The University of Rovuma (UniRovuma) and the People's Republic of China are laying the foundations for one of Mozambique's most innovative agricultural projects: the transformation of coastal saline soils into fertile land for the production of so-called sea rice, a salt-resistant variety with high nutritional value.

The initiative is the result of a scientific partnership between UniRovuma and a Chinese research institute, and provides for the establishment in Nampula of the China-Mozambique Joint Laboratory for the Improvement of Coastal Saline Soils and the Development of Sea Rice.

According to a publication in Jornal Rigor, the Rector of UniRovuma, Mário Brito dos Santos, presented the project during a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique, Zheng Xuan, in Maputo. 

For the Rector, the technology that will be introduced will enable the conversion of saltwater-flooded areas into productive agricultural areas, creating new opportunities for rural communities and promoting food security in the north and center of the country.

(Source: MZNEWS, on November 4)