How do you make crops grow in harsh conditions? Researchers at Chinese University given funding to find out

Mainland Chinese funding made available for first time to Hong Kong scientists to potentially screen varieties for different environmental conditions and help adjust irrigation methods

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Chinese University of Hong Kong professor Lam Hon-ming (second left) with colleagues at their laboratory. Photo: Tory Ho

Published: 9:00am, 18 May 2018Updated: 1:40pm, 18 May 2018

Since 2008, a Hong Kong laboratory has been searching for ways to develop better varieties of crops capable of thriving in harsh conditions.

But a lack of funding meant Professor Lam Hon-ming’s team faced limitations in the scope of its studies.

However, their prospects brightened after President Xi Jinping’s directive on Monday for state agencies to give the city’s scientists greater access to national funding that previously was only available to mainland applicants.

“The announcement that money will cross the border is very encouraging,” Lam, director of the Partner State Key Lab of Agrobiotechnology at Chinese University, said.

It is one of 16 such national laboratories recognised by the central government for conducting pioneering research in support of the country’s technological and economic development.

CUHK postdoctoral researcher Cui Yong. Photo: Tory Ho

Along with six branches of the Chinese National Engineering Research Centre in Hong Kong, the national labs each recently received 1 million yuan (US$156,800).

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