Havana, July 18, (RHC), -- Japan has donated to Cuba about $3 million worth of machinery to grow and harvest rice, as part of a new cooperation project with the Asian nation, which will also provide technical support and training for farmers, Granma newspaper said Tuesday.

Kenichiro Kawaji, coordinator of the Japan International Cooperation Agency said the donated machinery, which includes tractors, harvesters, mowers and tillers, would enable Cuban farmers to grow some 2,000 tonnes of rice

"I am convinced that through our experience and techniques, we can contribute to increased rice production in Cuba," Japan's Ambassador Masuo Nishibayashi said in delivering the equipment.

Cuba, which imports nearly 70 percent of its rice, seeks to halve imports of the grain which top $200 million per year. /AFP

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