2021-05-22 13:35:57 GMT2021-05-22 21:35:57(Beijing Time) Xinhua English File photo taken in 1981 shows Yuan Longping selecting hybrid rice specimens for a lecture. Chinese scientist Yuan Longping, renowned for developing the first hybrid rice strain that pulled countless people out of hunger, died of illness at 91 on Saturday. (Xinhua) Photo taken on Sept. 28, 2019 shows a portrait of Yuan Longping after receiving the Medal of the Republic. Chinese scientist Yuan Longping, renowned for developing the first hybrid rice strain that pulled countless people out of hunger, died of illness at 91 on Saturday. (Xinhua/Li He) Yuan Longping (1st L) receives the 2011 Mahathir Science Award for his contribution in developing hybrid rice from Malaysian former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad (1st R) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Jan. 31, 2012. Chinese scientist Yuan Longping, renowned for developing the first hybrid rice strain that pulled countless people out of hunger