Manila, Philippines, 19 October 2023 — Leaders representing different sectors in Southeast Asia discussed how rice research needs to evolve to cater to the needs of an ever-growing population in the region at the 6th International Rice Congress.
Neighboring regions such as Africa experience a surge in demand for rice as people’s preferences and dietary requirements change. However, Africa is not a rice-growing region and many areas are not primed for rice production. Thus, African countries continuously import rice from Asia, which in turn puts pressure on Asian countries to produce more rice for export and to keep up with the domestic demand.
Similarly, a decrease in rice demand is projected as populations shift their lifestyles based on their socio-economic status. In ten years, another shift in dietary preferences is foreseen as 10% or more of the population from lower-income households become members of the middle class who typically consume less rice.
Aside from shifting demands, Asia also faces the burden of a dwindling labor force, particularly in the agricultural sector. Many people opt to work in urban areas, usually leaving women and the youth to tend to the rice fields. The biggest emerging concerns from not having enough human resources to till the land, plant, harvest, and process rice for consumption are 1) accommodating the needs of a population that grows at least 1% every year, and 2) how to do it sustainably, without straining the environment.
Dr. Suthad Setboonsarng, former chair of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Board of Trustees, led an IRC 2023 panel discussion that featured experts and leaders of various government agencies and corporations in Southeast Asia who presented their envisioned future of rice research.
The aim was to help the rice sector identify gaps…