Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the legacy of Yuan Longping, the father of hybrid rice, highlighting his dedication to ensuring food security and his significant contributions to agricultural science [3][10]. Group 1: Historical Context - Yuan Longping graduated from Southwest Agricultural College in 1953 and began teaching at Anjiang Agricultural School, where he first encountered the issue of food scarcity [3]. - The inspiration for his dream of ensuring "everyone has enough to eat" emerged during a visit to a local production team, where he learned about the struggles of food shortages [3]. Group 2: Discovery and Research - Yuan discovered a natural hybrid rice plant in a trial field, which led him to realize the potential of hybridization for improving rice yields [5][6]. - In 1973, under the guidance of a scientific framework involving "incompatibility, maintenance, and restoration," Yuan and his team successfully cultivated high-yield hybrid rice, achieving a yield of 1,010 pounds per acre in a 1.2-acre test field [9]. Group 3: Personal Reflections and Legacy - The article describes Yuan's personal life, including his long tenure at the agricultural school, where he lived, worked, and raised a family, leaving a lasting impact on the institution [9]. - Yuan Longping passed away on May 22, 2021, but his dream of food security and the development of "sea rice" continues to inspire ongoing agricultural advancements [10].

Core Viewpoint - The development of a new dwarf rice variety named "Xiao Wei" has achieved a yield of 410 kilograms per mu, demonstrating significant potential in rice cultivation and breeding [1][4]. Group 1: Research and Development - The research team at the China Rice Research Institute focuses on both normal and atypical rice phenotypes to unlock genetic secrets, utilizing molecular biology to enhance breeding techniques [2][3]. - The discovery of "Xiao Wei" stemmed from a 17-year effort involving gene mutation and hybridization, aiming to create a rice plant that can thrive in limited space while maintaining yield [2][3]. Group 2: Genetic Improvement - "Xiao Wei" initially had several deficiencies, including weak stems and underdeveloped grains, which required extensive genetic optimization to achieve its current form [3]. - The research process involves numerous mutation experiments and hybridization efforts, with a typical rice lifecycle taking 4 to 5 months and requiring at least six generations for trait stabilization [3][4]. Group 3: Broader Impact and Collaboration - The genetic resources of "Xiao Wei" have been shared with over 100 agricultural research institutions across China, fostering collaboration to explore its full potential [4]. - The ongoing efforts in rice breeding are supported by a significant collection of over 80,000 genetic resources stored in low-temperature facilities, which serve as a vital repository for research and development [5].