Thailand hosts 4th International Rice Congress to ensure global food security

[webfact]

Special Report: Thailand hosts 4th International Rice Congress to ensure global food security

BANGKOK: -- Thailand is hosting the 4th International Rice Congress (IRC2014) on the theme 'Rice for the World' in Bangkok until November 1 in a bid to exchange knowledge on the latest rice research.

About three billion people, nearly half of the world’s population, depend on rice as a staple food. The recent impact from global warming and a rapid population growth causes a shortage in rice supply for consumption. Much of the work of the international rice research institute (IRRI), which organizes the congress, involves helping increase rice production to ensure food security - particularly for those people most at risk of not getting enough food.

According to IRRI Deputy Director General for Communication and Partnerships Dr. V. Bruce J. Tolentino, Thailand has been selected as the location for the congress as it is a leader in the world rice trade and has been weathering through challenges that include massive losses from the rice-pledging scheme. Local authorities recently expressed confidence that Thailand will soon reclaim its top position for global rice exports as it has now regained its status as the top rice exporter in Asean.

Local exhibitions on display at the congress including the 'Thai Rice: Soul of the Nation' and 'Rice and the King' will also be held to illustrate the importance of rice to Thailand. The exhibits will highlight His Majesty’s contribution to the research and development of Thai rice. His Majesty has for decades dedicated his time and energy to promoting rice production and improving rice varieties, which benefit the country and the people.

About 2,000 rice scientists and rice industry players from all over the world are expected to participate in the IRC 2014. New technologies are set to be unveiled at the congress, which hosts 60 academic sessions for delegates from 64 countries.

IRRI director-general Robert Zeiger earlier addressed delegates by saying that there is already profound impact for several million farmers worldwide who have adopted technologies of the second Green Revolution in rice which include flood-tolerant rice.

At the IRC 2014, 29 young rice scientists have been chosen to present their research during the science sessions and will be formally recognized during the IRC events.


-- NNT 2014-10-29

[clockman]

After they just tell us. Only 10% of 18 millions tons of stockpile is good!

[Pib]

Thailand will sure be able to share some rice management knowledge, Like how to create a corrupt and failed populist rice buying scheme which cost the taxpayers a half trillion baht. Or maybe they should save that information for the next international convention on 3rd World Politics...how to buy votes using taxpayers money.

[jaltsc]

" Thailand is hosting the 4th International Rice Congress (IRC2014) on the theme 'Rice for the World' "

Before conquering the world's need for rice, how about first ensuring that there is enough rice for Thailand?

[recycled]

If it wasn't Thailand I would say this is a joke. But low and behold the fools and losers running this country just can't get it, they don't have the intellect to be able to see the forest for the trees.

[NongKhaiKid]

Now when the Congress is over will there be lavish praise heaped on Thailand by the international delegates ?

The delegates don't need to bother about issuing any press releases to express their admiration as Thai officials will do it for them, whether they like it or not.

[Always18]

"Thai rice - soul of the Nation"...................surely they're not saying 90% unpalatable?

[Thai at Heart]

How about they all put their heads together to.find a way that your average rice farmer doesn't live in abject poverty.

[Krataiboy]

Never mind. Just think of all the Lao Kao they can make from those fermenting rice stocks. Cheers!

[Borzandy]

After they just tell us. Only 10% of 18 millions tons of stockpile is good!

Thais will train the others how to protect stockpile.

[Chris Lawrence]

Well, the Thais seem as they have got a lot to learn.

[rickirs]

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After they just tell us. Only 10% of 18 millions tons of stockpile is good!

It's Junta math!

The Junta audit completed in July 2014 showed (results published by The Nation) that only about 7% of the total granaries had poor or failed quality of rice. And based on those results, the Junta planned sales of 500,000 tons per month to drawdown the stockpiles. So either 7% of the granaries held 90% of the total stockpile (that would mean that the remaining 1,500 granaries were empty!) or the PM got his numbers reversed.