Chinese technology will boost rice production in Africa

(By Africa Rice) A research center in Shanghai has developed hybrid rice suitable for use in Africa to help improve food self-sufficiency on a continent often plagued by drought. Water-saving and drought-resistant rice developed by the Shanghai Agrobiological Genetic Center could be approved as market-ready next year after six years of testing in Kenya, said Liu Zaochang, head of the South Africa program. technological center. “We are probably the first in China to produce hybrid rice for Kenya,” he said. “Starting with Kenya, we are promoting diverse rice varieties in 11 African countries, especially in Botswana, where rice has not been cultivated for almost 50 years.” John Kimani, a breeder at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, said the aromatic rice has an exceptional flavor and the plants are highly productive, drought-resistant and water-efficient. “In terms of commercialization, they are ideal,” he said. “We are excited about the prospect of ...