In a strategic move to bolster its agricultural sector, China has unveiled a comprehensive plan for 2024-2028, emphasizing advancements in biotechnology. This initiative focuses on developing precision gene-editing tools and cultivating new crop varieties, including wheat, corn, soybeans, and rapeseed. The overarching goal is to enhance food security by achieving self-sufficiency in seed sources and reducing reliance on imports. These measures mark a significant shift in China’s approach to agriculture, prioritizing innovation and sustainability in response to growing global food demands and potential trade challenges.
Objectives of the Initiative
Achieving Seed Independence
A key aspect of China’s agricultural biotechnology strategy is the development of “independent and controllable” seed sources.