China honors IRRI for contributions to food security and science
Dated: 16 June 2008
China has given one of its most prestigious scientific awards to the Philippines-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for making an “important contribution to improve grain output, agricultural efficiency, and (the) income of farmers”.
It is the first time the International Science and Technology Award of the People’s Republic of China has been given to an organization rather than an individual.
It was presented by China State Councilor Liu Yandong to IRRI Director General Robert S. Zeigler at a special award ceremony in Beijing on 5 June 2008.
Higher-yielding rice varieties – which IRRI’s scientists helped develop – are grown across China, adding millions of tons to national yields and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in additional income for rice farmers.
China’s self-sufficiency in rice is crucial for world food security, especially with international rice prices near record highs and rice production under unprecedented pressure.
Since official relations were established in 1981 after initial visits in the late 1970s, IRRI has also helped train and educate hundreds of rice scientists and researchers from China and played a key role in the creation of the China National Rice Research Institute.
Today, IRRI coordinates and works on a wide range of scientific projects across China.
It’s the second time the Institute’s work in China has been recognized with this award.
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