Beijing recently approved a tranche of new biotech crop varieties and announced plans to accelerate breeding to boost yields – the latest chapter in a long-running drive for greater self-sufficiency.

Underutilized crop species, often termed neglected or orphan crops, encompass a diverse array of plants that have historically supported local diets yet remain peripheral to mainstream agriculture.

BEIJING, Dec 31 (Reuters) - China has approved five gene-edited crop varieties and 12 types of genetically modified (GM) soybean, corn and cotton, expanding approvals to boost high-yield crops, reduce ...