China: Precision rice growing in S China's tech hub Shenzhen.

Storyline Precision rice growing in S China's tech hub Shenzhen Chinese farmers and agriculture scientists are using technology for the precise indoor cultivation of dwarf rice. Inside a modern looking building in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, shelves are stacked with rice plants. At just 20 centimeters, they’re smaller than typical varieties, but yield around 500 grains of rice. Besides their edible grains, the plants’ roots are clean and valuable as an ingredient for Traditional Chinese Medicine. The leaves, meanwhile, can be used as livestock feed. Every stage of the growing and harvesting process is executed with scientific precision. These lights contain microchips that simulate the solar spectrum most suitable for rice growth, matching the light requirements of each growth stage. The humidity, temperature, and CO2 in the planting chambers are also controlled. Scientists can harvest the plants four times a year. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]