Uganda and China have signed a corporation agreement to establish the China Center of Excellence for livestock, crops, and fisheries. The center located at the National Crop Research Institute in Namulonge will focus on perennial rice cultivation with the aim to boost productivity and ensure food security.

This innovation approach will enable farmers to make multiple harvests from a single planting, increasing productivity and ensuring sustainable food security.

Dr. Yona Baguma, the Director General of the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), said while speaking to the media on October 23, 2024, at the National Crop Research Institute in Wakiso district, that farmers will now enjoy continuous harvesting, securing food supply for trade consumption.

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According to Dr. Baguma, this center of production for rice is introducing one of the most unique kinds of traits in rice.

“Traditionally, rice is known to be an annual crop that grows for only one season and is harvested. Whoever perennial rice is planted once and multiple harvests are made as long as the fields are well managed,” Baguma said.

The partnership presents Ugandan researchers with invaluable opportunities, including access to cutting-edge research and development in perennial rice plus knowledge exchange in perennial rice cultivation, further reducing labor costs and increasing returns to investment.