Scientists have long been working to increase yields for Rice, Wheat and other grains, in hope of feeding the world’s hungry. Now, Chinese researchers report that they have not only developed but commercialized a new strain of Rice that grows in Salt water. It’s a breakthrough with huge potential…
New Salt-tolerant Rice developed in China could feed billions around he world…
Actually, the scientists have started commercial trials on four new varieties of Salt-tolerant Rice and early yields have impressed everyone involved – as much as twice what the developers expected.
That’s the good news.
The bad news is, Salt-tolerant rice still costs about four times what regular Rice costs, so many of China’s hungry millions can’t afford it.
But there’s an up-side…
China has at least one million square kilometres of land where the new Rice could grow. Brought into production, that much land could feed 2 billion Chinese – or anyone else, for that matter. And Rice is a key staple the world over, not just in Asia. In addition, the infrastructure needed to grow all that Rice would provide a major economic boost wherever it takes root. Lots of jobs. And, most importantly, mass cultivation of the new Rice would bring the price down dramatically.
So it appears that at least one of the biggest problems associated with the world’s ballooning population has been solved. But other breakthroughs will be needed, especially in light of the changes to growing conditions that Global Warming is already bringing to many of the world’s most productive growing regions…
~ Maggie J.