Over the course of two weeks, thirty agricultural officials and experts from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Egypt, Gambia, and Cameroon delved into the world of sustainable rice cultivation in the Chinese mainland. From May 15 to May 28, they participated in the 2025 Seminar on Perennial Rice Technology, hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and organized in part by leading life science and genomics company BGI Group.
Perennial rice, a revolutionary crop that yields multiple harvests from a single planting, was the focus of the seminar. The delegates were immersed in full-cycle management techniques and innovative strategies to enhance rice production in their home countries.
“I came with an empty bag, but I’m going back with a full bag of information, full bag of knowledge,” expressed Willis Abwao Adero, a senior research scientist at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization.
Echoing this sentiment, Ethiopia’s senior researcher and director at the Bio and Emerging Technology Institute, Allo Amen Dido, said, “We learned a lot, not only about rice but also about perennial rice production and full-cycle management.”
The seminar also featured country-specific discussions to address local agricultural challenges. Nigeria explored streamlined planting methods to accelerate agricultural transformation. Ethiopia proposed integrating wild rice genes with genomic tools to develop high-altitude varieties. Kenya outlined plans for pilot trials upon returning home, and Egypt emphasized the need for salt-tolerant rice varieties to combat saline-alkali soils.
All delegates agreed on the importance of long-term partnerships between African and Chinese research institutions. Ongoing technical support is seen as critical to advancing agricultural development across the continent.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), a testament to the strengthening ties between China and African nations. According to Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning, China-Africa relations have achieved leapfrog development and have entered their best period in history.
The training initiative aligns with the goals of FOCAC, promoting agricultural modernization and sustainable practices. The BGI Group has committed to strengthening partnerships and sharing innovative farming techniques with Africa, aiming to bolster food security and economic growth.
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African delegates finish training on perennial rice in China
cgtn.com
