BUJUMBURA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Burundi has quadrupled its rice production thanks to Chinese technical support provided since 2009, a senior official has said.

"Thanks to the Chinese technical support we have received since 2009, rice production has increased from about three tons to 12 tons per hectare. This improvement is being seen in various regions across the country where Chinese-supported initiatives are underway," said Leonard Butoyi, assistant to the minister of environment, agriculture and livestock.

Butoyi made the remarks on Monday during a certificate award ceremony for Burundians trained in modern farming techniques. The event took place at the Gihanga rice research center in Bubanza Province, western Burundi, a facility built and operated by Chinese agricultural experts.

Chinese Ambassador to Burundi Zhao Jiangping, who also attended the event, reaffirmed China's commitment to supporting Burundi's agricultural development. "Agriculture is also a pillar of China's economy," she said, adding that China is willing to share the experience with the Burundian people.

The Gihanga Rice Research Center, established in 2009, provides training in hybrid rice cultivation, maize farming, and poultry, fish, and rabbit rearing. Since its inception, the center has trained and awarded certificates to 76 Burundian farmers across six training cycles.

Currently, at least 3,800 hectares in Burundi are dedicated to hybrid rice farming. ■