The Tropical Agriculture Research Front (TARF; locally known as “Nekken”) of JIRCAS successfully held the 55th TARF Public Lecture for Citizens, titled “Plant Breeding Using African Rice,” on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 19:00 to 20:30 at the Audiovisual Room on the 2nd floor of the Ishigaki City Health and Welfare Center. Nineteen people attended the event.

TARF Researcher KUNIYOSHI Daichi gave a lecture on the research being conducted at JIRCAS. He introduced African staple foods and dishes, including rice; explained the situation in sub-Saharan Africa where rice consumption is increasing but production cannot keep pace; discussed the characteristics of wild rice that can grow in diverse environments; described the difficulties of plant breeding using African rice and the research and development aimed at overcoming these challenges; and outlined future prospects. 

During the Q&A session following the lecture, approximately 20 questions and comments were received, including requests for more detailed explanations of the plant-breeding research presented. This response indicated a high level of interest among participants in rice breeding research, and the session provided a valuable opportunity for exchange of views.