Asian states feel rice pinch

[villager]

Source: BBC


Asian countries have been struggling to cope as the cost of rice has reached record levels.

The price of the staple crop has risen by as much as 70% during the last year, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Shortages have begun to hit some importing countries.

Factors contributing to the price rise include:

* Poor harvests resulting from extreme weather

* A rise in demand in some rice-importing countries, where populations and incomes are growing
* The expectation of further price increases - resulting in hoarding
* Low stockpiles and a long term lack of agricultural investment

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Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7324596.stm

[Burma Jones]

1. Hey, can we make fuel outta rice?