LOCALLY developed seeds — considered a crucial part of China's food security — have captured the attention of the country's leaders, with the security of agricultural 'chips' — together with other aspects of economic security, ranging from energy supplies to technological self-sufficiency — topping the government's agenda.

Recently, President Xi Jinping stressed the crucial role of Chinese seeds in ensuring food security, which he said could only be safeguarded when resources for them were firmly held in the Chinese's own hands.