The companies will develop and commercialise a new rice system using non-GMO technology
BASF and Win-All Hi-Tech Seed have collaborated to develop new rice system for Chinese farmers. (Credit: Trung Hieu Dang from Pixabay)
German chemical company BASF has collaborated with agricultural company Win-All Hi-Tech Seed for the development of a new rice system for farmers in China.
Under the deal, the companies will develop and commercialise a new rice system using non-GMO technology for the farmers in the country.
The new non-GMO rice production system is being developed to support Chinese farmers to increase their yield and quality of the harvest.
Win-All High-Tech deputy general manager Jiang Sanqiao said: “We look forward to combining our expertise in seeds and plant breeding with BASF’s crop protection know-how to produce valuable new tools that can help Chinese rice farmers improve their productivity.
“Building on the success of our previous collaborations, we are confident that this new partnership will support China’s sustainable agriculture.”
China is said to be one of the world’s largest markets for agricultural technology, as well as the leading producer of rice.
BASF aims to expand its presence in Asia
According to the company, BASF spends around €900m ($1.01bn) per annum in research and development of new agricultural technology. It intends to expand its presence in Asia, with the main focus on China.
BASF China Agricultural Solutions business head Jackson Wang said: “Similar to farmers in other countries, Chinese farmers are facing increasing challenges, such as shortages of labour and increases in the costs of farming, which negatively impact their yields and profitability.
“Working together with Win-All, we look forward to bringing more innovative technologies to the market that are specially tailored to the needs of Chinese rice farmers. This is in line with our new global strategy – which includes a strong focus on supporting rice farmers in Asia.”
Win-All Hi-Tech Seed, a crucial enterprise of China National Agricultural Industrialisation, has developed seed business in more than 20 Asian and African countries, The company mainly offers hybrid rice, corn, wheat, cotton and rape, as well as other crop varieties.
BASF manages six business segments, including chemicals, materials, industrial solutions, surface technologies, nutrition and care and agricultural solutions.
In March this year, BASF collaborated with French drone-maker Delair to scale up its research and development on seeds, traits and crop protection.