Self-sufficiency In Rice Production Research Articles

A Review of Milled Rice Demand and Supply of Some ASEAN Countries and Lesson Learnt for Cambodia

Rice is a vital crop for ASEAN countries, serving as a primary source of food security and playing a significant role in the regional economy. To draw lessons for rice supply and demand in Cambodia, this article will examine and briefly describe the rice markets in different ASEAN nations, including import and export, rice milling technology, government policy, obstacles, and opportunists. In Cambodia, a program utilizing the sustainable rice cluster (SRC) approach has been developed and put into action by the government in order to maintain the rise of rice production. Compared to traditional approaches, SRC has enhanced rice cultivation by about 40%. The key lessons Cambodia can learn are boosting domestic production, diversifying rice varieties, improving storage and distribution, practicing climate-smart practices, strengthening regional cooperation, improving market access, and farmer empowerment. By analyzing rice demand and supply dynamics in ASEAN and applying the lessons learned, Cambodia can strive to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production and reduce reliance on imports, increase the profitability and competitiveness of the rice sector, enhance food security for its population, and contribute to regional food security within ASEAN.

A Review on Economic Implications of Nigeria’s Border Closure on Rice Importation

Nigeria’s border closure on rice importation has significant economic implications that require comprehensive analysis. Policymakers must consider both the short-term and long-term effects, as well as broader socioeconomic factors. Balancing economic considerations with employment, food security, and regional disparities is crucial for inclusive and sustainable development. By adopting a holistic approach, Nigeria can navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the border closure, achieve self-sufficiency in rice production, and promote the well-being of its citizens. Gradually phasing out the border closure while enhancing the competitiveness of local rice producers through incentives and support will ensure market efficiency. Investing in agricultural research, extension services, and infrastructure development will improve productivity and quality. Strengthening border control mechanisms will prevent smuggling. To sustain regional economic partnerships, it is critical to collaborate with neighboring countries. Nigeria's border barrier for rice imports presents numerous obstacles and opportunities. Nigeria has the power to attain rice self-sufficiency and promote all-encompassing and sustainable development by implementing a comprehensive strategy that successfully balances economic considerations with broader social factors. This includes gradually phasing out the border closure while enhancing the competitiveness of local rice producers, investing in agricultural research and infrastructure development, strengthening border control mechanisms to prevent smuggling, and collaborating with neighboring countries to maintain regional trade relationships.

Role of Trichoderma asperelloides and Trichoderma brevicompactum in improving drought tolerance in rice

Drought is considered as one of the major abiotic stresses affecting rice production under rainfed ecologies of Bangladesh hampering the country's self-sufficiency in rice production through reduced crop yield and quality. In the present study, we studied the effect of two species of plant growth promoting Trichoderma v iz; Trichoderma asperelloides and Trichoderma brevicompactum on rice plant development under drought stress and their role in inducing tolerance to drought at physiological and biochemical level. Results reveal that both species are capable of inducing plant tolerance to drought stress when tested on drought tolerant (BRRI dhan56) and drought susceptible (IR64) varieties. As the number of drought stress days increased, there was an increase in root length of both the varieties but increase in root length was more in BRRI dhan56 as compared to IR 64 when seeds of both varieties were primed with Trichoderma. There was significant change in proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), total Phenolic content (TFC), H2O2 content in Trichoderma treated versus non-treated plants for both varieties. These biochemical changes were verified with the expression of aquaporin (AQU), dehydrin (DHN) and DREB genes in both rice varieties treated with both Trichoderma species. Interaction studies of Trichoderma species with two rice genotypes suggested that AQU-2 expressed more in tolerant variety (BRRI dhan56) when primed with Trichoderma asperelloides whereas, both Trichoderma spp. up regulated the expression of DHN-4 and DREB genes in both rice genotypes under drought conditions. The present findings suggest that the both Trichoderma asperelloides and Trichoderma brevicompactum are most effective in improving drought tolerance in rice, and its prospective application will contribute to the advancement of rice genotypes to sustain crop productivity under drought stress.

