"First, we must adhere to the principle of agricultural self-sufficiency, especially food security," Fang Yu said firmly. "We can import some grain appropriately, but there must be a bottom line. We must never become dependent on imports for staple food. At the same time, we must increase investment in agricultural technology and improve grain yields. Even if prices are higher than imported grain in the short term, we must ensure that production capacity does not shrink."
The chieftain stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the night. "Our farmers work hard all year just to have a bite to eat. If we can't even guarantee this, how can we talk about building a strong country?" He turned around, his eyes firm. "Xiao Fang is right. Food security is related to the lifeblood of the country and must not be taken lightly."
Fang Yu continued to suggest: "We can consider establishing a strategic grain reserve system. Even when international grain prices are low, the government will purchase farmers' grain at a protective price to ensure that agricultural production capacity is not destroyed. At the same time, we should increase research and development of high-yield technologies such as hybrid rice."
Mr. Lu nodded. "This is a long-term strategy. In the short term, how do you think we should respond to the Eagle Sauce's proposal for 'reconciliation'?"
"We can accept peace talks on the surface, but we must be vigilant about the food issue," Fang Yu pondered. "I suggest limiting the proportion of imported grain to ensure it does not exceed a certain percentage of total domestic consumption, such as 15%. At the same time, we should conduct quality and safety monitoring of imported grain to prevent them from transmitting harmful substances through the grain."
The chief sat back down in his seat, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Is there anything else I should pay special attention to?"
"Financial precautions are crucial," Fang Yu added. "We should be wary of the United States manipulating prices through the grain futures market. We can consider establishing our own grain futures exchange to gain pricing power. At the same time, we should promote the agricultural cooperative system in rural areas to enhance farmers' ability to withstand market risks."
Mr. Lu quickly wrote down his thoughts in his notebook, nodding in agreement. "The measures you've proposed involve multiple departments, including agriculture, finance, and foreign trade, and require overall coordination."
"Yes," the chief said solemnly, "This is not only an economic issue, but also a political security issue. Food security is the foundation of national security." He pondered for a moment and made a decision, "We will not explicitly reject the Eagle Sauce's reconciliation proposal at the meeting in three days, but we will set strict boundaries, especially in terms of food trade."
He turned to Fang Yu and said, "Xiao Fang, I want you to take the lead in drafting a report on food security strategy, analyzing in detail the possible measures that the Eagle Sauce may take and our response strategies. This report will become an important reference for our future agricultural policies."
Fang Yu nodded seriously: "I will start preparing immediately."
The chief picked up the phone and said, "I will inform the heads of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Food immediately and I will meet with you tomorrow to jointly formulate an emergency plan." After hanging up the phone, he looked at Fang Yu meaningfully and said, "History will remember today's judgment. Xiao Fang, you have once again helped Longguo avoid a fatal trap."
The night was deep, but the office lights were still bright. The three of them stood before a massive map of Dragon Country, their gazes sweeping across the fertile land and vast farmlands. The battle to protect food in the future had already begun.
"In addition to these plans, I have another way to deal with the Eagle Sauce." Fang Yu added hesitantly, a hint of anticipation in his voice. "In fact, I have already hybridized some high-quality grain seeds with Academician Yuan Ping. Not only are they high-yielding, but they are also extremely high-quality. I haven't had the opportunity to promote them before, so I want to take this opportunity to promote them. I wonder if the chief will approve it?"
The chief put down his teacup, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He frowned slightly, tapping his fingers on the table. "Yuan Ping? The young researcher from the Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences?"
Fang Yu nodded in confirmation: "Yes. Academician Yuan has unique insights into rice hybridization technology. The hybrid rice variety we collaborated on has a yield that is more than 30% higher than existing varieties, is highly disease-resistant, and has good adaptability. It can be grown in rice-growing areas from the south to the north." He took out a folder from his briefcase and handed it to the leader.
The chief flipped open the file, and what came into view were a series of data charts and photos of experimental fields. The photos showed fields of golden, lush rice, their ears almost reaching the ground, bending the stalks. He carefully read each page, nodding occasionally.
"This was a small-scale trial conducted in Hunan," Fang Yu explained. "The yield per mu reached 800 kilograms, 1.5 times that of ordinary rice varieties. And theoretically, it could be further increased by controlling planting density and fertilization methods."
