China has taken a significant step towards enhancing its agricultural sustainability by releasing a comprehensive catalog of 105 tropical crop germplasm banks. This initiative highlights the country's commitment to preserving and utilizing its rich tropical crop resources.
The newly released catalog, disseminated by the Economic Development Center of China State Farms, showcases germplasm banks spread across eight provinces and autonomous regions, including Hainan, Guangdong, and Xizang. The announcement was made during an exchange event in Haikou, the capital of Hainan, a southern island province known for its diverse agricultural landscape.
To date, these germplasm banks house over 90,000 resources, ensuring the preservation of a wide variety of tropical crops. Among these, 73 banks are dedicated to single crops such as rubber trees, lychees, and mangoes, which are vital to both the local economies and global markets. Huang Hui, deputy director of the Economic Development Center, emphasized the importance of these resources in supporting sustainable farming practices and fostering agricultural innovation.
This expansive network of germplasm banks not only safeguards genetic diversity but also provides a foundation for future research and development in agriculture. By maintaining and utilizing these resources, China aims to bolster its agricultural resilience and contribute to global food security.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
