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International Year of Rice,
2004 |
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), which is part of the United Nations, wanted the proclamation of 2004 as the International Year of Rice to encourage the production of rice through a more efficient use of water and resources. The International Year of Rice will emphasise not only the health and economic benefits of the grain, but will also focus on the cultural importance of rice. The FAO will lead a number of international organisations to campaign for this increased public awareness under the motto "Rice is Life".
History of the declaration of the International Year of Rice
In 2002, many nation members of the United Nations were concerned that global rice yields were decreasing compared to population growth. This concern was particularly worrying because of the fact that 840 million people, still suffering from hunger, lived in areas dependent on rice production for food, income and employment. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) wanted the global rice community to work together to develop sustainable initiatives and increase rice production programs that would eventually assist rice farmers and their families, especially the poor, all over the world.
Aim of the 2004 International Year of Rice
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) considered that the 2004 International Year of Rice would be an excellent opportunity to implement sustainable initiatives of rice production through a promotional campaign, and also by way of organising conferences, increasing scientific research and engaging many countries around the world with each other.
The FAO is hopeful that, as a result of 2004 International Year of Rice, there will eventually be a global increase in the production of rice in a sustainable and equitable way, with an increase in public awareness of a crop that is vital to the world.
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