Space seeds handed over in China's Hainan Province for selection, cultivation before planting

A handover ceremony for space seeds carried back by China's first reusable and returnable test satellite Shijian-1 was held recently in Longquan Town of Haikou City, south China's Hainan Province.

The seeds include four varieties: taro, black beans, sesame, and lotus seeds, totaling 102 grams.

These seeds were selected by the Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Longhua District, Haikou City.

After the handover, the seeds will not be immediately planted but will first be sent to the Tropical Agricultural and Forestry College at Hainan University for selection and cultivation.

This ensures that the seeds adapt to Earth’s environment while retaining their excellent qualities before they are trial-planted and promoted for broader agricultural use.

"Although we can't see any apparent differences in the appearance right now, some genetic variations have already occurred in their DNA. We need to use specific techniques to screen and identify the best seeds, which will then be developed into new varieties," said Wang Jian, professor from Tropical Agricultural and Forestry College, Hainan University.

"Our primary goal is to increase yield and promote these seeds to local farmers. Ultimately, we aim to transform technological achievements into productive forces, boosting farmers' incomes and improving agricultural efficiency," said Wang Luzhuang, Party official of the Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Longhua District, Haikou City.

Space breeding involves sending plant materials, such as seeds, into space via returnable satellites and manned spacecraft.

These seeds are exposed to cosmic rays, microgravity, high vacuum, and other space environmental factors, inducing genetic mutations.

Once they return to the Earth, these mutated seeds are selected and cultivated to breed new crop varieties. This innovative agricultural technology injects new vitality into the development of agriculture and has the potential to increase yields and improve crop resilience.

Space seeds handed over in China's Hainan Province for selection, cultivation before planting

The delegation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Chinse People's Armed Police Force to the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, held group meetings to review the government work report on Wednesday afternoon in Beijing.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered the government work report on behalf of the State Council at the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday morning.

Zhang Youxia, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), said that the extraordinary achievements made by the Party, the country and the military over the past year have proved that no difficulties or obstacles can stop China from advancing the historical process of national rejuvenation.

He stressed that the entire military forces must focus on achieving the centenary goal of the PLA, comprehensively enhance the military's capability to fight and win, and accelerate the advancement of the modernization of national defense and armed forces.

He Weidong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice chairman of the CMC, said that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, China has made new solid strides forward in advancing Chinese modernization, urging the whole military to strengthen military training and combat readiness, promote the implementation of plans, unswervingly enforce discipline while combating corruption to achieve the centenary goal of the PLA.

Military delegation to NPC annual session reviews gov't work report