Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

Agricultural cooperation between China and Africa has greatly enhanced the agricultural production capacity of African countries, fostered innovation and sustainable development in local agricultural technology, and transformed the production methods and concepts of African farmers, bringing revolutionary changes to the local agricultural industry.  

The introduction of China's hybrid rice technology is a prime example. China's hybrid rice is now growing in more than 20 African countries, Xu Jianping, an official of the National Development and Reform Commission, said during a press conference on Monday.

As one of the important achievements of China-Africa agricultural cooperation, the application of China's hybrid rice technology has greatly improved the grain self-sufficiency of African countries. If anything, this serves as a microcosm of how the introduction and adoption of Chinese agricultural technology, which increases crop yields and introduces innovative planting techniques and management principles, plays a positive role in advancing the modernization of African agriculture.

Africa has long grappled with the severe challenge of food shortages. African agriculture has been continuously affected by various disruptions caused by historical issues like colonialism during the long process of globalization, which has made agricultural development in Africa even more complex and challenging. 

However, the introduction of Chinese hybrid rice technology has brought changes to this landscape. Take Madagascar as an example. The planting area of hybrid rice in the country has exceeded 75,000 hectares, with an average yield of 7.5 tons per hectare, more than three times the output of local crop varieties, according to media reports. This advancement boosts food production across Africa.

The rise in food output is a significant shift in agricultural production, encompassing a transformation in farmers' methods, production philosophies and even the broader social and economic framework. 

Among the main reasons for the stagnation of agricultural production in Africa are outdated production technology and traditional agricultural practices. In this context, Chinese hybrid rice technology, known for its high efficiency and impressive yields, has brought revolutionary changes in the perception of agriculture across the continent.

Deepening agricultural cooperation between China and Africa is evident in their joint efforts in agricultural technology innovation and transfer. In addition to providing technology, China also emphasizes training local agricultural technicians in Africa to ensure that these innovations can take root and thrive, fostering sustainable development. 

China has established 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers across the continent, promoting more than 300 advanced and practical technologies, including maize planting, vegetable cultivation and cassava propagation. This development has led to an impressive increase in local crop yields, ranging from 30 to 60 percent compared with previous levels.

It is through these projects that Chinese modernization has entered the lives and work of African people, bringing new ideas and methods. The presence of Chinese agricultural experts extends beyond merely transferring technology; it also involves refreshing agricultural concepts. 

Through field research, technical training and demonstration activities, these experts incorporate advanced planting techniques into local agricultural practices, enhancing food production and combating hunger in Africa. This enables African farmers to directly experience the transformative impact of new agricultural technologies, fostering their acceptance and adoption of modern production methods and ideas.

Overall, China-Africa agricultural cooperation has yielded significant achievements both technically and economically. More importantly, it has fostered a transformative shift in social perspectives across Africa, thereby advancing the modernization of the continent's agricultural sector. As this cooperation continues to deepen, there is every reason to believe that agricultural development in Africa is poised to enter a promising new stage.