Asia: Fear of Shortages as Rice Prices Keep Rising

Title: Asia: Fear of Shortages as Rice Prices Keep Rising
Source: http://www.worldpress.org/Asia/3115.cfm#down Integrated Regional Information Networks, United Nations
Date: April 11th, 2008


Summary: Food prices are getting higher and higher throughout Asia, however many governments are to stabilize rice prices to prevent shortages and food riots. Rice prices are at their lowest since the 1970's and many governments are worried that the food shortage and high prices will cut back on food assistance. Malnutrition will rise significantly and the poorest of Asian families will suffer the most; having to spend 70% of their income on food. They will have to relay international aid or government-subsided rice. However, it is also hard for these services to get the rice they need. In Cambodia, there will be no school feeding program for the rest of the academic year; affecting 450,00 children. In Thailand, their Commerce Minister, Mingkuan Sangsuwan, initiated a government-sponsored cut of 10% until two months when the new rice is harvested (a good harvest is expected.) Since there were food riots in the Haitian capital, it caused Asian governments to take action. They fear that there will be food riots in their country to if action is not taken.

1. This article relates to the theme creation, expansion, and interaction of economic systems because this involves the agricultural production of rice and how it is in shortage. It also involves the economies of Asian countries working together (importing, exporting rice) to try to end the conflict.

2. This crisis has been developing over the years. There has been economic growth throughout Asia, however this was in the industrial and service industries. Investment in agriculture has been increasing over time and now it is starting to take affect.

3. It was written by someone from the Integrated Regional Information Networks in the United Nations (name unknown) who is an outsider on the issue.

4. This writer mainly quotes others, so their is not a lot of room for bias. However, they look on the bright side of the issue; stating what is being done to end it. They also state the facts and say that if the governments don't do anything, the problem will get more and more severe.

5. The point of view that is missing from the article is from someone who is poor living in Asia. I would like to see if their government is doing anything to help stop the poverty, and if it effective in helping people to be fed.

6. I think that this issue is one that could have been avoided if Asian governments took action faster. People realized that there was a problem in the industry of agriculture, but just ignored it. However, I think that its good that governments like the one in Thailand are taking action and giving the government discount on rice. I think that more governments should follow this lead. I also think that its horrible that it is harder for agencies who are supplying the poor with food to get rice to feed people in need. I think that poverty is a terrible thing and that no one should ever have to go hungry.