What is the reason for the sudden drop of rice supply around the world?

Question

What is the reason for the sudden drop of rice supply around the world?

Answer 1

According to a recent news report, ths shortage of food is because of the growing economies in India and China leading to greater consumption, resulting in these countries putting export restrictions on export of food grains including rice which is the staple food in these countries.

Another explanation is the shift from rice to other crops which offer better returns for farmers.

Answer 2

My guess is that corn being diverted to ethanol production has shifted the price curve of corn, which has increased demand for all products that might be a substitute for corn, of which rice is probably the first.

Answer 3

supply and demand

Answer 4

The chinese switched from chopsticks to spoons.

Answer 5

* Increased purchasing power of India & China, i.e. they will spend more on eating animal protein. Generation of animal protein need food grain. Thus it got diverted

* Bio-diesel: production of biodiesel requires cultivation of certain crops at the areas where earlier rice was cultivated.

* Wastage in transportation/ distribution

etc

Answer 6

according to condoleeza rice it is the change in food habits of indians n chinese. but actually the developed world is equally responsible for the wasting of food. there is also the action of black marketeers around the world. the climate change has also affected a lot. anyway studies show the crisis is to end by half year with the bumper harvest from india.

Answer 7

Sorry, everybody, it was me.  I ordered Chinese food a couple times last week instead of just once.