Assessment of Nutrient Minerals and Potentially Toxic Elements in a Bangladesh-Origin Rice Cultivar (Oryza sativa cv. BR11) and Associated Health

Rice contributes significantly to both food security and livelihoods in Bangladesh. Despite challenges such as an immense population growth rate and decreased arable land since gaining independence, Bangladesh has attained self-sufficiency in rice production by adopting modern rice varieties (MRVs). However, not all introduced MRVs have gained widespread acceptance among farmers due to concerns about productivity and profitability. Notably, BR11, an MRV, stands out as a prominently adopted rice cultivar during the Aman rice-growing season. This study aims to assess the levels of essential nutrient minerals (Na, K, Ca and Mg) and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr) in the BR11 rice cultivar and also to evaluate associated health risks. The concentrations of Na, K, Ca and Mg (mg 100 g–1) in the sampled BR11 rice cultivar were found to be 4.4 ± 2.4, 108.5 ± 24.9, 3.4 ± 0.4 and 4.5 ± 1.1, respectively. Among the PTEs, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, or Cr contents were below the detection limit, while Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu contents (mg kg–1) were 12.0 ± 4.0, 9.2 ± 1.5, 18.7 ± 2.7 and 2.9 ± 1.0. Comparisons of PTE contents in BR11 rice cultivars exposed to industrial activities with those cultivated in non-industrial zones did not reveal any statistically significant variations (p < 0.05). The estimated daily intake of nutrient minerals through the consumption of BR11 rice was significantly below the daily recommended dietary reference intakes. Likewise, the accumulation of PTEs in the BR11 rice cultivar was well below the maximum allowable concentrations recommended by WHO or FAO. Health risk assessments, involving the computation of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, did not indicate any concerning risk scenarios associated with the consumption of the BR11 rice cultivar. The data suggests that BR11 is a safe MRV for daily consumption, affirming its suitability for inclusion in the daily diet.

Impacts of the joint adoption of improved varieties and chemical fertilizers on rice productivity in Bolivia: implications for Global Food Systems

Rice research and technology development in Latin America has increased yields and offered the opportunity for several countries to contribute to global food security by becoming net exporters of this cereal. In spite of the broad availability of rice technologies in the region, rice yields remain substantially low in countries like Bolivia. This study examines how Bolivian rice growers make simultaneous decisions about adopting improved varieties and chemical fertilizers and how this joint decision influences the productivity of this crop. By exploiting a nationally representative survey of rice producers, we use a multinomial logit model and an optimal instrumental variable approach to study both the correlates of technology adoption and the impacts of this adoption on rice yields. Our findings suggest that partial adoption of rice varieties or fertilizers does not affect yields, but the joint adoption of these technologies can almost double rice productivity. Promoting packages of agricultural technologies—instead of single technologies within efforts to make these technologies available for small farmers—would exploit the complementarities of different technologies and boost rice yields in Bolivia. The implications would not only be to achieve the desired self-sufficiency in rice production but also to follow similar pathways of other countries in the region that have become net exporters of rice and are contributing to Global Food Systems.

Automated near-real-time mapping and monitoring of rice growth extent and stages in Selangor Malaysia

High-resolution mapping of paddy rice is crucial to inform the potential yield and future rice production. Although remote sensing studies have been widely used to map paddy rice extent, mapping rice fields in tropical regions are still difficult as rice is grown throughout the year with varying planting dates and cropping frequency. This study addressed this challenge using continuously updated Sentinel-1 data and machine learning algorithms for near-real-time monitoring of paddy rice extent and growth stages. The study was conducted in IADA Barat Laut Selangor, one of Malaysia's highest paddy yield producers, covering an area of about 18,000 ha. The study used a phenology-based approach with Sentinel-1 monthly time series data from January to December 2020 as inputs. The results show that the developed model can accurately predict and produce a 10-m resolution map of rice growth stages by using current data and previous 5 consecutive months Sentinel-1 VH data as inputs with the SVM classifier. Validated using field survey data conducted in 2022, the model had an overall accuracy of 83.33% with kappa coefficient of 0.76. The predicted growth stages also agreed well with the published ground cropping calendar. The algorithms were implemented in the Earth Engine App, which automatically maps paddy rice growth stages as new data are available. The developed app is the first online platform that provides near real-time paddy growth stages at 10-m resolution. This information will help measure the achievement of self-sufficiency in rice production.

