Yuan Long-ping, known as the “Father of Hybrid Rice”, is recognised worldwide for his scientific breakthrough in breeding high-yielding hybrid rice, the widespread cultivation of which in the rice fields of China has helped transform China from food deficiency to security in just a few decades.

Breeding hybrid crops for greater yields is a natural concept. However, before Professor Yuan’s pioneering work, it was widely accepted that this approach could not succeed for a self-pollinating crop like rice. Professor Yuan nonetheless initiated his research on developing hybrid rice in 1964, and, against all odds, finally succeeded in creating unique genetic tools that made hybrid rice feasible after nine years. In 1976, his hybrid rice, with 20% higher yield than traditional rice species, was put into commercial production in China. Since 1976, Professor Yuan has continued in his efforts to perfect the technology, as well as the quality and robustness of the hybrid rice produced.