Iran to become regional hub for rice research among 10 Asian countries

Press TV: http://presstv.com/detail/198640.html A regional conference dedicated to one of the most strategic agricultural products in the world; rice. FAO representatives, International experts, including staff members from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI; http://irri.org ), and Iranian government officials gathered last week in the city of Rasht the center of Iran's northern Gilan province near the coasts of the Caspian Sea to discuss the latest achievements in the field of rice cultivation in Iran and Asia. The event hosted delegates from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Iraq. The conference aimed at establishing a regional rice research and training center in Iran to serve the scientific and technical needs of rice producers in the region. Rice is the main food item in Iran. Gilan province is one of the major rice producing regions in the country. The rice research institute of Iran is located in Rasht. The center is well equipped and is regarded as the best location for the formation of a regional rice research and training center. Scientists believe that the challenge of feeding the world becomes more evident every year. Experts in this institute say that so far they have had numerous achievements in creating crops with more grains and higher quality. Experts believe rice is the second most strategic crop after wheat. Despite the increasing number of rice consumers worldwide figures show less improvement in the production of this crop. According to the international rice research institute the demand for rice in Asia currently stands at just above 9 million tons a year, whereas this number will increase to 16.6 million tons by 2035. This means an increase of more than 84 percent. The authorities in the Rice Research Institute of Iran (RRII; http://www.bizearch.com/company/Rice_Research_Institute_Of_Iran_255141.htm ) say that they are ready to play their share in lifting the status of Asia the world's major rice producing region.