Botswana, Japan patent new rice genes

Monkagedi Gaothobogwe | Monday March 3, 2014 15:34

Botswana’s Department of Agricultural Research has registered an innovation or invention with the Patent Cooperation Treaty with the Japan NARA Institute of Science and Technology.

The invention involves the use of genes from Botswana’s wild watermelons that have been found to have properties that enhance the growth of roots and the biomass on certain types of crops such as rice and mealies.

Botswana and NARA Institute are the co-owners of the invention which has since been licensed to Japan Tobacco to commercialise it.

NARA and Botswana will get 45 percent of the profits and share it equally should the invention be a hit, explained Agriculture Permanent Secretary Dr Marcus Chimbombi in an interview with The Monitor on Thursday.