In contrast with the normal rice paddy which has been plagued by pests, the genetically modified paddy looks freshly green and robust. These fields are part of the Experimental Program on Genetically Modified Paddies.
This is a research project dedicated to large-scale GM cultivation, which is currently being conducted by the Fujian Provincial Academy of Agricultural Science in east China's Fujian Province.
Recently, an appraisal team visited the site to evaluate the project and concluded that the program had laid a solid basis for the further promotion of the new crop species.
In addition, experts from the team added that China's research has reached the highest international standard in this field.
The academy's genetic engineering laboratory has, since the launch of its experimental program in 2000, made a series of break-throughs.
For instance, it has established an efficient system for cultivating a pest-resistant genetically modified paddy which can provide more than 2,000 paddy plants each year.
According to Dr. Wang Feng, the program director, research outcome will soon be applied to improving production methods, which will then yield greater economic returns.
The laboratory has also conducted researches into how to change the composition of the amylum inside the rice, he noted, which can greatly improve rice quality.
Moreover, the laboratory plans to carry out further researches in the area, specifically with regard to producing a genetically modified paddy resistant to newly-discovered or new species of pests, Wang said.
(People's Daily September 6, 2002)
