Ou Xianwei, vice mayor of Zhanjiang, called on the development of the sea rice industry in Zhanjiang during the 3rd session of the 12th Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). 

Sea rice is a new type of rice that can grow in tidal flats and saline-alkaline lands. It is resistant to drought and pests, and can contribute to ecological restoration.

There are now more than 5 million mu (333,333 hectares) of saline-alkaline lands in Guangdong. At a yield of 200 to 300 kilograms per mu, the province can increase rice output by 1 million tons with the promotion of sea rice.

In addition, the profits from traditional rice have been decreasing due to the increasing costs of labor and agricultural resources. Sea rice boasts a better economic return, with a price of 30 to 50 yuan ($4.4 to $7.3) per kilogram.

Trial planting of Zhanjiang sea rice achieves success in Kashgar. [Photo/gdzjdaily.com.cn]

The plantation of the species is of great significant to increasing arable area, ensuring food safety, improving the environment, and driving up the rural economy, said Ou.

Zhanjiang is home to 1 million mu of saline-alkaline lands. Ou advised relevant provincial authorities and Zhanjiang to jointly build a sea rice plantation and promotion center, as well as conduct a precise survey and registration on the salinity and distribution of regional saline-alkaline lands. Demonstration zones for sea rice plantation and sea rice industrial parks should also be explored.

Ou suggested enhancing policy support, setting up specialized funds and sci-tech innovation incentive mechanisms, as well as strengthening exchanges and cooperation with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative for an internationalized sea rice industry.