Rice and Drought in Asia

Currently there is a drought impacting Asia due to the El Nino weather pattern. It is causing havoc for farmers and drying up rivers in Asia. While the drought has impacted rice production there has not been a big change in rice prices. These details are discussed in the article linked below and discussion points have been provided to guide conversations in your classrooms and communities around the world.

Rice Prices Stay Sideways Despite Drought

Discussion Points

• Why is this region that is being affected by drought so important to rice production?
• Why has there not been a big change to rice prices in Asia despite the drought?
• What is the impact of construction of hydroelectric dams in this same area?
• Will this impact growers and/or rice prices in the United States? Explain.
• At what point do you believe rice prices could be impacted in Asia? Explain your reasoning.
• How would a severe drought impact your local agriculture economy?