Li Zhengyou facts for kids

Li Zhengyou (born July 1935 – died April 4, 2018) was a smart Chinese scientist who studied plants. He was an agronomist, which means he focused on how to grow crops better, especially rice. He was a professor at Yunnan Agricultural University. Li Zhengyou became famous for creating a special type of hybrid rice called "Dian-type hybrid rice." Because of his amazing work, people called him the "father of high-altitude hybrid rice." He also held important government positions, serving as Vice-Governor of Yunnan Province and leading the Yunnan Science and Technology Society.

A Life Dedicated to Science

Li Zhengyou was born in Chongqing, China, in July 1935. His family originally came from Gao County in Sichuan Province. He loved learning about plants and farming. From 1956 to 1960, he studied at Southwest Agricultural University. After finishing his studies, he joined the Yunnan Agricultural University in August 1961. He started as a lecturer, teaching students, and later became a full professor. He also became the director of the university's Rice Research Institute.

Creating Super Rice

Li Zhengyou's biggest achievement was developing the "Dian-type hybrid rice." This special rice was designed to grow well in the high-altitude areas of Yunnan Province. His research was very important because it helped farmers grow much more rice. This meant farmers earned more money and more food was available for everyone.

For his amazing work, Li Zhengyou received important awards. He was given the State Natural Science Award in 1978. He also won the Fifth Yuan Longping Prize in Agricultural Sciences. Yuan Longping was another very famous Chinese scientist known for his work with hybrid rice. In 1983, Li Zhengyou was honored as a model worker of Yunnan. His research and findings were published in a book called Dian-type Hybrid Rice.

Public Service and Later Life

From April 1983 to April 1988, Li Zhengyou served as the Vice-Governor of Yunnan Province. This meant he helped lead the government of the province. He was also the Chairman of the Yunnan Science and Technology Society, helping to promote science and technology.

In May 1991, he joined the China Zhi Gong Party, a political party in China. He was a member of their central committees for many years. He also served in the 6th National People's Congress, which is like a parliament. He was also a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) for several terms. This group advises the government on important issues.

Li Zhengyou retired in June 2009. He passed away on April 4, 2018, in Kunming, at the age of 82. Yuan Longping wrote a special message praising Li Zhengyou's important contributions to rice research.