Reflection on China’s Rice Production Strategies During the Transition Period

Chinas rice production is in the unprecedented period of transition. In this article, we raise four strategic questions: Is it still necessary to pursue super high yields? How to develop new rice cropping systems that are suitable for the transition period? How to facilitate the innovation of rice cropping systems by promoting mechanization and simplification of crop management practices? How to breed new rice varieties that are adapted to the mechanization and simplification of crop management practices? For smoothly going through the transition period, suggestions concerning techniques and policies are provided on the mechanization of crop management practices, innovation of rice cropping systems, rice breeding strategies, and varietal evaluation and release procedures.