Strengthening Cooperation Between BGI and Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organization to Advance the Development of Perennial Rice in Africa

Recently, Dr. Yin Ye, Chief Executive Officer of BGI Group, met with Dr. Yona Baguma, Director General of Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), at BGI’s global headquarters, the BGI Time and Space Center. The discussion focused on the promotion and cultivation of perennial rice in Uganda, aiming to advance sustainable agricultural development in Africa and contribute to regional food security.

A delegation from NARO visited the BGI Time and Space Center

During the meeting, BGI Bioverse and NARO formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding, reaching consensus on establishing integrated rice-growing complexes and improving Uganda’s rice seed production and supply system. This collaboration will not only promote the development of local agricultural technologies, but also provide opportunities for Ugandan students to pursue advanced rice research in China, including short-term and long-term training programs and student exchange initiatives. These efforts will help cultivate a new generation of agricultural scientists in Uganda, injecting fresh momentum into sustainable agricultural development in the country and across Africa.

Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding

In October this year, Dr. Yin Ye led a delegation to Uganda to unveil and launch the China–Africa Perennial Rice Technology Cooperation Center, as well as the BGI–NARO Center of Excellence for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock. Both centers are located at Uganda’s National Crops Resources Research Institute and will serve as important hubs for perennial rice research and training in Africa, playing a key role in enhancing food security, nutrition, and farmers’ incomes through rice cultivation.

Unveiling ceremony

For more than 20 years, BGI Group has been deeply engaged in rice research, leveraging genomic technologies to explore the intrinsic mechanisms of rice growth, with the goal of increasing yields and improving environmental adaptability to promote sustainable agriculture. Dr. Yin Ye stated, “By working hand in hand with NARO, we are committed to advancing the cultivation of perennial rice to strengthen food security and sustainability in Africa, while empowering local farmers with our decades of expertise in rice research and fostering agricultural innovation.”

At present, NARO has developed five perennial rice varieties, including PR107, launched in 2022 and also known as “NARO-RICE-1” or “New Super,” which has attracted significant local attention for its aroma and taste. Dr. Yona Baguma noted, “Our collaboration with BGI will enable farmers to harvest from the same crop for up to five years, achieving at least 15 harvests, thereby reducing production costs such as seeds and labor while improving soil stability.”

As the second most biodiverse country in Africa, Uganda is home to 65 species of wild rice, providing a natural laboratory for the joint development of high-yield, disease-resistant rice varieties adapted to local climates. Looking ahead, BGI Group and NARO will continue to deepen their cooperation, bringing transformative change to African agriculture and jointly advancing toward a greener, more sustainable future.