The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has warned that the stability of the Asian region, including the troubled nations of Indonesia and the Philippines, is threatened by the continuing lack of development in the rice sector. Rice farming remains a poverty trap in many Asian nations, mainly because of very small farm size.

Adding to the misery of rice growers in the region is declining support for public rice research, one of the few  proven avenues for improving the lives of rice farmers and consumers alike.

The United Nations cannot hope to achieve its Millennium Development Goals -- especially in such crucial areas as eradicating poverty and hunger -- unless more is done to improve the livelihoods of poor rice farmers.

Ronald P. Cantrell, director general of IRRI, said that achieving at least two of the eight goals heavily depends on continued and strengthened research efforts to help farmers grow rice more efficiently, profitably, and sustainably. These two goals are eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Recent research has shown that, in 1999, for every US$1 million invested at IRRI, more than 800 rural poor in China, and 15,000 rural poor in India, were lifted above the poverty line. These poverty-reduction effects were even greater in earlier years.

Dr. Cantrell, a respected plant breeder, was speaking on the eve of a major conference on rice organized in Rome, Italy, by the FAO of the United Nations. Titled "Rice in global markets and sustainable production systems," the conference on 12-13 February marked the official launch of FAO activities for International Year of Rice 2004.