The Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone recently hosted a significant event focused on the future of agriculture: a demonstration of high-protein corn. Experts at the event measured a new corn variety that, despite facing extreme weather conditions like spring droughts and summer heat, yielded a harvest with an average output 10 percent higher than conventional varieties. Critically, its protein content was also significantly higher than that of regular corn.

The promotion of this corn variety is a strategic move to bolster China's food security. For every one-percentage-point increase in corn protein content, the nation can produce an additional 2.9 million metric tons of protein annually. This is equivalent to the protein yield of roughly 8 million tons of soybeans, helping to address a significant deficit in the country's feed protein supply and reducing its reliance on soybean imports.

To turn this research into reality, Huazhong Agricultural University has partnered with various entities to create a new, collaborative model spanning the entire industry chain. This approach ensures that farmers, processing companies, and feed businesses all benefit from the new corn.

The demonstration brought together representatives from government, academia, and private enterprises, who witnessed the abundant harvest. The event concluded with the signing of cooperation agreements between companies along the supply chain, marking a firm step towards the commercialization of this innovative corn.