Perennial rice technology could help improve Africa's food security

As part of its commitment to help Africa improve food security, China is promoting perennial rice technology that has highly been hailed by both experts and farmers.

The technology, which is considered a major breakthrough in agri-germplasm utilization, allows for continuous harvesting for two to four years without reseeding, reducing production costs and labor input.

Perennial rice technology received recognition in Africa and was incorporated into the agricultural technology advancement framework at the High-Level Ministerial Session of the fifth African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Water and Environment that was held in November last year.

The technology has also been included in the African Union Seeds and Biotechnology Program 2024-2025, and has already been introduced in Uganda, Malawi, Madagascar and Burundi, through collaborations between Chinese and African agricultural experts.