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Working together for higher rice yields

Arize® from Bayer CropScience is intended to meet China’s growing demand for rice.

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Arize® from Bayer CropScience is intended to meet China’s growing demand for rice.

Bayer CropScience and the China National Rice Research Institute (CNRRI) have signed two agreements in the area of rice research and development. The partners will work together on trait development and breeding. “By introducing high-yielding hybrids, we intend to make a contribution to securing the world’s food supply,” said Professor Friedrich Berschauer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Bayer CropScience.

The company markets conventional hybrid rice varieties under the Arize® brand in countries that together represent over half of the world’s rice growing area. These include major rice producers such as India, Indonesia and Vietnam. High-quality Arize® seed combines excellent genetic purity with high yields.

The CNRRI is run partly by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). Bayer CropScience concluded a cooperation agreement with this institution in 2008 under which the parties are conducting an intensive dialogue in the areas of rice, cotton, canola, soybeans and safety assessment.

“CAAS attaches great importance to its cooperation with Bayer CropScience. Rice is the most important crop for Chinese agriculture. Through the signing of the agreement, we are looking forward to promoting and boosting food security in China,” said CAAS President Dr. Huqu Zhai.