The 60-mu (4-hectare) giant rice cultivation in Hutang village, Zhongluotan town, Baiyun district, Guangzhou, has now entered the heading stage. The plants typically grow to heights of 1.6-1.8 meters and are expected to reach 2.2-2.6 meters at maturity, taller than traditional rice varieties.

A technician standing 1.7 meters tall walks into the field to measure the rice paddies. [Photo/WeChat account: gz_baiyunfabu]

This variety was developed by a research team led by Professor Xia Xinjie at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, utilizing biotechnological methods like hybrid breeding. It is characterized by robust stalks, excellent lodging resistance, and high biomass production.

An innovative integrated rice-farming system has been implemented for managing fields: fish, shrimp, and ducks are integrated into the paddies, creating a beneficial ecological cycle. The tall stems and leaves of rice offer shade and shelter for aquatic life, while the waste from fish and ducks acts as natural fertilizer for the rice. This approach delivers notable ecological and economic advantages.

The harvest is expected in late October, with citizens invited to observe the abundant yield on-site and sample the distinctive flavor of the giant rice. This experimental field highlights China's latest agricultural innovations and offers practical insights into food security strategies and modern agricultural development.