Roundup: African experts spot potential of Juncao technology to boost livelihoods, sustainable agriculture

The Star

4 days ago

KIGALI, July 24 (Xinhua) -- African agricultural experts are looking to harness Juncao technology, a Chinese innovation used in mushroom cultivation and livestock feed, to improve livelihoods and increase incomes in rural communities across the continent.
"Juncao technology offers far more than mushroom cultivation; it is a comprehensive innovation having crop, livestock production, environmental protection, livelihood nutrition and economic empowerment," said Telesphore Ndabamenye, director general of the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board.
He made the remark while attending the closing ceremony of a Juncao technology workshop held on Wednesday in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Stressing the importance of Juncao technology in advancing agricultural transformation, Ndabamenye said the participation of trainees from diverse economies highlighted the broad applicability of the technology, particularly in addressing the socioeconomic challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
"Juncao technology is regarded in Rwanda as a vital contributor to the country's inclusive agriculture transformation. It supports our national vision of a professionalized and commercialized farming sector with active participation of both men and women as stated under Rwanda's vision 2050," he said.
He reaffirmed Rwanda's commitment to integrating Juncao technology into the country's strategy for food and nutrition security, environmental sustainability, and economic development, in full alignment with continental and global development agendas.
Since Juncao was first introduced to Rwanda in 2006, more than 35,000 local farmers have received training, and over 4,000 households, along with 50 companies and cooperatives, have been supported in engaging in Juncao-related activities.
The July 16-23 Juncao workshop was held at the China-Rwanda Agriculture Technology Demonstration Center, co-hosted by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, and China's Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University.
As part of the training, participants visited several projects in Huye and Nyanza, gained hands-on experience, and deepened their understanding of Juncao technology's potential.
Innocent Shayamano, chief agriculture extension specialist and project coordinator from Zimbabwe's Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, said the workshop covered critical areas such as cultivation management of Juncao grass, including all its agronomic aspects.
"This course was relevant and significant for our country. We have seen the opportunities in embracing Juncao technology in terms of using Juncao grass as a substitute for livestock feed. This technology came to transform livelihoods and ensure that rural communities have enough income," he said.
Chinese Juncao expert Lin Hui said the participants' active engagement, thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm for applying the acquired knowledge were truly inspiring.
According to Lin, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University of China has organized 388 training courses over the years, benefiting more than 16,000 people worldwide.
According to Li Jiahui, a representative of the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, the technology has benefited over 100 countries since 2001, helping families lift themselves out of poverty and achieve prosperity.
"It has been proven that Juncao is not merely a technology but a grass of wealth and a grass of happiness. China takes great pride in sharing the technology as part of its commitment to South-South cooperation," Li added.