Chinese Hybrid Rice Varieties Tested at AFU, Rampur
Chitwan, August 12 – The Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, has begun testing 37 varieties of Chinese hybrid rice with support from China.
The hybrids, developed by the Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, were planted at the university’s crop science farm on Monday in the presence of Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song. Alongside the Chinese varieties, one Nepal-developed variety and eight commonly cultivated rice varieties have also been planted for comparison, according to Assistant Professor Suman Dhakal, Director of the Farm Directorate.
Speaking at the program held before the plantation, Bharatpur Metropolitan City Mayor Renu Dahal said the initiative was a result of the agreement reached during former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’s’ visit to China. She added that the project would serve as a milestone not only for Bharatpur but also for the entire nation.
Ambassador Song described the trial as a matter of pride for China, noting that the rice seeds were presented to Nepal as a gift symbolizing 70 years of China’s achievements in rice research.
AFU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Sharda Thapaliya highlighted the collaboration between the Chinese government, Bharatpur Metropolitan City, various organizations, and experts, saying such support had made the project possible. She expressed confidence that if successful, the trial would help expand rice cultivation areas and boost production in Nepal.
The event was attended by AFU Registrar Prof. Dr. Pushkar Bahadur Pal, Zhao Jiang, Country Director of the China Foundation for Rural Development, Project Coordinator Raju Baral, among others. AFU said it would conduct comparative research on the Chinese hybrids and Nepal’s traditional varieties and make recommendations based on the findings.
