Sudan and JICA launch aerobic rice cultivation program

Sudan’s Ministery of Agriculture and Natural Resources aims to increase rice production, close the food gap, and reduce imports through a program for growing aerobic rice in Gezira State.

The project is part of the country’s collaboration with the Japanese International Cooperation Organization (JICA) that focuses on the introduction of modern agricultural technologies and cash crops.

Aerobic rice is a production system in which especially developed “aerobic rice” varieties are grown in well-drained, non-puddled, and nonsaturated soils. With good management, the system aims for yields of at least 4-6 tons per hectare.

Read the full story at Sudan News Agency

More on rice production in Africa:

Rice Technology Transfer Systems: A driving force for the development of rice production across Asia and Africa
The goal of the RRTS Workshop, which ran from 2002-2018, was to share relevant information, extend applicable components of Korean agriculture and technology that participants can apply in their home countries, and build the capacity of the participants for enhancing the agro-industry technology transfer system. Among other things, it also aimed to improve technology promotion and delivery of knowledge and skills to participants through various interactive and participatory learning methods.

New improved rice varieties for Burundi today, food security for Africa tomorrow
Using selected IRRI varieties with good agronomic traits, adaptability to different agro-ecological systems, and resistance to blast and sheath rot, rice breeders have developed IR 107015-18-3-1-B, IR85260-148 (BR11 Sub1), and IR05N221 at the IRRI-Eastern and Southern Africa Regional (IRRI-ESA) Office in Bujumbura, Burundi. Leading a joint research team from IRRI, the University of Burundi, and the Institute for Agricultural Science, IRRI rice breeder Alexis Ndayiragije has evaluated the rice varieties in test sites across the various agro-ecological zones in the country.

Creating value together in Africa’s rice sector
The multi-stakeholder innovation platform approach promotes rice agribusiness by emphasizing active interaction with small and medium enterprises involved in farm mechanization, rice processing, and seed supply. Funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the SARD-SC project was implemented from 2012 to 2017 to raise the productivity and profitability of cassava, maize, rice, and wheat, which are among the six strategic crops selected by African heads of states. AfricaRice executed the rice component with its national partners in 11 African countries.