Chinese agronomist Yuan Longping, famed as the "father of hybrid rice," died at the age of 91 on May 22. He has been credited for helping save countless lives from starvation during the 1970s. Hybrid rice is grown in Asia, America, Africa and in different kinds of environment. One of the most successful examples is in the African island nation of Madagascar where Yuan's discovery has left its mark on farmers' lives. The United Nations paid tribute to Yuan, praising his contributions to food security, poverty alleviation and people's livelihoods.