rice for seed production is gradually maturing. Such rice is usually collected at 80 percent maturity before getting dried and the plump grains are selected as rice seeds to ensure high germination rates.
"Our rice seed production is based on orders with seeds sold on a fixed basis. Both the prices and market outlets are stable, ensuring a reliable market," said Li Minhui, a local rice seed producer. According to the Guangxi Agricultural Department, the total rice planting area in the region has exceeded 26.58 million mu (1.77 million hectares) this year, with harvesting anticipated to finish by mid-November. Notably, the mechanization rate for rice production has increased to 85.2 percent, an improvement from last year.
Also witnessing a good harvest is Pizhuang Town in east China's Shandong Province, with 26,000 mu (1,733 hectares) of rice fields producing excellent yields.
"This year, I planted more than 50 hectares of rice. Last night, I arranged for several more harvesters to join us in order to secure every grain of rice," stated Yang Baoping, head of a local rice cooperative.
Historically known for its challenges with flooding, Pizhuang has shifted its agricultural focus from wheat toward rice cultivation, adapting to its unique landscape. This year's autumn harvest is expected to be completed by October 24.
China sees good autumn harvest with grain collection exceeding 70 percent
The 2024 World Life Science Conference, co-hosted by Hainan University and the China Union of Life Science Societies, kicked off Saturday in Bo'ao Town of south China's Hainan Province, with over 300 renowned experts from 25 countries attending the event.
The event aims to provide an international platform for the life sciences field and contribute "Chinese wisdom" to the global health sector.
Among the experts are more than 60 academicians, including members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and four Nobel Prize laureates, who will take part in exchanges to discuss how life sciences research and tech innovation can address global challenges including major diseases, aging populations, and environmental pollution.
"I have other postdocs, two at Tsinghua University, and another at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. And I'm always discussing results with them and we are even continuing a collaboration. I come to China quite frequently. I am visiting many scientists all over the country. I will be happy to come back to see developments you may have in the years ahead," said Randy Schekman, 2013 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine.
During the conference, the Hainan Municipal People's Government and the China Union of Life Science Societies signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The two sides are expected to work together to shore up the application of scientific achievements and inject new momentum for regional economic and social development.
"Hainan University has established several teams in Qionghai, covering projects and cooperation in various fields such as drug research and development, medical devices and ecological environment. Starting with basic research, our focus is on transforming research outcomes into practical applications," said Luo Qingming, president of Hainan University, as well as an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
As an innovative platform, the event has also established an online center to build bridges for deep cooperation between entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists.
2024 World Life Science Conference kicks off in Hainan
