Henan province is one of the major grain production areas in China. It provides one fourth of the country's wheat output. Now the wheat in Henan province is entering its overwintering period. CGTN reporter Xia Ruixue followed a wheat expert to see how Chinese agricultural scientists work for global food security.
On a chilly winter morning, with temperatures hovering around 0 degrees, 71-year-old Professor Guo Tiancai was found inspecting the growth of wheat in his experimental field. A renowned wheat expert from Henan Agricultural University in central China's Henan Province, Guo has dedicated his entire career to the research of wheat breeding and cultivation.
GUO TIANCAI, Professor, Henan Agricultural University There're only 6 roots in this seedling. It's less than we expected. It was planted too deep in the soil.
Having experienced hunger in his youth, Guo Tiancai was inspired to pursue a lifelong dream of helping farmers grow better crops and ensuring that every family has enough food on its table. Over the years, he has successfully developed high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties capable of thriving in challenging climates. Even in retirement, he spends much of his time in the fields, working alongside farmers and teaching them modern agricultural practices.
GUO TIANCAI, Professor, Henan Agricultural University China's farmers and agricultural scientists have firmly shouldered the responsibility of ensuring food security. We have the capability to firmly hold the Chinese people's bowls in our own hands.
ZHANG FENG, Staff, Henan Saide Seed Co., Ltd. In the past, the wheat we ate produced a darker flour. Now we have strong-gluten, medium-gluten, and weak-gluten wheat. These varieties allow us to meet different tastes and preferences.
The National Bureau of Statistics announced on Friday that China's grain output reached a record-breaking 706.5 million metric tons in 2024, reflecting a 1.6 percent increase compared to the previous year. This milestone marks the first time in the nation's history when grain production has exceeded 700 million tons.
GUO TIANCAI, Professor, Henan Agricultural University While ensuring a stable increase in grain production, we must also improve the quality of our grain, reduce production costs, and enhance overall efficiency.
On December 6, Guo Tiancai was honored as the sole recipient of the 2024 Henan Provincial Award for Outstanding Contribution in Science and Technology. His remarkable contributions have earned him numerous national and international accolades. However, Guo and his fellow wheat experts remain relentless in their efforts. They continue to push the boundaries of agricultural innovation, striving to ensure global food security for generations to come. Xia Ruixue, CGTN, Zhengzhou, Henan Province.