Measuring eco-efficiency of rice cropping systems in Iran: An integrated economic and environmental approach

This article provides detailed inventory data of existing cropping systems and measures the environmental burdens, economic performance, and eco-efficiency of rice production. Techno-economic analysis (TEA), life cycle assessment (LCA), and eco-efficiency are used as investigation methodologies. Direct field emission is the main environmental hotspot in most impact categories of rice cultivation. Increasing the eco-efficiency of rice production in each cropping system could be achieved by regulating the use of fuel, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides on the farm. Double culture shows better eco-efficiency over monoculture due to relatively higher economic performance and better environmental impacts per tonne of rice production. Ratoon emits fewer pollutants than second cultivation per hectare due to the usage of limited inputs and the absence of some stages of rice production. It leads to a higher eco-efficiency than second cultivation because the lower total costs offset the low yield of ratoon compared to second cultivation. According to this research, the “primary cultivation and ratoon” rice cropping system maximizes eco-efficiency. This conclusion should also apply to countries attempting to increase or achieve self-sufficiency in rice production.

Examining the impacts of climate change and political instability on rice production: empirical evidence from Nigeria

The Nigerian government is committed to sustaining rice production to meet national demand. Nevertheless, political tension and climate-induced stressors remain crucial constraints in achieving policy targets. This study examines whether climate change and political instability significantly threaten rice production in Nigeria. First, we employed nonparametric methods to estimate the country's rainfall and temperature trends between 1980Q1 and 2015Q4. Second, we employed the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) technique to examine the effects of climate change and political instability on rice production. The results show that while temperature has an increasing pattern, rainfall exhibits no significant trend. The findings from the ARDL estimate reveal that rice production responds negatively to temperature changes but is less sensitive to changes in rainfall. In addition, political instability adversely affects rice production in Nigeria. We argue that Nigeria's slow growth in rice production can be traced back to the impact of climate change and political tension in rice farming areas. As a result, reducing the overall degree of conflict to ensure political stability is critical to boosting the country's self-sufficiency in rice production. We also recommend that farmers be supported and trained to adopt improved rice varieties less prone to extreme climate events while supporting them with irrigation facilities to facilitate rice production.

GROUNDWATER USE EFFICIENCY FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE: PROSPECTS IN BANGLADESH

Bangladesh is a developing country where contribution of agriculture in national GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is 12.68%. In agricultural sector, about 79% irrigation has been provided by groundwater. The extensive installation of deep tubewells (34,332) and shallow tubewells (1,483,332), in last two decades, helps in maximum utilization of groundwater which is leading Bangladesh to reach near to the self-sufficiency in rice production (35.3 metric tons in 2019). But the continuous production of boro rice in the dry season is a threat for groundwater use efficiency. Again, without sufficient irrigation water, assuring sustainable agriculture is not feasible. This review paper had been prepared on the developing scenario of groundwater and its utilization efficiency, problems in groundwater use and relevant remedies to attain sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh. Due to the over extraction of groundwater, the depth of groundwater table has been declined (15%) miserably. Using redundant amount of irrigation water, conveyance loss (8-40%), arsenic contamination, insufficient recharge of groundwater etc. are the major problems behind inadequate groundwater use efficiency. Using Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) method, reducing conveyance loss, diversifying cropping pattern, reforming national policies etc. are some effective measures to increase groundwater use efficiency required for sustainable agriculture. About 10,000 tk/ha can be saved just by minimizing the cost required to extract excess groundwater for irrigation. In Bangladesh, maximum national policies are focusing exclusively to the resource development rather than the resource management. The awareness can be built through different teaching programs among all the stakeholders. Rather than just imposing restriction on installation of tubewells, more constructive policies have to be announced by the policy makers. Seven different agencies are now working for the management of groundwater in Bangladesh. Besides other technical solutions, there should be a connection between different organizations related to the groundwater management for the effective implementation of their target policies.

