Huge crowds in Changsha, Hunan Province were seen bidding a final farewell to Yuan Longping, father of hybrid rice on May 22. Known for developing the first hybrid rice varieties in the 1970s, Yuan is seen as a national hero in China for research that boosted grain harvests, helping to feed the world’s most populous country. The 90-year-old agronomist reportedly passed away at a local hospital from multiple organ failure.
Video source: Eyepress via Reuters
