24 July 2004
Source: Panafrican News Agency

Kinshasa, DR Congo (PANA) - The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is to support rice production in Bumba, in DR Congo's northern Equator province, an official said.

Kashala Kapalwola, Technical Director of the National Institute for Agricultural Study and Research said in Kinshasa the IFAD support would be under the International Rice Year (2004) programme.

Kapalwola attended a regional meeting in Yamoussoukro, Cote d'Ivoire recently, on agricultural research systems, where he met with the Africa Rice Centre, WARDA, Director General Kanayo Nwanze.

He said he discussed with Nwanze, the planned introduction of the New Rice for Africa (NERICA) project in Bumba, a traditional rice growing centre in DR Congo.