Food crisis rattles Asian countries
By Jet Hermida on Apr 30, 2008 in Food Security
* Published Date: 18 April 2008
* Source: The Scotsman
* Location: Edinburgh
By Raju Gopalakrishnan in Manila
THE crisis over rice showed no signs of easing yesterday as the price of the world’s benchmark jumped 10 per cent in just one week, fanning fears that millions across Asia will struggle to afford their staple food.
In a clear sign of the strain on output after major exporters began to curb exports earlier this year, a tender from the Philippines, the world’s top importer, attracted offers to sell only about two-thirds of the half a million tonnes it sought.
In Bangkok, Thai 100 per cent B grade white rice, considered the world’s benchmark, hit $950 (£482) per tonne, three times its price at the start of 2007.
“There’s been a popular misconception that the world can produce as much food as it likes. Well, it obviously can’t. And Asia can’t feed itself at the moment,” Gerry Lawson, the chairman of Sunrice, a major Australian rice producer, said.
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