A group of thirty agricultural professionals from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, Gambia, and Cameroon successfully concluded the 2025 Seminar on Perennial Rice Technology in China, held from May 15 to May 28. This seminar, organized under the auspices of China’s Ministry of Commerce and in collaboration with BGI Group, focused on innovative and sustainable rice farming techniques, particularly the cultivation of perennial rice, which allows for multiple harvests from a single planting.
Participants left enriched with knowledge, as stated by Willis Abwao Adero, a senior research scientist in Kenya, who remarked, “I came with an empty bag, but I’m going back with a full bag of information and knowledge.” Allo Amen Dido, a senior researcher from Ethiopia, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing their discoveries not just in rice cultivation, but in comprehensive crop management practices.
Discussions tailored to each country addressed specific agricultural needs: Nigeria focused on planting efficiencies; Ethiopia proposed wild rice gene integration for high-altitude growth; Kenya demonstrated plans for pilot projects; and Egypt highlighted the demand for salt-tolerant rice varieties. Attendees underlined the importance of ongoing collaborations and technical support between African and Chinese research institutions to foster agricultural development. This initiative is part of the broader goals of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), marking 25 years of evolving relationships and strengthening agricultural modernization efforts.
Source: news.cgtn.com
