FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf thus equipped at the inauguration of the International Year of Rice on 31 October 2003 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The dedication of an International Year to a single crop is unprecedented in the history of UN, hence this reinforces the importance of rice in the dietary and economic condition of a large part of the global population.
It is the staple food of over half of the world's population. In Asia alone, more than 2 billion people obtain 60 to 70 percent of their energy intake from rice and its derivatives; it is the most rapidly growing food source in Africa and is of significant importance to food security in an increasing number of low-income food-deficit countries. In short, rice is life.
Efficient and productive rice-based systems are therefore essential to economic development and improved quality of life, particularly in rural areas. So, rice is a food - but more than a food. It is society, culture, politics, business, the beauty of the landscape, people in their communities. Improving the productivity of rice systems would contribute to hunger eradication, poverty alleviation, national food security and economic development. According to FAO estimates, there are about 840 million undernourished people, including more than 200 million children, in developing countries. Undernourishment greatly limits development.
The Youth and the IYR
The IYR provides an opportunity for the global community to focus on achieving the agreed goals set forth in the Millennium Declaration in 2000, which call for the reduction of poverty and hunger in order to provide a better life for millions of women, men and children.
To raise youth awareness, concrete activities are planned. In Asia “Rock for rice" youth concerts are to be held in conjunction with Music Television Network (MTV Asia) later in the year. More information on the IYR can be found here.
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