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Milken-Motsepe Prize in Agritech – IRRI and AfricaRice


          Researchers from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)
          were one of the recipients of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech for their project developing
          flood-tolerant rice varieties.


          The varieties feature the SUB1 gene and can survive submerged for over two weeks, significantly

          outperforming current varieties. The award aims to support innovative solutions benefiting small to
          medium-sized African farms. The new rice strains promise to increase farmers’ income, enhance
          resilience to climate change, and have the potential for substantial returns on investment.

          “The science supporting this project has worked successfully in Asia. The wide-scale impact on Asian
          farmers is felt across the region. This research allows African farmers to increase their resilience against

          climate change. The generous prize can help us bring this innovation to many more smallholder farmers
          in Africa and beyond at a faster pace,”
          — Dr. Venuprasad Ramaiah, Research Unit Leader, Fit-for-Future Genetic Resources, IRRI.










          2023 Spring Imperial Decorations – Order of the Rising Sun,


          Gold, and Silver Star – Dr. Nteranya Sanginga

          Dr. Nteranya Sanginga, former Director General of CGIAR’s International Institute of Tropical

          Agriculture (IITA), was honored with The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold, and Silver Star by the
          Emperor of Japan in 2023. He is the first from CGIAR to receive this award.


          The award recognizes individuals with distinguished achievements in international relations,
          cultural promotion, field advancements, welfare development, or environmental preservation. It

          recognizes Dr. Sanginga’s significant contributions to research, food security, and bilateral
          cooperation in global agriculture. His efforts have impacted various sectors, including industry,
          government, and academia.

          His Majesty, the Emperor of Japan, acknowledged Dr. Nteranya Sanginga’s impactful service
          towards strengthening relations and promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Sub-
          Saharan Africa in the field of agriculture.















             CGIAR Annual Report 2023                                                                     34
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