Rice reality
Between now and 2020, 1.2 billion new rice consumers will be added in Asia. Feeding these people
will require the greatest effort in the history of agriculture:
rice production must be increased by one third from today’s 320 million
tons to 420 million tons. Farmers will have to grow an extra 3.7 million
tons every year—at the very time that rice land is decreasing and the remaining
fields seem to be wearing out.
Today, there is barely enough rice for everyone. And in some places,
because of political and economic turmoil, there is not enough—and people
are going hungry.
What about tomorrow?
If we do not begin to respond to today’s cries for help, Asia’s future
will be bleak.
Environmental woes
Growing more and more rice from less and less land, however, may simply not
be sustainable. Chemical pesticides are already polluting the lakes, rivers,
and groundwater. Genetic biodiversity is eroding, salinity is encroaching
farther inland, and there is less water for irrigation. Air and water pollution
are already problems in many places.
What kind of environment will our children inherit?
Rhythm of life
Grown in Asia for at least 10,000 years, rice has richly influenced the cultures
and lives of billions of people. In the old societies of Asia, rice dictates
the rhythm of life. It is the grain that links Heaven and Earth, gods and
mortals. Throughout the region, rice dominates customs, beliefs, rituals,
and celebrations.
But as societies become affluent, they are slowly becoming less attached
to rice. And the death of an elder often means the loss of age-old traditions
and legends.
Who will preserve the priceless rice heritage?
Teetering on the edge
In much of Asia, where rice is the essence of survival, poor people in both cities and rural
areas spend half to three fourths of their incomes on rice—and
only rice. Keeping rice prices within their means is an absolute must for
social, economic, and political stability—and for promoting development
and reducing poverty. The current Asian economic crisis is a sobering reminder
that rice cannot be taken for granted.
For Asia, rice sufficiency is the foundation of a healthy and vibrant
society. Asia will be prosperous only if it can feed itself.
Before time runs out
In recent years, traditional western funding sources for global rice research have been
drying up, and the budgets of national rice programs in Asia are inadequate
to support long-term research programs.
But much remains to be done. Rice research must continue to provide
better ways of coaxing more rice from less land while preserving the fragile
environment.
Rice farming, if it is to be attractive to future generations, must be
transformed into a respected and economically profitable profession. Asians
must become more conscious of the importance of rice in their lives. And
the priceless rice cultural heritage must also be preserved for the education
and enjoyment of posterity.
Because of the magnitude of these endeavors, no one organization can
do it all. Collaboration among diverse partners is the key.
To succeed, this massive effort must be well coordinated, timely—and
well funded. Because more than 90 percent of the world’s rice is grown
and consumed in Asia, Asians must become responsible for financing rice
research and development. A new regional initiative is needed to help keep
Asia’s rice bowls full.
The Asia Rice Foundation, which is initiated by Asians, operated by
Asians, and targeted at benefiting Asians, is making this happen.
Investing in the future
We all need to do our part to reduce poverty, prevent further
environmental erosion, and ensure a prosperous future for the billions
of people in Asia’s rice societies. Contributing to the Asia Rice Foundation
is to invest in a healthy work force and a green environment.
What you do today will make a difference in Asia’s tomorrow. Show you
care—get involved.
To make a donation or to receive more information, please contact
The Asia Rice Foundation.
