Rice Production in Asia: Key to Global Food Security

Abstract

Rice is the staple food for over half of the global population. About 90% of the global rice is produced and consumed in Asia. Hence, rice production in Asia is the key for global food security. The growth in rice production with stability has been a matter of concern to achieve food security, especially in developing countries. In this backdrop, the present paper attempts to study the area and production growth rates of major rice growing countries of Asia. Also, the export growth rates were estimated and the contribution of major rice growing countries of Asia to Global food security was quantified for the period between 1994 and 2013. The trends from the year 1964 for area and production were analyzed. For exports, the trends have been analysed from the year 1984. The results revealed that there was a rapid increase in production of rice during 2004–2013 mainly because of increase in area and also because of increased investment in agriculture. The growth rate of exports has declined and stood at 4.01% during 2004–2012. This is mainly because of 2008 rice crisis that has provided impetus to expanded rice production in several rice importing countries. The study suggests that, for expansion of international trade, the governments will need to adopt measures that reduce supply chain loss, improve supply response time, reduce the market costs and post harvest loss.