On November 29, Dr. Yin Ye, CEO and Executive Director of BGI Group, and Dr. Yona Baguma, Director General of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) in Uganda, reinforced the partnership between the two parties during Dr. Baguma and his delegation’s visit to the BGI Center, BGI Group’s global headquarters in Shenzhen, China. This collaboration aims to promote sustainable agriculture in Africa by advancing perennial rice cultivation, which is pivotal for food security.

On November 29, 2024, Dr. Yona Baguma, Director General of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), and his team visited the BGI Center and met with Dr. Yin Ye, CEO and Executive Director of BGI Group, along with the executive members.

This event followed the establishment of their partnership in October 2024, when Dr. Yin visited Uganda and launched the groundbreaking Africa Regional Perennial Rice Technology Centre. Strategically located in Uganda, the Centre is set to become a hub for pioneering research and training in perennial rice technologies across the continent, and to elevate rice as a cornerstone for food security, nutrition, and income generation.

NARO has already developed five perennial rice varieties, including PR107, released in 2022. Known as “NARO Rice 1” or “New Super,” it has gained popularity for its aroma and taste.

“NARO and BGI have embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration to harness perenniality in crops, especially rice, enabling farmers to harvest from the same crop for up to five years,” Dr. Baguma said. He highlighted that perennial rice allows at least 15 harvests from a single planting, reducing input costs such as for seeds and labor while also improving soil stability.

BGI Group brings over two decades of rice research expertise to this partnership, leveraging a deep understanding of genomic sciences to enhance rice yields and sustainability. “Together with NARO, we are committed to advancing perennial rice cultivation to enhance food security and sustainability in Africa, leveraging our expertise to empower local farmers and foster agricultural innovation,” said Dr. Yin.

Furthermore, this initiative supports educational exchanges, offering opportunities for Ugandan students to engage in advanced rice research in China, fostering a new generation of agricultural scientists.

Uganda’s rich biodiversity, featuring 65 types of wild rice, offers an ideal environment for developing new, resilient rice strains. These strains are not only high-yielding but also well-adapted to local climate conditions, further underscoring the potential for agricultural innovation and sustainability.

The NARO delegation visiting China included key figures such as Dr. Stevens Kisaka, Director of Corporate Services; Mr. Dennis Owor, Director of Internal Audit; Dr. Titus Alicai, Director of Research at the National Crops Resources Research Institute; Dr. Jimmy Lamo, Programme Leader for Cereals; and Mr. Frank Mugabi, Head of Communications.