How can modern seed industry achieve leapfrog development? Innovation is the key
Since the beginning of this year, the seed industry has adhered to serving the "transformation of agricultural development mode and structural adjustment," deeply advanced the reform of the scientific research system and breeding innovation breakthroughs, accelerated the construction of national-level breeding and seed production bases, strengthened seed industry market regulation and rights protection, supported the innovative development of seed enterprises, and pushed forward new progress in the development of the modern seed industry.
New breakthroughs were achieved in deepening the reform of the seed industry scientific research system.Through measures such as empowering by law, open transformation, and classified management, the pilot reform of converting rights into equity established an innovation mechanism in which scientific research targets the market, achievements connect with industry, and researchers serve enterprises, stimulating innovation vitality. New achievements at pilot units increased by more than 1-fold, with platform-based transactions and equity conversion generating benefits of more than 77 million yuan. Policies encouraging seed industry researchers to take part-time or temporary posts were introduced, promoting the flow of scientific and technological talent and achievements to enterprises. Driven by the reform, cooperation between research institutions and enterprises has become closer, and enthusiasm for innovation has increased markedly. The number of applications for new variety protection this year will exceed 2,000, an average annual increase of 30% compared with the 12th Five-Year Plan period.
New steps were taken in the construction of national-level breeding and seed production bases.With the approval of the State Council, the national Nanfan scientific research breeding base plan was introduced and implemented, and a 268,000-mu Nanfan protected area will be established; this year the central government allocated 190 million yuan in funding; the National Development and Reform Commission approved 370 million yuan in central budgetary investment to launch the Gansu corn seed production base project. The central government separately allocated reward and subsidy funds for major seed-producing counties, arranging 300 million yuan this year to increase reward and subsidy support; pilot insurance for hybrid rice, corn, and wheat seed multiplication supported by public finance reached 1.6 million mu, promoting the concentration of seed production bases in advantageous areas, with national-level corn and rice seed production bases accounting for more than 70% and 55% of the national total.
New progress was made in enterprise breeding innovation and mergers and acquisitions.The green channel for varieties from integrated breeding, propagation, and promotion enterprises was smoothly implemented. This year, enterprises conducted their own trials for more than 1,300 varieties, and 10 corn varieties passed national approval. Enterprises and research institutions were organized to carry out joint research and demonstration screening for corn and soybean varieties, and a number of promising varieties suitable for mechanical harvesting and with high yield and stress resistance emerged. At present, there are more than 4,400 seed enterprises nationwide, half the number in 2010; enterprise mergers and acquisitions are accelerating, with the top 50 accounting for more than 35% of market concentration, and 18 enterprises have been listed on the "New Third Board"; research and development investment by backbone enterprises has reached 5% of sales, and research and development capacity has continued to strengthen. During the 12th Five-Year Plan period, the average annual number of new variety applications by enterprises increased by 120% compared with the 11th Five-Year Plan period.
New results were achieved in seed industry legal system construction and market regulation.The newly revised Seed Law has been reviewed and approved by the National People's Congress, reflecting the new requirements of market-oriented reform, streamlining administration and delegating power, standardized management, strict supervision, and protection of innovation, and will take effect on January 1, 2016. Through sustained actions such as cracking down on counterfeit seeds and protecting rights, special rectification of bases, and regional crackdowns on counterfeiting, supervising the investigation and handling of key cases and publicizing results, and promoting DNA identification and traceability management, the frequent occurrence of illegal acts such as infringement and counterfeiting has been curbed, market order has continued to improve, the pass rate of seed quality spot checks has reached 99%, and e-commerce marketing models in the seed industry are developing rapidly.
During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, the development of the modern seed industry will closely revolve around serving the transformation of agricultural development mode and the overall requirements of national food security, adhere to taking varieties as the main line, accelerate the stimulation of seed industry innovation vitality in deepening reform, and strengthen enterprise breeding innovation capacity; tap "green" development potential in variety innovation and accelerate a new round of variety upgrading; coordinate and advance the systematic construction of advantageous bases in overall layout to ensure seed supply security; and in open development encourage enterprises to "go global," cultivate new competitive advantages, and improve the international competitiveness of the seed industry.