Ancient rice strain back on Chinese tables

NANCHANG - The mountainous terrain of Jiangxi province in eastern China is the birthplace of rice cultivation, which dates back to around 10,000 years ago.

In 1995, archaeologists tested phytoliths - microscopic pieces of silica found in plants that persist in the soil long after the plant has died and decayed - found in Wannian county in eastern Jiangxi. They concluded that Wannian was the first place in the world where rice was cultivated as a crop.

"Wannian rice is remarkably old, a prototype variety if you like," said Wang Bingwan, former head of the county museum, who took part in the research.