Core Viewpoint - The first "I Choose, I Show" new variety selection event for water-saving and drought-resistant rice was held in Zhaoqing, showcasing innovative achievements in the industry and promoting high-quality development of the sector [12][10]. Group 1: Event Overview - The event took place on August 8, 2025, and included a field observation meeting to promote the application of water-saving and drought-resistant rice varieties [3][4]. - Representatives from 23 alliance units gathered to evaluate 83 new rice varieties, with assessments based on yield, resistance to lodging, industry potential, and rice quality [13][14]. Group 2: Selected Varieties - The top ten outstanding varieties selected included "Jieyou 136" and "Drought Resistant 761," which excelled in various performance metrics [15][16]. - Experts noted that varieties like "Drought Resistant 73," "Drought Resistant 3015," and "Drought Resistant 761" are suitable for early and late planting in South China [20][21]. Group 3: Future Goals and Applications - The selected varieties will be key targets for demonstration and promotion, with a goal to achieve 1 million acres of planting in Guangdong over the next 3-5 years [22][24]. - A field observation of marginal land reclamation demonstrated the successful application of drought-resistant rice, achieving a yield of 640.9 kg per acre on previously abandoned land [27][28]. Group 4: Research and Development Insights - Reports presented during the event highlighted the ecological advantages and practical applications of water-saving and drought-resistant rice, laying a theoretical foundation for further innovation [32][33]. - The potential of these rice varieties in reducing carbon emissions aligns with national carbon reduction strategies, expanding their green value [36][38]. Group 5: Industry Development and Future Directions - The event emphasized the importance of smart agriculture and the role of unmanned farming in the future of water-saving and drought-resistant rice cultivation [46][48]. - Water-saving and drought-resistant rice is increasingly recognized as a vital force in ensuring national food security and promoting sustainable agricultural development [49][51].

Group 1 - Guangdong's six departments have jointly issued a three-year action plan for the high-quality development of the under-forest economy from 2025 to 2027 [5][7][8] - The action plan aims to promote sustainable economic practices in forestry and agriculture, enhancing the integration of ecological and economic benefits [6][7] Group 2 - Recently, a demonstration of drought-resistant rice intercropping in fruit forests was held at South China Agricultural University, achieving a yield of 356.1 kg per mu [22][23][25] - This innovative ecological planting technique showcases the potential for increased agricultural productivity in previously unproductive land [23][24] Group 3 - Heytea has opened a new store at Apple's headquarters in California, marking its entry into Silicon Valley and becoming the first new tea brand in the area [27][28] - Over the past year, Heytea's overseas store count has increased more than sixfold, surpassing 100 stores globally, with a significant expansion in the U.S. market [28][29] - The brand's main products are priced at $7.99, with daily sales reaching thousands of cups [30]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of drought-resistant and water-saving rice varieties is transforming previously abandoned farmland in Guangdong into productive agricultural land, providing new solutions for food security and sustainable farming practices [4][5][39]. Group 1: Agricultural Innovation - The drought-resistant rice variety has achieved a yield of 611.9 kg per mu, surprising local farmers [4][39]. - This innovation addresses the issue of abandoned farmland in Guangdong, with the potential to expand arable land [5][39]. - The research team has integrated drought-resistant traits into high-quality rice varieties, marking a significant breakthrough in agricultural science [6][19]. Group 2: Environmental Impact - The drought-resistant rice can save 50% of water and reduce carbon emissions by 90% [11][16]. - It can be cultivated in various terrains, including dry and hilly areas, without the need for flooding or transplanting [12][16]. - The rice variety has shown resilience against flooding, maintaining good growth even after severe waterlogging [42][46]. Group 3: Economic Viability - The simplicity of planting and stable yields significantly reduce labor costs for farmers [55][59]. - In areas like Huizhou, farmers can achieve a net profit of over 600 yuan per mu from cultivating this rice [60][61]. - The "Drought-Resistant 73" variety has been recognized for its quality, competing well in the market [61][62]. Group 4: Strategic Goals - The research team aims to increase rice planting area by 100 million mu and produce an additional 50 billion kg of rice while reducing irrigation water usage and carbon emissions by 20 billion kg each [66][68].

