Hybrid Rice Development and Impact

China faces significant challenges in producing enough food for its population due to limited arable land. Yuan Longping, known as the father of hybrid rice, dedicated his life to improving rice yields. Starting in the 1950s, he focused on agricultural research and discovered a naturally occurring hybrid rice in the 1960s. After years of experimentation, a breakthrough was achieved in 1971, leading to the successful development of hybrid rice by 1973. This innovation significantly increased rice production in China and was later shared with countries in South Asia and Africa, enhancing global food security. Yuan Longping's work not only fed millions in China but also contributed to reducing hunger worldwide.

What was one of the main challenges China faced in ensuring food security?

• Lack of technology

• Poor irrigation systems

• Limited arable land

• Insufficient labor force

Who is known as the father of hybrid rice?

• Yuan Longping

• Gregor Mendel

• Norman Borlaug

• Robert Koch

In which decade did Yuan Longping make a significant discovery in hybrid rice?

• 1950s

• 1980s

• 1960s

• 1970s

What was the result of Yuan Longping's research on hybrid rice?

• Doubled the rice planting area

• Reduced water usage by 50%

• Increased rice yield by over 20%

• Decreased the need for fertilizers

Which countries benefited from the hybrid rice technology developed by Yuan Longping's team?

• India and Nigeria

• Brazil and Argentina

• Russia and Ukraine

• United States and Canada