International Rice Commission Newsletter 55

The collection, analysis and dissemination of information on rice and rice-based production systems is a major activity of the Secretariat of the International Rice Commission in its mission to promote national and  international action in matters relating to the production, conservation, distribution and consumption of rice. The 21st Session of the International Rice Commission was held in 2006 in Peru with the main theme of “Rice is Life – Bringing the Implementation of IYR to Farmers’ Fields”. This IRC Newsletter contains mainly the keynotes and papers presented during the Session in order to share the current knowledge, thoughts and visions for sustainable rice production systems.

International Rice Commission Newsletter 54

The battle against hunger and poverty does not end when bellies are full, but when they are nourished. It is necessary to look to science and new technologies to confront the need for added value of this staple crop. In addition to treating rice as a staple, it is important to focus on its value as a speciality food, a food that is treasured in developed and developing economies alike. It is also important to increase the focus on the rice plant within its ecosystem. The rice system is a hub of biodiversity that can be harnessed to improve rural diets and livelihoods in an ecologically sustainable way. It is time to consider the rice system with vision.

International Rice Commission Newsletter 53

Sustainable increase in rice production will be essential for food security and poverty alleviation in the near future. "Sustainable rice-based production systems: Challenges and opportunities" was the main theme of the second day of the International Rice Conference, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 12-13 February 2004, Rome, Italy to celebrate the International Year of Rice 2004. The IRC Newsletter Vol. 53 contains mainly the keynotes and papers presented during the second day of the International Rice Conference, which were presented by prominent scientists and authorities in rice research and development in order to share the current knowledge, thought and visions for sustainable rice production systems.

Sustainable Intensification of Rice Production for Food Security in the Near Future

The surge in rice prices since 2007 has affected food security in several developing countries where rice is the staple food crop. The rate of growth of rice yield increases is declining, while water and land resources for rice production are becoming scarce. The food security of rice consumers depends, therefore, on greater national, regional and international efforts and investments toward achieving sustainable production increases. Policy makers need information on the situation of rice production and on improved technologies that are available for sustainable intensification of rice production in order to formulate appropriate policies for supporting rice production.

Sustainable rice production for food security: Proceedings of the 20th Session of the International Rice Commission

Every 4 years FAO convenes a session of the International Rice Commission in order that its member countries may review and orient strategies for their national rice research and development programmes. The Twentieth Session was held in Bangkok, Thailand from 23 to 26 July 2002. A number of papers which review the progress in genetic improvement for food security, integrated production management, recent scientific achievements, regional strategies and emerging issues relating to global sustainable rice-based production systems were presented and discussed during the Twentieth Session.

International Rice Commission Newsletter 52

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2004 the International Year of Rice (IYR). This special issue of the IRC Newsletter aims to provide the relevant information on the background, history, strategy and planned activities for the observance of this extraordinary Year. I am certain that your interest, contribution and involvement in IYR activities will contribute to the global effort to improve awareness of rice and rice-based production systems leading to a renewed global commitment to sustainable rural development.

FAO Rice Information, Volume 3, December 2002

The main objective of “FAO Rice Information” is to make available to interested individuals (farmers, developers, researchers, extension workers, policy makers etc.) and institutions (governmental, non-governmental and international) useful information in order to assist them in their efforts to improve sustainable rice production. This Third Volume of FAO Rice Information provides: information on rice production, consumption and nutrition during the period from 1995 to 2000; updated Profiles of Country Rice Facts; and information concerning the two most important rice weeds - red rice and the Echinochloa complex - in different rice-producing countries.

FAO Rice Information, Volume 2, January 2000

This second volume of FAO Rice Information places emphasis on the role of rice in people’s lives; the origin, evolution, and genetic background of rice plants; the evolution of rice production, harvested area and yield during the last decade; and, most important of all, the facts about rice and related factors in producing countries. It is hoped that the publication of this volume will generate increased support for sustainable rice production and promote global collaboration in the collection, analysis and dissemination of information on rice and related factors.