The development of hybrid rice varieties, which have been reported to out-yield inbred rice varieties by about 10%, is necessary in ensuring China’s food security. However, the agricultural area where hybrid rice is grown has decreased by 25% (about 5 million ha) in China since 1995. Assuming such better yield performance of hybrids compared to inbreds, the decrease in hybrid rice production area in China is cause for concern. This review discusses the causes of such decline and analyse its potential effects on rice self-sufficiency. The analy...
