Trial planting of Chinese water-saving, drought-resistant rice in Botswana successful

(ECNS) -- Botswana held "Chinese Rice Harvest Day" on Monday to celebrate the successful trial planting of water-saving and drought-resistant rice varieties in the country.

Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Wang Xuefeng, together with the Vice President Slumber Tsogwane of the country, harvested rice to celebrate the success. They exchanged views on agricultural cooperation between the two countries.

The successful trial planting of the rice is vital to improve the grain output of Botswana, reduce its dependence on grain import, and guarantee the food safety of the country, said Tsogwane.

China has advanced technologies and rich experience in agricultural production and Botswana hopes to strengthen the cooperation with China, the vice president added.

Wang said China would like to deepen the agricultural cooperation with Botswana, share its experience in food safety, and help Botswana conduct research on drought-resistant grain crops in order to help Botswana achieve self-sufficiency of food as soon as possible.