Core Viewpoint - The successful harvest of water-saving and drought-resistant rice at the Sha Pu base in Zhaoqing demonstrates the potential of this new rice variety to enhance agricultural productivity and address issues related to abandoned land and ecological restoration [2][21]. Group 1: Harvest Results - The average yield of the water-saving and drought-resistant rice was measured at 611.9 kilograms per mu, showcasing its strong resilience and stable production [4][5]. - The trial involved 40 mu of land, marking the first harvest of this rice variety [2][22]. Group 2: Agricultural Practices - The rice variety used, Drought-Resistant 73, was sown at a rate of 2 kilograms per mu and is particularly suited for planting in previously abandoned land due to its strong drought resistance and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions [8][12]. - The cultivation method employed includes "dry direct seeding" and biodegradable film, relying on natural rainfall throughout the growth period [9][10]. Group 3: Environmental Impact - The water-saving and drought-resistant rice significantly reduces irrigation water usage, minimizes non-point source pollution and methane emissions, and lowers labor costs [15][17]. - This new rice variety is seen as a key solution for revitalizing abandoned and saline-alkali lands, contributing to national food security [21][23]. Group 4: Future Development - The South China Agricultural University plans to further optimize planting techniques and expand demonstration projects to promote the long-term development of water-saving and drought-resistant rice in Zhaoqing and Guangdong [24]. - This agricultural innovation is positioned as a benchmark for agricultural transformation, offering a "Chinese solution" for global food security challenges [25][26].

Group 1 - The province is facing severe challenges in rice production due to ongoing high temperatures, prompting the provincial rice industry technology system to engage experts for guidance to farmers [1] - Experts have been providing on-site instructions to farmers, focusing on water management techniques to improve rice growth during critical growth stages such as heading and tillering [1] - The implementation of "one spray multiple promotions" is recommended to enhance photosynthesis and improve rice's resistance to high temperatures, aiming to prevent diseases and pests [1] Group 2 - Henan Baodao Seed Industry Technology Co., Ltd. is a well-known rice breeding company in the province, primarily promoting water-saving and drought-resistant rice varieties [2] - The drought-resistant rice integrates high yield and quality characteristics with water-saving traits, requiring over 50% less water compared to traditional rice under good irrigation conditions [2] - Over 1 million acres of drought-resistant rice have been promoted across the province, indicating significant adoption and potential for further development in areas with severe water shortages [2]

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the Zhaoqing Huazhong Agricultural Water-Saving Drought-Resistant Rice Research Institute marks a significant step in advancing agricultural technology and promoting water-saving and drought-resistant rice varieties, which are crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in the region [2][19][47]. Group 1: Research Institute Establishment - The Zhaoqing Huazhong Agricultural Water-Saving Drought-Resistant Rice Research Institute was officially inaugurated on June 26 at the Zhaoqing Agricultural and Forestry Academy's Shapu base [2][19]. - The research institute aims to deepen research on water-saving and drought-resistant rice, accelerate the transformation and application of research results, and cultivate new agricultural productivity [3][4][47]. Group 2: Research Focus and Benefits - Water-saving drought-resistant rice integrates high yield, quality, disease resistance, temperature tolerance, water-saving, drought resistance, and ease of cultivation, significantly saving over 50% of irrigation water compared to conventional rice under paddy conditions [20][21]. - The breeding concept and strategy for this rice variety were proposed by Professor Luo Lijun in 2009, focusing on introducing drought-resistant traits from upland rice into traditional rice [22][23]. Group 3: Future Plans and Collaborations - The research institute's next phase will focus on improving the experimental base, including trial fields and storage facilities, and recruiting professional talent [26][28]. - A co-construction agreement was signed to provide a solid mechanism for variety selection and technical training, enhancing the research and application of water-saving drought-resistant rice [33][36]. Group 4: Field Demonstrations and Impact - Field demonstrations in Huai Ji County show promising growth in 6,000 acres of farmland using mature water-saving drought-resistant rice varieties, with ongoing trials in 500 acres at the Shapu base [39][40][41]. - The successful implementation of water-saving drought-resistant rice is expected to contribute significantly to national food security and sustainable agricultural development [43][49].

