Chapter 72: Improved Rice Seeds

It’s rainy today, the beginning of spring, and it’s almost causing a flood disaster.

Captain Tang stood in the house, looking at the heavy rain outside and knocking out his cigarette.

"Let's plant more rice this year and less sweet potatoes, corn and other things."

"I agree. I heard that a batch of high-quality rice seeds from Country X arrived in the provincial capital, and the yield is very high. What do you think?" Captain Tang relit his pipe.

"There is such a good thing?" The village party secretary was shocked. "How high is the output?"

Last year, drought caused a huge drop in grain production, resulting in food shortages for every household. If the brigade had not foreseen the need to plant a lot of sweet potatoes, people would have starved to death. I heard that people died of starvation in the neighboring commune. Food is the life of farmers. Even if there is 10% more food, it can save many lives.

"The yield can be increased by 30%." Captain Tang exhaled a cigarette. "The captain of the Red Flag Brigade has talked to me about this. If you agree, I will go with the captain of the Red Flag Brigade to get this improved variety tomorrow."

"30%! What are you waiting for? I'll definitely agree." Deputy Captain Qi said, "Old Tang, don't think you can take all the credit for yourself."

"Who do you think I am? Didn't I come to discuss this with you? I think there's just enough money in the account."

The village party secretary was a little hesitant: "Are the rice seeds from country X so good? Will there be any problems if we rashly change the rice seeds?"

"That's what I was worried about, but the captain of the Red Flag Brigade assured me that this is the most advanced rice variety in Country X, and the yield is really that high. He showed me a sample, and the ear setting rate is very high. The commune also agreed that every brigade will switch to this improved rice variety."

"Then let's do it."

The next day, Captain Tang set out with other captains from the commune.

Two days later, Captain Tang rang the village bell and announced to everyone that there were improved rice varieties this year.

"This is an improved rice variety from Country X. A small portion of the trial has been successful and it is now being promoted nationwide. The predicted yield is three times higher than before. Let's all plant more rice this year to make up for last year's losses!"

"Good!" There was applause from the audience.

Liu Xinyi was listening in the audience. Sure enough, except for Grandma Hao’s story, everything else was the same as in the previous life, the same “improved” rice seeds.

Captain Tang probably didn't expect that this so-called "improved" rice seed was just a conspiracy of Country X. When the rice ears are full, they are empty shells. This year's "improved" rice seed will only leave empty shells for farmers, no grain. I don't know how many people will starve to death.

So in this life, should I persuade Captain Tang to give up the rice seeds?

Shen Ruoqing felt that the words sounded familiar to her. Country X improved rice varieties. She seemed to have heard this before. When had she heard it before? Shen Ruoqing was a little anxious. She had to stop all this from happening! But how should she start? "Captain Tang, I think it's too risky to change to new rice varieties at this time. No one knows how much this rice variety will yield in the end. Is it still a little unconsidered to plant it on a large scale like this?"

Shen Ruoqing was startled and turned towards the sudden voice. It turned out to be Liu Xinyi who was speaking! "Liu Xinyi, what do you mean by that?" Captain Tang was naturally a little unhappy to be questioned.

"Captain, I'm just worried. I suggest that we try to plant a small portion of this improved rice seed first. We should still use the original rice seed this year. If the improved rice seed really has such a high yield, it won't be too late for us to plant it on a large scale. Who knows what this foreign rice seed is like?"

As soon as Liu Xinyi said this, everyone started talking about it.

"Yes, we don't know what this foreign rice seed is like."

"Didn't the captain say that the yield can be increased by 30%? And hasn't the trial planting been successful? I'm just worrying about Xinyi for nothing!"

"It's said to be the most advanced agricultural technology in Country X, so it must be good. If we don't plant it and others do, then we will fall behind. I heard that the Red Flag Brigade has already started planting it!"

"Captain Tang, I'm just making a suggestion. It doesn't matter if you don't adopt it. Of course, I still believe in the captain. But it's better to be safe than sorry. Even if we are a season late, it will be the same as in previous years, with no big losses. But what if something goes wrong? Where will we get food then?" Liu Xinyi said the exact words of Shen Ruoqing in her previous life. In her previous life, Shen Ruoqing was able to save Dashitou Village and won the respect of the villagers. In this life, it is her turn, Liu Xinyi.

"What do you know, little girl? What do you mean by no loss? If we don't plant, our income will be 30% less than others! You call this no loss?" Deputy Captain Qi scolded.

"Captain Tang, I actually think that we can first set up an experimental field to test the improved rice varieties. It won't be too late to promote them once they are confirmed." Mu Bai said, glancing at Liu Xinyi.

Liu Xinyi noticed Mu Bai's gaze and was secretly delighted. He was indeed the man she had chosen. He had a long-term vision. Besides, she should have left an impression on Mu Bai now. Everyone was talking about it.

"What the Liu girl said makes sense. Let's discuss the rice seeds issue later." Captain Tang discussed with the village party secretary and finally said.

"If anyone else has suggestions, please feel free to raise them. The meeting is adjourned!"

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

Liu Xinyi looked at Shen Ruoqing proudly. She knew that Captain Tang’s final decision would be to keep half of the land to grow the original rice seeds.

By then, Captain Tang and even the entire brigade will owe Liu Xinyi a favor!

Shen Ruoqing had been paying attention to Liu Xinyi, and she also saw the look Liu Xinyi gave her. Why was she so proud? But Liu Xinyi did a good thing. There must be something wrong with this batch of improved rice seeds. I wonder if Captain Tang will insist on changing the seeds in the end.

After returning home, Shen Xiangnan said, "Little sister, I noticed that you looked unwell just now. Are you feeling unwell?"

"My dear, what's wrong with you? Let me see." Old Mrs. Ji hurried to see Shen Ruoqing.

"Mom, I'm fine. I was just wondering if this improved rice variety is a trap. Do you think this improved rice variety will be implemented?"

"How come you have the same idea as Liu Xinyi? What can go wrong? Everyone in the commune is planting this kind of rice, so how can there be any problem? If there is something wrong with this rice seed..." Shen Xiangxi's expression changed as he spoke.

"If there is something wrong with this rice seed, not only our brigade, but also the entire commune, even the nearby communes, and even most of China will be in big trouble!" Shen Xiangnan murmured, "Little sister, are you sure there is something wrong with this rice seed?"

(End of this chapter)