Mr. Lu pushed his glasses up and took the document, examining it carefully. "This yield is truly astonishing. If this were implemented nationwide, it would completely solve our food shortage problem." He flipped to a table comparing rice growth cycles and nodded slightly. "The growth cycle has also been shortened by nearly 20 days, meaning some areas could achieve two or even three harvests a year."
The chief put down the document, his eyes flashing with thought: "Why didn't you propose this plan before?"
"Two reasons," Fang Yu said, sitting up straight and speaking in a more formal tone. "First, our main focus has been on the military and energy sectors, and agricultural research and development has always been conducted in secrecy. Second, this hybridization technology requires sufficient testing time to ensure its stability and adaptability. Now that we've had three consecutive seasons of successful trials, it's time to promote it."
The chief stood up, walked to the window, and looked out. The summer sun shone on the distant farmland, and farmers could be vaguely seen working in the fields. He pondered for a moment, then turned and asked, "Have you considered the promotion plan?"
"Yes," Fang Yu responded quickly. "I suggest a three-step approach: First, select a group of demonstration counties in the main rice-producing areas of the south, and have the government organize farmers to carry out large-scale planting. Second, based on the demonstration results, train agricultural technicians and seed breeding experts nationwide. Third, roll out the program nationwide through the people's commune system."
He paused briefly and added, "The key is to establish a complete system for seed breeding, storage, and distribution. Hybrid rice seeds cannot be saved and need to be re-cultivated every year, which requires the establishment of a dedicated seed production base."
Mr. Lu became interested in this point: "So, we need to establish a national seed production network?"
"That's right," Fang Yu said affirmatively. "This network will become the strategic lifeline of our country's agriculture, just as important as oil pipelines are to industry. At the same time, it can also become a powerful weapon to counter the Eagle Sauce food strategy."
The chief's eyes narrowed slightly: "Go on."
"The Eagle Sauce's food strategy is to use price advantages to crush our local agriculture and create dependence," Fang Yu explained, his voice firm and powerful. "Our hybrid rice not only has a high yield, but also has a low cost. Even if they dump grain at extremely low prices, our farmers can still make a reasonable profit and maintain their enthusiasm for production."
He walked over to a map of Dragon Country hanging on the wall and pointed to several southern provinces. "These areas can become our seed production bases. Once a complete breeding, production, and distribution system is established, we will not only be self-sufficient, but we may also be able to export grain to other countries, thus undermining the Eagle Sauce's food hegemony."
The chief's expression gradually relaxed, and a smile even appeared on the corner of his mouth: "You and Yuan Ping have done something great." He turned to Mr. Lu, "Isn't this the breakthrough we have been looking for?"
Mr. Lu nodded in agreement but raised a practical question: "The biggest challenge in promoting this new variety may be farmers' acceptance. Farmers have been accustomed to saving seeds for thousands of years, and suddenly changing this habit may encounter resistance."
"This is indeed a problem," Fang Yu admitted, "but we can address it in several ways: First, the government can provide initial seeds and technical support; second, during the pilot phase, farmers can see the significant yield differences firsthand; and finally, through the collective labor system of people's communes, we can reduce the decision-making pressure on individual farmers."
The chief sat down at his desk, picked up a pen, and began marking a document. "I approve this plan. Immediately establish a 'Hybrid Rice Promotion Committee' jointly led by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, with you and Yuan Ping serving as technical advisors." He wrote down a few names and handed them to General Manager Lu. "These comrades will gather tomorrow to develop a detailed promotion plan."
Fang Yu nodded in thanks, a sense of accomplishment welling up in his heart. Historically, Yuan Ping's hybrid rice breakthrough wouldn't have occurred until the 1970s. Now, however, this progress has been advanced by over a decade, providing crucial support for Longguo during the difficult times ahead.
You'll Also Like
-
Yuantian Pidao
Chapter 125 2 hours ago -
Do you have the strength to force me to join the Liangshan bandits?
Chapter 146 2 hours ago -
Promise!
Chapter 107 2 hours ago -
Food gives me an entry, I will be invincible if I stay alive
Chapter 122 2 hours ago -
My Portable Ming Dynasty
Chapter 121 2 hours ago -
Open the door, fellow countryman, we are one.
Chapter 82 2 hours ago -
Game of Thrones: I am Dothraki, not a barbarian
Chapter 107 2 hours ago -
Everyone's Immortal Cultivation: Starting from a Junior Talisman Maker
Chapter 103 2 hours ago -
Global Film Emperor: I film just to finish the movie!
Chapter 78 2 hours ago -
1994: Vegetable farmers strike back
Chapter 119 2 hours ago