In China, 8,696 Nanxian rice and shrimp seeds made a historic journey into space aboard the Shenzhou 16 spacecraft. This momentous event has paved the way for cutting-edge scientific research in agriculture, promising to revolutionize the grain industry and uplift farmers in the Dongting Lake area.

Agricultural Advancement Takes Flight

The seeds, entrusted to the capable hands of scientists and researchers, recently returned to Nanxian, Hunan. The Nanxian Rice and Shrimp Industry Research Institute, part of the Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, is set to spearhead comprehensive research on aviation breeding. Their mission encompasses experimental planting, rigorous evaluation and identification processes, and the exciting prospect of discovering new genes and germplasm. This concerted effort aims to propel the grain industry and farmers in the Dongting Lake area towards a future marked by increased production and income.

Space Breeding: A Revolutionary Frontier

Biological seed spaceborne experiments have emerged as a pivotal technology in space breeding. Offering a stark departure from traditional breeding methods, this technology boasts a remarkable ability to induce high mutation frequencies across a wide spectrum. With the potential to rapidly generate high-yielding, top-quality, and disease-resistant germplasm resources, it stands as a beacon of hope for the agricultural sector. This innovative approach, dubbed the ability to make “good seeds fly,” represents a crucial pathway to acquire outstanding crop variety resources.

A Remarkable Journey through Space

The seeds embarked on their journey into space on May 30, 2023, accompanying the Shenzhou 16 manned spacecraft. After enduring the harsh conditions of high vacuum, microgravity, and potent radiation in space, they safely returned to Earth on October 31. These rice seeds are a unique variety cultivated through a collaborative effort by Nan County and the Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

Nanxian’s Rising Star in Agriculture

Nanxian’s commitment to agricultural excellence is not a newfound endeavor. The region has been recognized with the prestigious “China Geographical Indication Certification Trademark” and the “Special Gold Medal of the 107th Panama Pacific International Exposition.” This has translated into a substantial regional public brand value of CNY 23.11 billion (USD 3.25 billion). In recent years, Nan County, situated in the heart of Dongting Lake, has tirelessly championed the high-quality development of the entire rice and shrimp industry chain. Today, the comprehensive output value of this industry exceeds CNY 16 billion (USD 2.25 billion), further elevating the regional public brand value to CNY 35.56 billion (USD 4.95 billion).