Experimental transplantation of Chinese hybrid rice begins in southern Nepal

(ECNS) -- The trial transplanting of Chinese hybrid rice began Monday in Chitwan, southern Nepal.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song joined agricultural experts from both countries at a local rice demonstration park, planting hybrid rice seedlings in the fields. Just a month earlier, the park had successfully cultivated seedlings of 37 Chinese hybrid rice varieties adapted to Nepal's climate.

In his remarks, Chen described the hybrid rice project as a 70th anniversary gift of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He added that self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and self-strengthening in agriculture have been the long-held aspirations of the Nepalese people.

Chen said this initiative marks China's first large-scale, systematic support for Nepal's agricultural sector. He pledged further cooperation, including training local agricultural science and technology professionals. Future projects will also explore potato cultivation in Chitwan.

Bharatpur Mayor Renu Dahal said introducing Chinese hybrid rice technology would boost local agricultural productivity, improve livelihoods, and strengthen food security. 

(By Gong Weiwei)