CIIFAD Seminar Series/Perspectives in International Development "Rice in the Global Economy: Strategic Research and Policy Issues for Food Security"

Worldwide, rice is the most important food staple for the poor. Despite increasing global production of rice, food security of the poor remains tenuous as evidenced by the 2008 food crisis and the current rising concerns regarding its possible repeat. The past decade has seen many changes that will shape the way rice will be produced in the future. These include rapid economic growth, especially in parts of Asia, rising wage rates, increasing diversification of diets, global climate change, and a greater integration of the food  economy with other sectors of the global economy, including both energy and financial markets. In the context of these major global trends, the International Rice Research Institute has brought out a forward-looking book entitled “Rice in the global economy: strategic research and policy issues for food security.” The book provides a new vision for the future of rice farming needed to strategically position investments in rice research, technology delivery, and the design of policy reforms for enhancing food security. The presentation will highlight the major challenges facing the rice economy of the future and the key technological, policy, and institutional interventions needed to tackle these challenges.  

SPEAKER:     Sushil Pandey, Senior Agricultural Economist, International Rice Research Institute 

Dr. Sushil Pandey is a senior scientist, agricultural economics, at the International Rice Research Institute. The major focus of his research has been on issues related to resource management and food security; risk, vulnerability and coping mechanisms of poor farmers; impact assessment, and the role of policy and institutions in determining the adoption of sustainable land use practices.  He has led research on rice economics in a number of countries including China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.  In addition to research, Dr. Pandey has held several senior research management positions including leaderships of various research projects and programs at IRRI. 

Refreshments Provided.