Potassium and Zinc Management in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) based on 4R concept - A Review

Plant growth is highly influenced by the nutrient supply from soil and the external application of fertilizers. Plants must receive essential nutrients like N, P, K, S and micronutrients for optimum plant growth and development. In current agricultural practices, especially, in cereal-based cropping systems, the soil nutrient balance like potassium and zinc are disturbed to the negative side due to intensive exploitation of native soil nutrients and low external input application. Employing 4R nutrient stewardship (right time, right dose, right source and right method) in soil nutrient management will ensure higher yield, nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, increase in farm income, and minimal damage to the environment through its demand-specific supplement and management. Equilibrium between different pools of nutrients is the major driving factor for nutrient supply and demand in the soil which can be compensated by the external supply of nutrients through the 4R approach. Adoption of 4R stewardship in rice-based systems will ensure the attainment of maximum yield and nutrient use efficiency provided all other growth factors are in optimal supply and will assist in attaining self-sufficiency in rice production.

The Digitalization Approach in The Paddy Sector To Achieve The Self-Sufficiency Level In Malaysia

“Digitization indeed presents a valuable opportunity to tackle the pressing challenges of productivity, sustainability, and resilience in agriculture. The evidence of its adoption and impact in the agriculture sector highlights notable increases in production and crop resilience. In the specific context of paddy production in Malaysia, the government consistently underscores the importance of embracing digitization in this sector. This paper aims to explore how a digitization approach can be effectively utilized in paddy production to attain self-sufficiency levels (SSL) in Malaysia. Additionally, it identifies key issues and challenges that need to be addressed to achieve self-sufficiency in paddy production. These challenges include: natural resource scarcity: agricultural productivity & innovation and climate change. To ensure the sustainability of paddy production and the successful adoption of digitization, governments play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. In conclusion, the integration of digitization in paddy production is a promising strategy for Malaysia to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production. However, it requires a comprehensive approach that addresses challenges related to resource scarcity, productivity, demographic shifts, and climate change. Governments have a critical role in facilitating this transition by providing support, knowledge, incentives, and a conducive environment for innovation and technology adoption in the agricultural sector.

Applying Critical Systems Practice meta-methodology to improve sustainability in the rice supply chain of Iran

Rice is the main agricultural product in the Iranians' basket of goods, as it has been the most imported grain in the past two decades in Iran and holds second place in Iran's food consumption economy. Therefore, a sustainable rice supply is vital to this country's food safety. In this research, we considered the rice supply chain of Iran (RSCI) as a system and defined the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) of sustainability as its subsystem. Then, for the first time in agri-food supply chains, we developed a framework based on a comprehensive system meta-methodology called Critical Systems Practice (CSP) to tackle different facets of sustainability. The developed framework allows the utilization of different system methodologies. So, we modeled economic sustainability using System Dynamics and employed Soft Systems Methodology, Critical Systems Heuristics methodology, and Interactive Planning methodology to define social and environmental sustainability in the RSCI. The results show that the proposed framework can simulate the final price of rice in the RSCI while providing the supply chain managers with seven enforceable policies to achieve sustainability in this supply chain. Also, simulation results show that self-sufficiency in rice production will be an impractical policy toward the economic sustainability of the RSCI.

Rice husk ash reinforced natural rubber composites: effect of benzene diazonium salt treatment.

