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Chinese astronauts harvest first rice crop in space
Chinese astronauts on the Shenzhou-23 mission have harvested the first batch of rice grown in space, the Global Times reported, citing China Central Television. The rice came from seeds carried to the…
The Story in Brief
Chinese astronauts on the Shenzhou-23 mission have harvested the first batch of rice grown in space, the Global Times reported, citing China Central Television. The rice came from seeds carried to the Chinese Space Station in May. The experiment aims to study genetic stability and regenerative capacity in microgravity.
The crew planted six seeds in four units, divided into two groups: one for sexual reproduction and one for ratooning, where only the root remains for regrowth. Scientists will compare how space-exposed seeds adapt versus Earth seeds. The Shenzhou-14 mission had earlier produced 59 seeds from six in orbit in 2022.
The Indian Opinion
Some call it a sci-fi fantasy, but China's space rice harvest is real. Critics dismiss it as propaganda, yet the science is clear: growing food beyond Earth is no longer fiction. India's own space programme should watch closely. The real question is not whether China can feed astronauts in orbit, but how soon India will grow its first grain on the moon or Mars.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
