Intl students learn about 'father of hybrid rice' at Changsha museum

As World Food Day and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty approached, international students from the China Agricultural University visited the Longping Rice Museum in Changsha, Hunan province, earlier this week.

This visit was part of their five-day field study in Hunan, themed "Agri-Food Systems and China's Agrarian Transformation". More than 20 master's and PhD students from 15 countries took part in the trip, which included visits to museums and historical sites, hands-on exposure to agricultural heritage, and in-depth household interviews.

The museum, which opened in 2019, serves as a showcase for the career and contributions of Yuan Longping, known as the "father of hybrid rice", and highlights China's rich rice farming culture and agrarian civilization. During their visit, the young researchers learned about the long history of rice cultivation in China, the life cycle of the rice plant, and, most importantly, the origins, development, and global impact of Chinese hybrid rice technology.

Thelma Rose Soual, a master's student from France studying social policy at the university, remarked on how much she learned about rice at the museum, including how it became a staple food for people in many parts of the world.

"It is important for us to understand that farmers are a pillar of our society," she said, adding that she was deeply impressed by Yuan's career and dedication to research.

"The career of Yuan Longping demonstrates persistence and commitment in finding solutions to the challenges faced by people," Blessings Chiwosi, a PhD student in development studies from Malawi, said. He noted that Malawi has greatly benefited from agricultural cooperation with China. For instance, the Science and Technology Backyard program has empowered many Malawian farmers with advanced agricultural production technologies.

"To produce more food and ensure food security in developing countries, it is essential, as China is doing, to support each other and share technologies and skills," he added.