Foreign youth honor Chinese 'father of hybrid rice' during a journey to Fujian

A group of African youth, visiting China for the 24th Chinese Bridge-Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, journeyed across continents to honor Yuan Longping, the "father of hybrid rice", whose innovations have safeguarded food security in their home countries.

They visited the newly opened Yuan Longping Rice Science Popularization Museum in Wuyishan, Fujian province, in August, where they learned about China's hybrid rice history, experienced rice harvesting, and even tried making rice-based handicrafts.

While visiting the museum, Nomenjanahary Rochellinah Raicha, 20, from Madagascar, whose Chinese name is Li Yusha, held up a 20,000 Ariary bank note from her country, which prominently features an image of golden hybrid rice — a heartfelt tribute from the people of Madagascar to the Chinese scientists.

Madagascar, being an agricultural nation, places great importance on rice. Over a decade ago, Yuan's team had ventured into the fields of Madagascar, teaching local farmers how to cultivate hybrid rice in a way that suited their environment.

Chinese hybrid rice has taken root in over 20 African countries. In Madagascar alone, the area under hybrid rice cultivation exceeds 75,000 hectares, with an average yield of 7.5 metric tons per hectare — about triple the yield of local varieties, according to China's National Development and Reform Commission.

"Rice is the major food in my country, and its picture is printed on our currency. I first learned about Yuan Longping in high school," Li said, adding that the opportunity to visit the fields in Wuyishan filled her with excitement, as it represented a deep connection between Madagascar and China.