By Zablon Oyugi

A new Chinese water-saving and drought-resistant rice variety which was introduced in Zanzibar early this year is already spelling fortune for a number of smallholder farmers who have been relying on local varieties which struggle to survive the erratic weather conditions as a result of climate change.

Developed by the Shanghai Agro-Biological Gene Centre to enhance agricultural production, the new variety called WDR-73 has been undergoing piloting among some 300 farmers at Kibonde-Mzungu in Mjini Magharibi region on Unguja Island.

According to Salum Faki Hamad, a researcher with the Zanzibar Agricultural Research Institute under the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources, and Livestock, the pilot project for the new rice variety has been successful.

“The number of farmers using the new variety is anticipated to increase to 6,000 in the upcoming farming season after we have distributed the seeds to them,” Hamad told Xinhua.

WDR-73 rice variety matures in a short time and it resistant to flooding.

The researcher mentioned that, upon approval, they plan to distribute this variety throughout Zanzibar, including Unguja and Pemba Island, as it flourishes in highlands where farmers do not rely on irrigation.

Hamad expressed hope that the Chinese-introduced variety could significantly contribute to the development of local varieties through breeding with this new genetic resource.

On his part, Ali Khamis Juma, the principal secretary in Zanzibar’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources, and Livestock, added that following the introduction of this rice variety, Zanzibar and China could further collaborate on research into other food crops to help make the Zanzibar archipelago food self-sufficient.

According to Liu Zaochang, a researcher from the Shanghai Agrobiological Gene Center, the center has been collaborating with Tanzania on water-saving and drought-resistant rice since March.

“One of the key features of this variety is its shorter growth period, which is 10 to 20 days earlier than local varieties. Additionally, it boasts a high seed setting rate, exceeding 90 percent, which indicates significant potential,” said Liu.

“Considering the agricultural cooperation between China and Tanzania, particularly in rice cultivation, I believe this partnership holds great promise.”

Liu highlighted that water-saving and drought-resistant rice, which reduces water use without lowering yields, is gaining attention in both plains and hilly regions. He believes this variety can ensure stable food production while promoting energy savings, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting environmental sustainability.

Another researcher from the Shanghai Agrobiological Gene Center, Luo Lijun, noted that while significant progress has been made in rice breeding and cultivation techniques over the past 60 years, rice production still faces serious challenges related to resources and the environment.

Published Date: August 13, 2024