Rice husks are a major agricultural residue with growing volume in Nigeria in recent times owing to the country’s drive for self-sufficiency in rice production. Rice husks have great potential for use as fillers in biocomposites for applications in the manufacture of engineering products. However, the hydrophilic nature of this agricultural residue limits its choice as fillers in biocomposites. This study focused on the modification of the hydrophilic property of rice husks through treatment with benzene diazonium salts in different media (pH levels of 7, 9, 10.5 and 12) to attain the most suitable treatment media for processing rice husks. The treated samples were burned in a furnace at a temperature of 600oC for 6 hours. The compounding of the rice husk ash, CV-60 natural rubber and additives were done on a two-roll mill at a speed ratio of 1:1.25 with rollers temperature of 70oC and cured in a hydraulic press at 130oC for 20 minutes at 2.5 MPa. The composites were developed using rice husk ash as the filler with loadings of 30, 34, 38, 42, 46 and 50 phr. Characterizations and tests carried out include Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), shore A hardness, compressive strength and tensile strength. The composites developed using pH 10.5 treated rice husks yielded the highest silica content and showed better adhesion characteristics. The sample with 42 phr loading gave better mechanical properties with tensile strength, compressive strength, and tensile modulus of 18.5 MPa, 39.72 MPa and 7.87 MPa respectively with a corresponding shore A hardness of 45.32. The rice husk ash filled natural rubber composites can find application in the development of vibration isolation mounts.

Performance of Nigerian Rice Farms from 2010 to 2019: A Stochastic Metafrontier Approach

Rice has become the most rapidly growing staple food crop in Nigeria. Despite the country favorable rice production ecology, there is still a huge gap between domestic rice production and consumption patterns. This study uses a two-step stochastic metafrontier model to estimate the performance of rice farms from 2010 to 2019, considering the differences between the North and South rice farms. The results indicate heterogeneity in production technology across farms located in different regions, and that both regions have low technical efficiency. However, Nigeria’s South rice farms were ranked better based on managerial issues rather than technological gaps. To attain self-sufficiency in rice production as proposed in its national plan, there is room for improvement of technical efficiency and output production at current production levels in the country’s rice farms.

High-Resolution Mapping of Paddy Rice Extent and Growth Stages across Peninsular Malaysia Using a Fusion of Sentinel-1 and 2 Time Series Data in Google Earth Engine

Rice is the staple crop for more than half the world’s population, but there is a lack of high-resolution maps outlining rice areas and their growth stages. Most remote sensing studies map the rice extent; however, in tropical regions, rice is grown throughout the year with variable planting dates and cropping frequency. Thus, mapping rice growth stages is more useful than mapping only the extent. This study addressed this challenge by developing a phenology-based method. The hypothesis was that the unsupervised classification (k-means clustering) of Sentinel-1 and 2 time-series data could identify rice fields and growth stages, because (1) the presence of flooding during transplanting can be identified by Sentinel-1 VH backscatter; and (2) changes in the canopy of rice fields during growth stages (vegetative, generative, and ripening phases) up to the point of harvesting can be identified by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series. Using the proposed method, this study mapped rice field extent and cropping calendars across Peninsular Malaysia (131,598 km2) on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. The Sentinel-1 and 2 monthly time series data from January 2019 to December 2020 were classified using k-means clustering to identify areas with similar phenological patterns. This approach resulted in 10-meter resolution maps of rice field extent, intensity, and cropping calendars. Validation using very high-resolution street view images from Google Earth showed that the predicted map had an overall accuracy of 95.95%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.92. In addition, the predicted crop calendars agreed well with the local government’s granary data. The results show that the proposed phenology-based method is cost-effective and can accurately map rice fields and growth stages over large areas. The information will be helpful in measuring the achievement of self-sufficiency in rice production and estimates of methane emissions from rice cultivation.

Does wet seeding combined with Sub1 varieties increase yield in submergence prone lowlands of West Africa?

