IITA signs MoU with CATAS on improved crop varieties and cultivation techniques

IITA has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Chinese  Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) to enhance the introduction of new crop varieties and cultivation techniques to IITA in the next five years.

Speaking at the signing of the MoU held at IITA Nigeria (Abuja), Gbassey Tarawali, who signed on behalf of IITA, stressed the importance of formalizing this partnership as both Institutes “share commonalities in crops and climate.” In 2011, CATAS signed an MoU with IITA. Given the mutual benefits both parties have derived from the relationship, CATAS returned in 2016 to renew the partnership for another five years.

The MoU would see China introducing new vegetables and cassava varieties to IITA. Besides, IITA will benefit from improved cultivation techniques, exchange programs, youth programs, and improved knowledge on how to coordinate farmers. “There is great potential in collaborating with IITA in the development of tropical agriculture as well as strengthening and enhancing the existing partnership,” the leader of the Chinese delegation, Wang Linsheng, said.
Prior to the signing of the MoU, IITA scientists presented on our research programs and activities. The delegates were later taken around the Abuja Station to see an exhibition with various confectionary, and the cassava, vegetable, and fish farms.

Our Chinese counterparts expressed delight in IITA’s youth program. “I hope that the Agripreneurs will come to Hainan Province, China, for an exchange of ideas,” Linsheng said.

CATAS with headquarters in Xueyuan, Hainan Province, is the largest tropical agricultural research institute in China with 14-member affiliate research institutes. It is situated on 4000 hectares of land with about 4600 staff.

In the Chinese delegation were Wang Linsheng, Deputy DG, Hainan Provincial Department of Science and Technology and Head of International Cooperation; Chen Yeyuan, Director of Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute; Y.C Zhang, Dean, Ecology of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Hainan University; Dafei Zheng, Director of Science and Technology Transformation and Cooperation, Hainan Provincial Department of Science and Technology; and Prof Jianping Zhao,  Deputy DG of Space and Beverage  Research Institute of CATAS.

Linsheng thanked IITA for accepting to  renew the MoU with CATAS and expressed confidence that the new partnership will be mutually beneficial to both parties.