Agricultural germplasm resources to be protected, utilized

The General Office of the State Council released a circular on Feb 11, outlining requirements to improve the protection and usage of agricultural germplasm resources.

By 2035, a scientific and efficient system will be established for the protection and utilization of agricultural germplasm resources, and the resource volume will reach the front ranks of the world, according to the circular.

To protect agricultural germplasm resources, the circular also called for efforts to conduct general surveys, systematic investigations, rescue collections and medium and long-term preservation, and to increase international exchanges.

Intensified efforts should be made to identify and assess agricultural germplasm resources to increase the utilization efficiency, it said.

The national protection system of agricultural germplasm resources should be refined, and a nationwide big data resource platform should be built for dynamic monitoring and information-based supervision and management.

The development and utilization of agricultural germplasm resources should be promoted to improve the competitiveness of the industry, the circular said.

To this end, work should be done to promote innovation and application of outstanding germplasms, improve the technology system for massive breakthroughs in new germplasms, and push forward joint research.

Supporting policies are also highlighted in the circular, including reasonable land planning, preferential performance-related pay for scientific and technical personnel, and related disciplines to be set up at scientific institutions and universities.

Governments at all levels as well as institutes involved should assume their responsibilities, and supporting laws and regulations should be formulated and revised, the circular said.