Early season flash flooding and submergence greatly impair rice production in the rainfed lowlands of West Africa. Here, rice establishment is by transplanting into puddled soil. Crops established during the early part of the rainy season are adversely affected by submergence, while delaying transplanting until the flood waters have receded results in the use of old seedlings and terminal drought stress. While the use of submergence tolerant (Sub1) rice varieties can greatly reduce the yield loss caused by 1–2 weeks of early season submergence, changing to wet seeding at the start of the rainy season may confer additional advantages. Elsewhere, wet seeding has been shown to enable more timely (earlier) crop establishment and more rapid early growth, and thus the potential to provide greater resilience to submergence. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the performance of two Sub1 varieties developed for West Africa (FARO 66, FARO 67) under transplanted and wet seeded conditions, in comparison with the predominant local variety (WITA 9). On-station experiments were carried-out over three seasons (dry 2018, wet 2019, dry 2019) at Mbé Research Station of the Africa Rice Center, Bouake, Cote d′Ivoire. The fields were submerged for 1–2 weeks at 5–7 weeks after seeding, and the wet season crop was sown at the beginning of the rainy season. Yield of the Sub1 varieties was 1.1–4.5 t ha −1 higher than that of WITA 9, depending on season and establishment method. Wet seeding resulted in much higher yields of WITA 9 than transplanting in the wet season, but yield of the Sub1 varieties was not affected by establishment method in any season. However, tiller survival and biomass production of the wet seeded Sub1 crops were less affected by submergence than the transplanted crops. Wet seeding also reduced labour requirement and cost, and increased profitability. Furthermore, establishment of the wet season crop at the beginning of the rainy season would facilitate intensification to two crops per year. Therefore, the adoption of Sub1 varieties, could enable significant progress towards the goal of self-sufficiency in rice production in West Africa. Combining Sub1 with wet seeding would provide further benefits in terms of increased profitability and resilience to flash flooding. • We compared wet seeded and transplanted local and Sub1 rice submerged for 1–2 weeks • Sub1 varieties sown at start of the wet season out yielded WITA 9 by 2.2–4.5 t ha −1 • Yield of Sub1 varieties was not affected by establishment method • Wet seeding reduced labour and increased profit of Sub1 by 445–660 USD ha −1

Profitability Analysis of Smallholder Rice Production Under Urea Deep Placement Technology and Conventional Fertilizer Application Practice in North Central, Nigeria

The study examined the profitability of smallholder rice farmer’s under urea deep placement innovation and conventional fertilizer application practice in north central Nigeria. The study was carried out in six (6) LGA’s of Wushishi, Shiroro and Katcha in Niger State and Gwer East, Okpokwu and Kwande in Benue State respectively of North Central Nigeria. The study was guided by two objectives which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and standard farm management accounting models. Systematic, multistage and purposive sampling techniques were adopted to select 398 rice farmers from the study area consisting of 197 farmers using the urea deep placement innovation (UDP farmers) and 201 farmers practicing the conventional broadcast of urea fertilizers (Non-UDP farmers) for rice production. The structured questionnaire used to source the primary data for the study was administered by trained field extension agents to the respondent farmers using personal interview. However, assistance was given to farmers who were unable to read or undertstand the contents of the questionnaire. Findings from the study revealed that majority (78%) of the farmers were male; with mean age of 42years for UDP farmers and 41years for Non-UDP farmers. The mean farm size cultivated by the farmers’ was 1.2ha (UDP farmers) and 1.3ha (Non-UDP farmers) in Benue State, while in Niger State it was 3.6ha (UDP farmers) and 2.3ha (Non-UDP farmers) respectively. UDP farmers harvested an average output (paddy) of 4.23Mt/ha (3.2Mt/ha milled equivalent) as against 2.76Mt/ha (2.1Mt/ha milled equivalent) obtained by Non-UDP farmers. The Net Farm Income (NFI) and profitability ratio analysis revealed that UDP farmers earned a mean net farm income of N276, 986.68 as against the N117, 354.27 earned by Non-UDP farmers in Niger State; while in Benue State the mean NFI was estimated as N312, 451.84 for UDP farmers as against the N137, 326.64 earned by Non-UDP farmer respectively. The profitability ratio analysis revealed a return on investment (ROI) of 0.92 (92%) for UDP farmers in both states; while it was 0.46 (46%) and 0.48 (48%) for Non-UDP farmers in Niger and Benue State respectively. These results implies that UDP farmers had a higher return of (0.44) 44% for each invested naira (N) over their Non-UDP counterpart from both states. The key policy statement and recommendation from the study is that UDP technology should be spread widely among Nigerian rice farmers to enhance the countrys’ capacity to increase output and attain self sufficiency in rice production. To achieve this, there is need to create more awareness of the urea deep placement technology and address the challenges militating against its adaption among rice producers in the area and country at large.

