The decreasing area of hybrid rice production in China: causes and potential effects on Chinese rice self-sufficiency

The development of hybrid rice varieties, which have been reported to out-yield inbred rice varieties by about 10%, is necessary in ensuring China’s food security. However, the agricultural area where hybrid rice is grown has decreased by 25% (about 5 million ha) in China since 1995. Assuming such better yield performance of hybrids compared to inbreds, the decrease in hybrid rice production area in China is cause for concern. This review discusses the causes of such decline and analyse its potential effects on rice self-sufficiency. The analysis suggests that: (1) the decreasing hybrid rice production area is caused not only by technological factors but also by socio-economic factors; and (2) the decreased area under hybrid rice production does not lead to additional pressure on increasing crop yields from either hybrid or inbred rice production. These results should draw the attention of rice breeders, rice scientists, and rice producers to close the gap between the actual yield currently harvested and the potential yield of both rice hybrids and inbred rice. This will have to be achieved through scientific, technological, and socio-economic research and applications.