The Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) has signed it’s third Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JxAAS) in Tamale to boost food security in the region.
The mutual agreement was first signed in 2017 between the two parties in an effort to share knowledge in the areas of agricultural production and information technology through joint research on crop germplasm resources to explore new varieties.
The MoU is an expansion of an existing partnership between the Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) at Nyankpala in the Tolon district and the Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Science.
As part of the agreement, the Chinese research institution has rolled out five sets of Hybrid rice which includes Hukeyou Taixiang, Luohongyou 1564, Quanguangyou 822, Quanyou Simiao and Wanfengyou Sizhan to be evaluated in the Northern Region.
The Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu renewed the agreement with the Vice President of Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mr Liu Guangrong on Thursday, June 6, 2024.
The Minister described the Sister-Region relationship as refreshing and heartwarming that would help conduct a review of progress of the various activities that have been initiated in line with the bilateral relationship.
“The dividends that have accrued are very fruitful exchange of ideas on Agriculture and technology between the Northern Region and the Jiangxi Province.”
He continued that, “The donation of the farm implements has had a positive impact on our Agricultural activities especially as it has proven to be simple and appropriate technology in some areas.”
“The seed varieties that were introduced have been tried and two of them have proven quite viable and are presently being replicated” Mr. Shani asserted.
He further entreated all relevant stakeholders to continue working closely with the Jiangxi Foreign Affairs Office to identify new areas especially in Education, Training, Research and Technology, as a necessary step to improving the mutual benefit of our People of the 2 regions.
Meanwhile the Vice President of Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mr. Liu Guangrong, in his remarks said food security is very important to China especially rice production which saves as their key area of operation.
He noted the cooperation between the two sides has a long history nearly a decade which has contributed to the introduction and improvement of varieties.
“We have achieved great outcomes especially that we have two rice varieties that has been approved by the country that’s Malimali and Savannah rice”
He said the region has a huge potential for Agriculture to thrive and had committed to improving the relationship for further exploration of other fields.