CONSUMERS’ PREFERENCE FOR LOCAL RICE BRANDS IN IBADAN METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Despite a self-sufficiency in rice production in Nigeria, there is a huge supply deficit of local rice, which is augmented by importation. This shows a low demand for locally produced rice and a high importation bill for rice. This study therefore assessed consumers’ attitude to and preference for locally grown rice in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select three hundred consumers using a questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Likert scale and double-hurdle regression. Consumers spent about a third (31%) of their monthly food expenditure on rice consumption. Preference for local rice was lower (48%) than imported rice (52%). Cleanliness and absence of stones were major attributes consumers consider when purchasing local rice brands. The attitude towards consumption of local rice was very limited among the consumers. A marginal increase in household expenditure on rice reduces the probability of a consumer’s preference for local rice brands. Policy thrusts aimed at mitigating spikes in price of local rice will impact its consumption positively.

Analysis of Rice Productivity among Beneficiaries of Anchor Borrowers Programme in Adamawa State, Nigeria: Data Envelopment Analysis Approach

Rice production in Nigeria has always been dominated by small scale farmers using traditional crude methods which are inefficient, resulting in low yield. Various measures have been taken by the government to improve rice production with the view of achieving self-sufficiency in rice production for consumption as well as export. Despite these measures, rice has not been sufficiently produced to meet the demand of the growing population in Adamawa State. So many problems might have contributed to this, which could be due to lack of adaptable rice varieties and low level of productivity of resources used by the rice farmers among others. Recently, the federal government introduced the anchor borrowers programme (ABP) with the goal of helping rice farmers to achieve desired output using improved production resources. This paper examined rice productivity and factors affecting rice farmers’ productivity among beneficiaries of anchor borrowers programme in Adamawa State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling procedure was used in selecting the respondents. A structured questionnaire is administered to 139 farmers spread across 3 Local Government Areas to obtain information on farmer’s socio-economic variables, inputs used and output obtained in rice production. The objectives were analyzed using descriptive statistics, data envelopment analysis and OLS regression. The DEA result for level of productivity revealed that the average technical efficiency of 0.71, a minimum of 0.02 and a maximum of 1.0, indicating that the inefficient farmers could decrease their levels of input usage by 29% to produce the same levels of outputs to be at the same level with the frontier farmers. The results showed that the double log functional form gave the best line of fit. R2 value was about 86% and statistically significant at 1% level. Seed (0.882), family labour (0.712), hired labour (0.109), herbicide (0.548), fertilizer (0.200) and land (0.211) were positively and significantly related to productivity at different probability levels. Based on the findings, the study concluded that the mean technical efficiency (productivity) score was 0.71 indicating a high level of productivity. The study also found that all the production factors used by rice farmers among anchor borrower’s beneficiaries had a positive influence on the productivity levels of the rice farmers. Hence, productivity among rice farmers depends largely on their production factors.

Review of rice in Korea: current status, future prospects, and comparisons with rice in other countries

Rice has been grown as a staple food in South Korea for several millennia. However, its status has not stayed constant as a result of changes in South Korean culture and government policies. Nevertheless, the preference of South Korean consumers for japonica rice has remained consistent over the known history of the country. Despite having achieved self-sufficiency in rice production in the 1970s, the South Korean rice market faces several challenges, such as declining rice consumption. This brief review provides an overview of the trends and influencing factors of rice production and consumption in South Korea, as well as suggestions for increasing rice consumption and securing rice production in the country.