Core Viewpoint - The launch of the book "The Story of Water-Saving and Drought-Resistant Rice" highlights the significant agricultural technological advancements in China, particularly focusing on the development and impact of water-saving and drought-resistant rice [1][3][4]. Group 1: Technological Achievements - Water-saving and drought-resistant rice is a major original agricultural technology achievement in China, capable of saving 50% water and reducing methane emissions by over 90% [1][3]. - The "1522" development goal aims to increase rice planting area by 10 million acres, produce an additional 50 billion kilograms of rice, reduce water usage by 20 billion tons, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20 billion kilograms of CO2 equivalent [3][4]. Group 2: Environmental Impact - The cultivation of water-saving and drought-resistant rice can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, achieving over 90% reduction in methane and 97% reduction in other emissions [5]. - The new cultivation method, which includes dry direct seeding, is designed to be simple and low-cost, minimizing surface pollution and contributing to a low-carbon agricultural transformation [4][5]. Group 3: Economic Benefits - The first carbon trading transaction for planting water-saving and drought-resistant rice has been completed, estimating an additional carbon reduction revenue of 460 yuan per hectare, leading to a total annual revenue of 184 million yuan based on a promotion area of 400,000 hectares [5]. - The book serves as a bridge connecting technology and the public, showcasing the importance of water-saving and drought-resistant rice in ensuring national food security and promoting green agricultural development [6]. Group 4: Future Directions - The Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences plans to deepen collaboration with seed companies, universities, and research institutions to enhance the integration of production, learning, and research, thereby accelerating the innovation across the entire industry chain [3][4]. - The publishing group aims to continue documenting and disseminating high-quality scientific works to showcase China's technological advancements in agriculture [6].

Core Viewpoint - The water-saving drought-resistant rice is a significant agricultural technological achievement in China, capable of saving 50% water and reducing methane emissions by over 90% [1][2] Group 1: Agricultural Innovation - The water-saving drought-resistant rice integrates high yield and quality of traditional rice with drought resistance and water-saving features, allowing for cultivation without flooding and achieving similar yield and quality to regular rice while saving over 50% water [1] - The technology has been recognized with multiple awards, including the second prize of the National Technology Invention Award in 2013 and the first prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award in 2020 [1] - The total area promoted for water-saving drought-resistant rice has exceeded 30 million mu, with an annual planting area of 5 million mu [1] Group 2: Environmental Impact - The drought-resistant rice cultivation method can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 90% compared to traditional flooded rice cultivation, with methane emissions reduced by over 97% [2] - The carbon reduction methodology for this rice has been successfully registered, leading to additional carbon reduction revenue of 460 yuan per hectare, potentially generating an annual income of 18.4 million yuan based on a planting area of 400,000 hectares [2] Group 3: International Outreach - Since 2008, the water-saving drought-resistant rice has been tested and promoted in several African countries, with five varieties approved in four countries by the end of 2024 [3] - In Uganda and Ghana, 120,000 mu have been demonstratively promoted, resulting in an increase of over 7.2 million kilograms of rice and helping local farmers earn over 10 million yuan [3] - The research team aims to achieve the "1522" development goal, which includes increasing rice planting area by 100 million mu, producing an additional 50 billion kilograms of rice, and reducing water usage by 20 billion tons [3]