On the morning of August 14, 2025, Duan Meijuan, Full-time Deputy Director of the Rural Work Office of the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee and Executive Deputy Director of the Yuelushan Laboratory, led a scientific research team composed of eight professors and PhD scholars to Hunan Opulent Technology Co., Ltd. for an inspection and guidance on scientific and technological innovation. The company’s Chairman and General Manager Zhang Zhenhua accompanied the delegation throughout the visit. Notably, Opulent Technology is a key enterprise that has long received scientific and technological support from Dr. Duan.

At the Opulent National Hybrid Rice Innovative Breeding Huaihua Base, the delegation went deep into the fields to observe the growth performance of newly developed rice varieties and gained a detailed understanding of the progress of new variety breeding and research.

During the symposium, Chen Jin, a postdoctoral researcher stationed at the company’s Postdoctoral Innovation and Entrepreneurship Practice Base, delivered a special report titled “Research on Engineering Technologies for Phytoremediation Using Hyperaccumulator Plants in Cadmium-Contaminated Farmland.”

On behalf of the company, Chairman Zhang Zhenhua expressed sincere gratitude to Dr. Duan and her research team for their long-standing support and technological empowerment. He stated that Opulent Technology will live up to expectations by firmly undertaking the mission of the birthplace of hybrid rice. The company will continue to deepen cooperation with Hunan Agricultural University and the “Three Districts” Science and Technology Talent Program, leveraging the technological and talent advantages of its postdoctoral workstation to advance rice breeding research. Together, these efforts aim to contribute to realizing the “Two Dreams” proposed by Yuan Longping and to further promote rural revitalization.

Dr. Duan Meijuan emphasized that Hunan Agricultural University and Hunan Opulent Technology Co., Ltd. should further advance the development of the postdoctoral workstation and fully leverage its strengths. Future research topics selected by incoming postdoctoral researchers should be more closely aligned with the agricultural development needs of Huaihua and the practical requirements of the company, thereby effectively addressing real challenges faced by local communities and enterprises and contributing to rural revitalization.

She further noted that Hunan Agricultural University, Opulent Technology, the “Three Districts” science and technology talent team, and the postdoctoral workstation should strengthen collaborative efforts in areas such as innovative hybrid rice breeding, demonstration and promotion of new varieties, project application and implementation, as well as the transformation and commercialization of research achievements. Through complementary strengths and coordinated cooperation, they can form a powerful synergy.

As disciples of Yuan Longping, Dr. Duan stressed the importance of inheriting and promoting the spirit of the late academician. While ensuring high yield and superior quality, efforts should also be made to achieve healthier and more nutritious agricultural products, increase farmers’ incomes, enhance agricultural efficiency, and make every effort to safeguard national food security.