Modern agriculture prospers in Huangpu

Modern agriculture is prospering in Guangzhou's Huangpu district as Yuan Longping, the "father of hybrid rice," had hoped it would.

On Nov 26, 2021, Huangpu became the first area in Guangdong province where the yield of early season rice and late season rice in the same field exceeded 1,500 kilograms per mu. The goal was proposed by Yuan in late 2020.

Behind the notable achievements, there were a number of challenges that had to be overcome, such as Guangdong's climate. The small diurnal temperature difference is not conducive to the transformation of crop protein and starch. In addition, the high temperature and heavy rainfall may cause pests and diseases.

Experts inspect the rice growth. [Photo/Nanfang Plus]

It is not just Yuan's dream that has come true in Huangpu, but also the dreams of many other farmers and scientists. In February 2021, Luo Xiwen, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, established his unmanned farm in the district. The entire process of sowing, fertilizing, pesticide spraying, and harvesting is automated.

Construction of a modern aerospace agricultural experience and exhibition center, the first phase of a Chinese modern aerospace agricultural innovation center, has also been completed in the northern part of Tianlu Lake Forest Park.

The output value of Huangpu's agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery industries realized a year-on-year increase of 7.9 percent in 2020, while the per capita disposable income of local rural residents has surpassed 40,000 yuan ($6,296).