First Lady engages Japanese rice experts . . . discusses Nerica rice production in Zim

ZIMBABWE could soon embark on large-scale NERICA rice production, amid indications by Japanese experts that they are willing to work with Agric4She patron Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in making this possible and enhance the country’s food security, empower women and reduce the need to import the cereal.

NERICA, new rice for Africa, has been developed through crossing African rice species - resistant to disease and drought - and Asian rice species-high yield potential, with the assistance from Japan.

Dr Mnangagwa held separate meetings with Mr Tatsushi Tsuboi, an expert in rice production for Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr Akutsu Kentaro, the JICA senior director in charge of cooperation with Southern African Countries, Mr Amameishi Shinjiro, the deputy director-general and group director for agricultural and rural development during which she made a humble request for the NERICA rice production initiatives.

JICA senior vice president Mrs Imoto Sachiko also attended the meeting.

This comes as the First Lady also held a high-level one-on-one meeting with the chairperson of the Japanese Comprehensive Research Commission (JCRC) on the establishment of disaster resilience and former secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party, Mr Toshihiro Nikai.

First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa interacts with Japanese Inter - national Cooperation Agency ( JICA) expert in rice production Mr Tatsushi Tsuboi during the 1st Asia Pacific Africa Women’s Economic Exchange Summit in Tokyo, Japan on Monday

- Pictures: John Manzongo First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwatalks to Japanese chairperson for Comprehensive Research Commission ( JCRC) and former secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party Mr Toshihiro Nikai during the 1st Asia Pacific Africa Women’s Economic Exchange Summit in Tokyo, Japan on Monday.

First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa interacts with Japanese chair - person for Comprehensive Research Commission ( JCRC) and former secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party Mr Toshihiro Nikai during the 1st Asia Pacific Africa Women’s Economic Exchange Summit in Tokyo, Japan on Monday

First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in a meeting with Japanese International Cooperation Agency ( JICA) expert in rice production Mr Tatsushi Tsuboi in Tokyo, Japan on Monday

Tendai Rupapa in TOKYO, Japan First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa is welcomed by Japanese International Cooperation Agency ( JICA) senior vice president Mrs Sachiko Imoto at their offices on the sidelines of the 1st Asia Pacific Africa Women’s Economic Exchange Summit in Tokyo, Japan yesterday

First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa addresses Japanese International Cooperation Agency ( JICA) senior executives on the sidelines of the 1st Asia Pacific Africa Women’s Economic Exchange Summit in Tokyo, Japan yesterday

First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa during a meeting with Japanese International Cooperation Agency ( JICA) senior executives in Tokyo, Japan yesterday.