IRRI partners with JAAS to establish a joint innovation laboratory

Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines - 14 November 2017  --  The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a joint innovation laboratory at the JAAS headquarters in Nanjing, China.

China has an average yield of more than 6.5 tons per hectare, making it one of the major rice-producing countries in the world. Continuous research, innovation, and knowledge transfer are needed to make the production of this food crop sustainable.

Under the new MoU, JAAS and IRRI commit to work together on gene and trait discovery, plant protection, parent building, and capacity development, and training for the next generation of rice scientists and farmers.

The success of the research done in the joint innovation laboratory would ultimately benefit farmers in rural areas and consumers. It would also help ensure the economic growth of China and other Asian and African countries.

“Through our new MoU and strengthened partnership, the two Institutions will be able to harness our mutual strengths and common interests to contribute to achieving sustainable rural development and food security in China and other Asian and Sub-Saharan African countries,” said JAAS President Yi Zhongyi.

The delegation headed by Prof. Yi Zhongyi also visited the International Rice Genebank, Molecular Biology Laboratory, and Grain Quality Laboratory at the IRRI HQ.

JAAS is one of the oldest agricultural research institutions in China and was founded in 1932.

Learn more about IRRI (www.irri.org) or follow us on social media and networks (all links down the right column).