Knowledge Sharing. Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr. (L), executive director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) tours Hon. Ir. Odette Kayitesi (2nd from L), minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Republic of Burundi, at PhilRice laboratories, March 5.
Together with Dr. Deo-Guide Rurema, chief of cabinet of the second vice president and Dr. Joseph Bigiriolana, IRRI Eastern and Southern Africa coordinator, she visited PhilRice to learn about the Institute’s research and development programs and latest technologies in Philippine farming.
Based on IRRI data, about 75,000 tons of rice was estimated to be produced in Burundi while another 40,000 tons of rice was imported in 2010. Between 1984 and 2011, rice production increased from 18,000 to 75,000 tons per year – a 316 percent increase in 27 years.
