Cai Shanya, a Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry teacher, instructs local farmers on rice cultivation in Kenya. [Photo/Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry]

Agriculture is a pillar industry for many African nations, and in recent years, Jiangsu province has played a key role in fostering agricultural collaboration with these countries. Jiangsu agricultural experts have introduced new crop varieties and techniques, advancing agricultural projects and helping to modernize Africa's agriculture.

In March, Cai Shanya, a Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry teacher, traveled to Kenya to guide rice cultivation. Cai's work focused on improving rice yields, which had been hampered by issues like poor soil conditions and pest damage. Over several months, he trained 90 Kenyan farmers and employees of a local agricultural company on rice planting techniques. By the end of his stay, the first crop saw a significant yield increase, doubling from 250 kilograms per 667 square meters to 500 kilograms.

Cai's contributions are part of a more significant effort by Jiangsu-based institutions to support African agricultural development. His college has collaborated with Chinese agricultural companies to establish "Shennong Institutes" in countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.

These institutes provide technical assistance, train local agricultural personnel, and develop research programs. Over 10,000 African farmers and technicians have received training in rice and vegetable cultivation, livestock management, and agricultural machinery in the last five years.