Chongqing – A seed innovation from China's Chongqing has recently received global recognition for advancing sustainable agriculture and improving food security in South Asia.

At a ceremony held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome, Chongqing Zhong Yi Seed Co., Ltd. was honored for its work in developing, validating, and promoting seed production practices for improved hybrid rice varieties in Bangladesh. 

The recognition marks a milestone for China’s seed industry, as Zhong Yi became the only Chinese enterprise this year to receive the FAO’s prestigious award for advancing sustainable and innovative agricultural solutions.

Chongqing Zhong Yi Seed Co., Ltd. received FAO global technical recognition for sustainable plant production and protection. (Photo/Chongqing Zhong Yi Seed Co., Ltd.)

Zhong Yi Seed's project in Bangladesh, one of the world's most densely populated countries, demonstrates how technology transfer and local collaboration can increase crop yields, enhance livelihoods, and support the development of local economies.

"This honor recognizes both our scientific innovation and our mission to promote food security through sustainable agricultural practices," said a representative of the company.

Founded in 1994, Zhong Yi Seed has grown into a national leader in hybrid breeding, integrating research, production, and commercialization. Its high-yield seed varieties are now cultivated in more than ten countries and regions across Asia and Africa.

Bangladesh, a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), faces severe pressure on food production with a population of around 172 million and limited arable land. To address these challenges, Zhong Yi partnered with Dianjiang County — Chongqing's only national-level rice seed production base — to develop a joint model linking local governments and enterprises in innovation. The partnership established a complete industrial chain for breeding, cultivation, processing, and marketing, laying the groundwork for the company's overseas expansion.

Under the BRI, scientists began field trials in Bangladesh to test adaptive hybrid rice varieties suited to local climate and soil conditions. Despite challenges such as high humidity, frequent pests, and specific consumer taste preferences, the team achieved a breakthrough in 2010 when its first hybrid rice variety was officially approved for cultivation. This marked the beginning of large-scale hybrid rice planting in the country.

By 2025, Zhong Yi had introduced nine hybrid rice varieties and exported over 3,000 tons of seeds to Bangladesh. These now account for approximately 10 percent of the country's dry-season rice planting area, delivering yields roughly 35 percent higher than those of local varieties and helping to reduce dependence on imports.

The company currently operates more than 30,000 mu (about 2,000 hectares) of seed production bases in China and abroad, with its improved varieties promoted across 250 million mu worldwide. It plans to continue investing in research, digital technologies, and international cooperation to enhance innovation capacity and contribute to a more resilient global food security network.