Accra:Eight new rice varieties with promising yields and shorter maturation cycles have been developed through a collaboration between Joseph KI-ZERBO University (UJKZ) and the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research (INERA). The research initiative, led by Professor Imaël Henry Nestor BASSOLE, received support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the Atoms4Food initiative.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the development of these rice varieties comes as Burkina Faso seeks to strengthen domestic rice production. This effort aligns with the government's decision to suspend rice imports in April 2026 to boost local production. In 2025, national rice production increased by nearly 49%, a result of the Agro-Pastoral Offensive, which also highlighted marketing challenges for producers and processors.
The IAEA reports that the new varieties yield 9 to 11 tonnes per hectare and have maturation cycles of 95 to 106 days, compared to 4 to 6 tonnes per hectare for existing varieties. This advancement in rice productivity holds potential for broad adoption under varying production conditions.
The research utilizes selection by induced mutation, a method that promotes genetic variations through radiation, allowing researchers to select desired traits. This approach enhances genetic diversity without making the rice radioactive, resulting in varieties with desirable agronomic and nutritional characteristics.
The new rice varieties also take into account consumer preferences, featuring large grains and, in some cases, high resistant starch content and a sticky texture. By June 2025, eight of the eleven advanced mutant lines had been registered in Burkina Faso's National Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties.
The Atoms4Food initiative has strengthened national scientific capacities and established demonstration plots in rice-growing areas like Bama and Banzon. One variety recorded a yield of 11.76 tonnes per hectare in Banzon. The focus now is on developing certified seeds, facilitating access for farmers, and supporting the dissemination of these varieties in various production areas, ensuring their adaptation to agro-ecological conditions.
This achievement underscores the impact of Burkinabe research and international cooperation in transforming agriculture. By integrating national expertise and nuclear techniques, UJKZ and INERA are paving the way for enhanced rice production, improved farmer incomes, and a reduction in rice import dependency.