Rice serves as the primary dietary staple for over half of the global population. However, the current surge in prices and widespread supply shortages have instilled panic among people, exacerbating the situation.
In 2020, the global rice production was estimated at 756 million tonnes, with China leading as the largest producer and India ranking second, contributing approximately 24% of the total output. Together, these two countries account for over half of the world's rice consumption.
Among the top 10 rice-producing nations, which are predominantly located in Asia, Brazil stands out as the sole representative from the other side of the globe. India, the largest rice exporter, imposed an export ban in July 2023, causing disruptions in the global market and leading to a sharp increase in prices worldwide.
Malaysia holds the 26th position in the global ranking of rice producers, contributing roughly 0.3% to the total production. Concerningly, local rice production falls just short of meeting 70% of the country's total consumption, leading to a situation of panic as the availability of local rice diminishes and the prices of imported rice soar.
Since the onset of the pandemic, incidents related to food security have become increasingly prevalent, not only in Malaysia but across the globe. Climate change, conflicts, and wars have significantly contributed to the threats to the world's population, particularly in terms of food security. It is evident that these factors, wars, and climate change, are persistent and ongoing challenges. There is an imperative need to explore new approaches and methods to mitigate and prevent these issues.
As we acknowledge that both conflicts and climate change are unlikely to subside in the near future, concerns about the future are only natural. It raises questions about whether the next generation will be inclined to pursue careers in agriculture. They might question what returns and profitability they can expect from this sector. They may wonder if agriculture offers guaranteed profits, especially when other sectors seem more alluring and promise higher rewards.
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