Source: News 24 via Checkbiotech

Chinese scientists have cultivated a new species of high-yield "super maize" as the country seeks ways to adequately feed its huge population of over one billion, state media reported on Tuesday.

The new strain has an average per-hectare yield of almost 15 000kg, according to the Xinhua news agency, citing the Zhengzhou city grain wholesale market.

Its development follows hot on the heels of announcements that China is on the verge of introducing genetically-engineered rice on a large scale.

"The high-yield, high-quality 'super maize' will be of great significance in boosting China's food grain production, which is regarded as another major breakthrough in the agro-scientific research following the development of 'super rice'," Xinhua said.

Experts forecast that China could produce an extra six billion kilograms of maize annually once the new strain is introduced.

Shrinking acreage, falling water tables and a population that is expected to grow significantly beyond 1.3 billion are factors that have led China to explore other ways to feed its people.