Desert Rice Innovation | YouTube inside

Introduction:

The video provides a detailed account of an absolutely remarkable and groundbreaking achievement in the field of agriculture. It focuses on the cultivation of a staggering 8200 acres of upland rice, defying all odds and expectations, in the expansive and arid desert of China. This extraordinary success story takes place in the Ulan Buh Desert, which is located in Inner Mongolia, and later expands to Dubai, where it continues to highlight and showcase an array of truly remarkable innovations and collaborations. These innovations and collaborations not only push the boundaries of what is possible in such harsh desert environments, but also challenge the conventional wisdom and commonly held perceptions about rice farming. The video vividly portrays the immense challenges faced by the farmers involved in this endeavor, as well as the incredible dedication and resilience required to achieve such an unprecedented feat. It serves as a testament to human ingenuity, determination, and the power of collaboration in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Desert Rice Market and Impact

The news that China is planting 8200 acres of upland rice in the largest desert is indeed unbelievable. It is a testament to China’s technological prowess and its commitment to food security. 
The rice is being grown in the Taklamakan Desert, which is the largest shifting sand desert in the world. It is a very harsh environment, with extreme temperatures and little rainfall. However, Chinese scientists have developed a new type of rice that can thrive in these conditions.
The rice is being grown using a new technology called “sand control agriculture.” This involves planting the rice in a layer of sand that is covered with a thin layer of plastic film. This helps to retain moisture and protect the plants from the extreme heat.
The new technology has been so successful that China is now planning to expand its upland rice production to other deserts around the world. This could have a significant impact on the global rice market.

Market size for rice

The global rice market is estimated to be worth USD 287.45 billion in 2021. It is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2% from 2022 to 2028.

The Asia Pacific region is the largest market for rice, accounting for over 80% of global consumption. This is due to the fact that rice is the staple food for over half of the world’s population.

The increasing demand for rice is being driven by a number of factors, including:

• Population growth
• Rising urbanization
• Increasing disposable incomes
• Changing dietary habits

The expansion of upland rice production in China and other countries could lead to an increase in the global supply of rice. This could put downward pressure on rice prices. However, it is important to note that the demand for rice is also expected to grow in the coming years. This means that the overall impact of the increased supply of rice on the market is uncertain.

Impact of Chinese upland rice production on the market

The impact of Chinese upland rice production on the market will depend on a number of factors, including:

• The cost of producing upland rice
• The quality of upland rice
• The demand for rice in China and other countries

If the cost of producing upland rice is competitive, it could lead to an increase in the global supply of rice and put downward pressure on prices. However, if the quality of upland rice is lower than traditional rice, it could have a negative impact on demand.

The demand for rice in China is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This is due to population growth and rising incomes. However, the demand for rice in other countries is also expected to grow. This means that the overall impact of the increased supply of rice from China on the market is uncertain.

Rice export controls

Rice export controls are often controversial, as they can have a negative impact on rice farmers and consumers in other countries. For example, an export ban from a major rice exporting country can lead to higher rice prices in importing countries.

Some countries that have implemented rice export controls in recent years include:

• India: India banned the export of non-basmati white rice in May 2022, in response to concerns about domestic food security.
• Vietnam: Vietnam imposed a 5% export tax on rice in March 2022, in an effort to stabilize domestic prices.
• Thailand: Thailand set a minimum export price for rice in January 2022, in an attempt to increase revenue for rice farmers.

Impact of rice export control

Rice export control can have a significant impact on the global rice market. For example, an export ban from a major rice exporting country can lead to higher rice prices in importing countries. This can have a negative impact on consumers, especially those who are poor and rely on rice as a staple food.

Rice export control can also have a negative impact on rice farmers in exporting countries. For example, an export ban can lead to lower prices for rice farmers, as there is less demand for their product.

Related Sections:

1. Overcoming Impossible Odds:

• Rice, a crop traditionally grown in water, seems incompatible with the desert’s harsh conditions, with scorching temperatures and limited water resources.
• China’s history of desertification control sets the stage for this ambitious project.
• Yuan Longping’s pioneering work in developing salt-alkali-tolerant “sea rice” becomes a game-changer, with remarkable yields and resilience.

2. Selecting the Perfect Desert:

• The Ulan Buh Desert in Inner Mongolia emerges as the ideal testing ground.
• A painstaking process of land preparation, including soil conditioning and water management, transforms the desert into fertile soil.
• The scale of rice cultivation gradually expands, with impressive yields year after year.

3. Technological Marvels:

• The introduction of water from the Yellow River addresses the water scarcity challenge.
• Innovative ecological water-retaining sand planting technology conserves water and ensures pollution-free cultivation.
• The result is 8200 acres of rice cultivation producing nutrient-rich rice.

4. Dubai’s Transformation:

• Dubai, facing extreme desert conditions, seeks China’s expertise in transforming its arid landscapes.
• Yuan Longping’s team conducts successful experimental planting in Dubai’s tropical desert, overcoming climatic challenges.
• Dubai achieves impressive rice yields, marking a breakthrough in desert agriculture.

5. Expanding Beyond China:

• Saudi Arabia and Egypt also seek China’s assistance in desert greening and agriculture development.
• China’s photovoltaic desert control technology spawns diverse industries in the desert, including Chinese herbal medicine, rice, sheep herding, fish farming, and fruit cultivation.
• A vision of turning wasteland into fertile farmland and combating global desertification emerges.

Conclusion:

The remarkable journey of growing rice in the desert, which was initially met with skepticism, but eventually achieved thriving success, is a testament to the unwavering determination and innovative spirit of humans. This pioneering endeavor not only revolutionizes rice cultivation but also showcases China’s unparalleled expertise in transforming once barren deserts into productive landscapes. This transformative process offers a glimmer of hope for arid regions across the globe, as it demonstrates the possibility of turning seemingly inhospitable environments into flourishing ecosystems. With the ever-increasing challenges posed by a warming planet, the battle against desertification takes on global significance. By focusing our efforts on combating desertification, we have the potential to create thriving oases in the most unexpected and unlikely of places, thereby securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

Key Takeaway Points:

• China’s successful cultivation of upland rice in a desert challenges traditional notions and holds lessons for combating desertification.
• Yuan Longping’s pioneering sea rice and ecological technologies are instrumental in this transformation.
• Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are also exploring desert greening with China’s assistance.
• Photovoltaic desert control technology spawns multiple industries in transformed deserts.
• The fight against desertification is a global goal, with the potential to turn wastelands into fertile farmlands.

References:

• Yuan Longping’s contributions to agriculture.
• China’s desertification control efforts.
• Sand-Restoration Technology and Model in China
• Photovoltaic desert control technology and its applications.
• Dubai’s transformation in desert agriculture.
• Saudi Arabia desert greening plans.