Sanya to build smart breeding base in Nanfan

Hainan will ensure stable land supply, accelerate digital upgrades, and establish a smart breeding R&D system at the Sanya national seed breeding base, said He Qiongmei, deputy to the 14th National People's Congress and director of the Hainan Provincial Agriculture and Rural Affairs Department.

The national seed breeding base in Hainan has seen significant infrastructure improvements, including high-standard farmland, specialized biobreeding zones, and a farmland water conservancy project. However, fragmented land use, unstable land supply, and inadequate digital facilities remain challenges, hindering the development of superior crop varieties.

He highlighted China's generational gap in breeding technology compared to global leaders, stressing the need for a smart seed research platform to build a world-class breeding system.

A 2024 survey of over 600 Sanya-based entities revealed that 72 percent seek long-term land leases, 95 percent desire advanced field information systems, and 50 percent call for improved support facilities.

Hainan is currently home to 24 agricultural research institutions, 2,800 seed industry enterprises, and 1,225 high-level talents, including six academicians. The province has also developed 26,800 hectares of high-standard farmland and an AI computing center, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive smart breeding system.

Hainan plans to build 6,667 hectares of smart seed experimental fields, aiming for a centralized, digitally empowered breeding base to drive the high-quality development of the seed industry and ensure seed self-sufficiency.

The national seed breeding base in Hainan. [Photo provided to english.sanya.gov.cn]