Indonesia – Global rice output still down due to El Niño
The rice production forecast for 2016 was lowered by one million tons to 494 million tons.
Japan – Bird conservation efforts help rice farmers
As part of a project to create feeding grounds for storks in rice paddies, Ohara has scrapped using chemicals on 40 percent of his one hectare of paddy fields and has reduced his use of chemicals on the rest.
Nigeria – Anambra Targets Top Spot In Rice Production
There are increasing efforts to close the gap in Nigeria’s rice production.
Vietnam – Vietnam’s 2016 drought-hit rice output to fall 1.5 percent: government official
Vietnam grows three rice crops annually, of which the winter-spring crop is the biggest and its grain is used mostly for export.
Ancient rice ‘first evidence’ Madagascan ancestors crossed Indian Ocean from South-East Asia
The team processed sediments and mixed them with water to allow charred items to float to the surface uncovering grains of rice and mung beans at Mahilaka an ancient trading port in north-west Madagascar established in the 10th century.
UK – How to Reduce Arsenic Levels in Rice Using a Coffee Percolator
A team at Queen’s University in Belfast have been looking at ways of reducing the arsenic levels in rice.
Myanmar – Fearing extreme weather, farmers scale back rice cultivation
Farmers in the delta generally grow two rice crops, one in the rainy season and one in the cooler season in lower-lying areas that are fed with receding flood waters.
USA – Local farmers take part in rice farm research tour
The scientists discussed variety development updates, the control of weeds, fertilization along with insects and diseases.
Vietnam – TGAC trains the next generation of rice breeders in Vietnam
The TGAC team aim to identify 600 rice varieties to accelerate crop breeding.
India – A rice variant that can withstand bacterial blight
The useful genes, identified by Indian scientists using a biotechnology tool called Marker Assisted Selection, were introduced into the genetic background of Samba Mahsuri to produce a new derivative.