File photo shows Yuan Longping selecting hybrid rice specimens for a lecture. (Photo: Xinhua)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday extended his deep condolences to Yuan Longping's family following the passing of the renowned scientist.

Yuan, the leading agronomist for developing the first hybrid rice strain that pulled countless people out of hunger, died of illness at 91 on Saturday.

In his message, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highly praised Yuan's contribution to China's food security, agricultural technology innovation as well as to world food development.

Stressing that the best way of commemorate Yuan is to learn from his patriotism and persistence to work, Xi called on all Party members, officials and scientists to devote themselves to serve the country and its people with concrete actions.

Yuan's family expressed gratitude over President's Xi's message. They said they will carry on Yuan's hard-working spirit and make more contribution to serving the society.

The message was conveyed by Xu Dazhe, secretary of the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee.