Unfair Harvest: the State of Rice in Asia

New research commissioned by Oxfam and realized by Basic shows that rice farmers in some countries can receive as little as 4% of the price paid by consumers. This has implications for poverty: in Nepal, farmers’ income from rice farming is estimated at just 13% of the amount needed for a basic but decent income. The burden is particularly bad for women farming and working in the Asian rice sector: they receive lower wages and often suffer discrimination. There are opportunities for change.

For example, smarter government regulation to protect workers’ rights and empower small-scale producers can support better returns for farmers; and responsible private sector investment can support small-scale producers to benefit from rapidly modernising rice markets.

This paper puts forward a vision for a more equitable, sustainable andclimate-resilient rice sector; and provides recommendations for governments and the private sector to help achieve that vision.

 

For futher information:

• the study by Oxfam
• our research report