Agriculture India-IRRI Launches four High-Yield Rice Varieties in DRC to Enhance Food Security and Farmer Incomes

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has introduced four new rice varieties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to enhance food security and increase farmer incomes.  This initiative is part of the Great Lakes Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative Rapid Delivery Hub, also known as the Kugwiza Project, which operates in DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda.

For farmers in DRC, the introduction marks a significant shift. Many still rely on traditional rice varieties that produce low yields and poor quality. The new seeds are disease-resistant, deliver higher yields, and provide better milling recovery and market value. Crucially, they were bred to match local preferences, non-sticky, easy to cook, and appealing in colour.