Sugar-free dryland rice boosts farmers' income

The rice planting base in Hedong district, Linyi, recently celebrated the first harvest of the low-sugar hybrid rice variety known as "Hanxiang No 1." Despite enduring over two months of drought during this year's growing season, the sugar-free dryland rice showed impressive resilience, yielding full golden grains.

Sun Yunsheng, general manager of Shandong Shikefeng Intelligent Agricultural Equipment Co, highlighted the rice's strong drought resistance and its well-developed root system, which helped ensure healthy growth under challenging conditions.

The sugar-free dryland rice harvest site. [Photo provided by Zhong Jiping/For chinadaily.com.cn]

"Hanxiang No 1" is noted for its high content of resistant starch, which is not easily converted into glucose after consumption. This quality helps increase satiety while minimizing spikes in blood sugar levels, making it particularly beneficial for diabetic patients.

The sugar-free dryland rice harvest site. [Photo provided by Zhong Jiping/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Launched in 2023, the rice sells for 20 yuan ($2.84) per pound, with a projected income of 25,000 yuan per hectare ($3,545). The straw from "Hanxiang No 1" can be used as feed and industrial material, promoting sustainable agriculture. Its cultivation improves land use and optimizes crop structures. The introduction of new rice varieties has expanded the planting area to over 8093.7 hectares, boosting farmers' incomes. (Edited by Lin Li)