Scientists from China and Sierra Leone have been named co-winners of the annual $250,000 World Food Prize for their work in producing high-yield rice.

Chinese Professor Yuan Longping and Dr. Monty Jones from the west African country were awarded the shared prize at a ceremony in Washington yesterday.

Yuan Longping is credited with developing the world's first successful and widely grown hybrid rice varieties, while Jones recaptured the genetic potential of ancient African rices by combining African and Asian rice species.

The prize was created in 1986 by 1970's Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Norman Borlaug, to recognize those who help improve the quality or availability of food throughout the world.

(CRI March 30, 2004)