Beijing takes global lead in crop germplasm preservation

BEIJING -- Beijing has taken the global lead in the preservation of crop germplasm resources, the municipal government announced on Wednesday.

The city has a germplasm bank of 2.144 million accessions, including the world's most diverse range of crop species.

Beijing is home to 29 seed enterprises that have been selected as key national players -- the highest number across China -- and it registers more new crop varieties than most other provincial regions each year. These achievements are supported by the Beijing Seed Ordinance, which aims to establish the city as a "seed capital."

Technological innovations have been pivotal, with breakthroughs such as AI-based plant protection models debuting at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The agricultural technology contribution rate in Beijing has reached 75 percent, driven by advancements in molecular breeding and other core technologies.

Beijing plans to deepen efforts to improve its seed industry over the next five years, focusing on technology-driven and reform-oriented development, according to a government official.