Programs and Activities

The major programs and projects of the CRSDF are outlined below:

1. Funding research projects

As the main approach to fulfill its mission, CRSDF regularly funds applied and basic rice research projects in universities, agencies and organizations. Examples of research projects currently funded are:

Genetic analysis of BC1 materials

Screening of long-storage rice seeds

Evaluation of yield potential of varieties (combinations) of super rice

2. Preservation of Rice Cultural Heritage



China is an old country with 7,000 years history of rice cultivation. The agricultural way of life of the Chinese people, which centered around rice, has had a strong influence on the social, economic, political and ideological developments of China. In this sense, traditional Chinese culture may be considered as equivalent to a "rice culture." It is very important that the traditional rice cultural heritage of the country be preserved and protected for the enrichment of the next generation.

A group was set up by CNRRI, on behalf of the CRSDF, to collect the disappearing rice cultural relics and to study the different aspects of rice culture in the different areas of China. On September 2002, CNRRI joined the Asia Rice Foundation in designing and implementing an Exhibit on Arts and Culture of Rice in China at the First International Rice Congress in Beijing. All artifacts and material used during the Beijing Exhibit were donated by the Asia Rice Foundation to the CRSDF to be used in establishing a Museum on Arts and Culture of Rice in Asia in Hangzhou.

3. Education and Communication

 
CRSDF gives assistance to a program of the Agricultural Science and Technology School to educate their primary students on the art and science of rice growing. Every year, about 10 groups of primary students in the City of Hangzhou will be visiting and staying at the CNRRI experiment station for 3 days for lectures and practice on what rice is, how to grow rice, and the new rice production technologies. Students also visit the Museum on Arts and Culture of Rice in Asia to gain knowledge not only of rice culture of China, but also of other countries of Asia. Overall, students gain valuable agricultural experience and knowledge through these visits.