Chinese rice researchers in Rwanda have said that some parts of the country are suitable for the production of upland rice, but they said there is need to closely monitor climate changes.
Some areas identified to be viable for upland rice production include Rwamagana in the Eastern Province, Kabuye in Kigali and Huye in the Southern province.

In an interview with Business Times recently, Lin Zhansen, an expert at Kabuye rice demonstration centre said they are monitoring the climate on a daily basis to identify which seasons are suitable for the crop.

"We have data collected and an analysis of climate change on a daily basis but to have agriculture information takes long time,” he said.

Chinese upland rice referred to as ‘golden Mountain No.1’, takes only four months of harvesting time while water rice takes about six months to mature.

The upland rice project in Rwanda started in August 2006, with an aim of understanding Rwanda’s condition and potential for growing the crop. The researcher said implementation of the project has been delayed due to limited access to meteorological information.

Zhansen said that since August 2006 they have been using their own equipment to record and collect the data.

According to the project’s annual report, it is very important for finding out the climate pattern at the area, for identifying the optimal planting season, and provides the basic and reliable information for future large scale planting of dry land rice. 

According to the research findings, planting is favourable in November and January. It said that with better irrigation July, is also a favourable month. Currently five varieties of Chinese upland rice have been tested.

Zhansen said more 15 different types will be shipped from China soon.

A training centre in the Western Province is expected to improve rice management which in turn will increase production. The centre also trains Rwandans in production of other products like mushroom growing, silk production and environmental protection.

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