Farmers transplant rice seedlings in Hesilu town, Chengxi sub-district, Yiwu on May 25. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

Over 10 farmers in Hesilu town, Chengxi sub-district, Yiwu transplanted rice seedlings of a new kind of "giant rice" called "Chaofeng No 8" on May 25.

The seedlings, being grown in Yiwu for the first time, are thicker and stronger than regular rice with a high yield and high resistance to salt and alkali. The yield of rice is expected to reach 800 to 1,000 kilograms per hectare. 

Giant rice can grow to over two meters in height when mature and has a strong capacity to resist disease. The shade created by the giant paddies also provides a welcome habitat for aquatic animals such as fish, shrimp, frogs, and loach.

He Yunhui, Party secretary of Hesilu town, said 1.33 hectares of land will pilot the development of giant rice this year, which will be further promoted to further benefit the town.

He added that the giant rice and aquatic animals create a perfectly harmonious ecosystem.

Giant rice can grow to 2 to 2.3 meters in height – taller than humans. [Photo/zgyww.cn]