Scientists Race to Save Rice Crops

Floods, droughts, warming threaten world's most vital food

By Heather McPherson, Newser User

Posted Jul 29, 2007 7:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – While much of the world focuses its attention on oil, 1,000 people in a lab outside Manila are worrying about the other staple the modern world depends on: rice. Because of drought, floods, and overproduction, Asian rice yields are flatlining, the Journal reports; as a result, the price of the world's most eaten foodstuff has shot up 70% since 2001.

Scientists are racing to produce new drought- and flood-resistant strains in time to avoid massive shortages. In the 1960s, a new strain of rice from this lab in the Philippines triggered the "Green Revolution," enabling countries like India to develop modern economies. Now, with global warming pressuring already threatened crops, a comparable breakthrough is sorely needed.

Cambodian women farmers grow rice in their fields in Kampong... (Getty Images (by Event))

Villagers Harvest Rice In Kashmir (Getty Images)

Images_IRRIDB0207_milenyo010 ((c) IRRI Images)

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Scientists Race to Save Rice Crops

Floods, droughts, warming threaten world's most vital food

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Crisis Looms as Rice Prices Soar

Countries ban exports, chastise hoarders

Meet Baby No. 7 Billion

UN, activists pick representatives for population landmark

Deadly Typhoon Slams Philippines

12 dead, 100K flee, Manila at standstill

Starving Somalia to Get Famine Designation

UN agencies poised to add 'humanitarian catastrophe' label

Dad Gets 14,400 Years for Daily Rape of Daughter

Abuse case worst ever, says Philippines court

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

India • farming • drought • famine • Philippines • innovation • rice • Manila

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Crisis Looms as Rice Prices Soar

Countries ban exports, chastise hoarders

Meet Baby No. 7 Billion

UN, activists pick representatives for population landmark

Deadly Typhoon Slams Philippines

12 dead, 100K flee, Manila at standstill

Starving Somalia to Get Famine Designation

UN agencies poised to add 'humanitarian catastrophe' label

Dad Gets 14,400 Years for Daily Rape of Daughter

Abuse case worst ever, says Philippines court

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Newser By Users

Community

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