Alvaro Durand-Morat

Researchers say better rice quality will feed more people

by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net)

About 2.3 billion, or nearly 30%, of the world’s population doesn’t get enough to eat, according to the World Health Organization. Rice is by far the most consumed food in the world with it being a staple food for nearly half the human population.

With the global population expected to exceed 9 billion by the year 2050, farmers and food scientists will have to find ways to keep hunger numbers from growing. One way could be to more efficiently mill rice or grow rice that is better suited to be milled.

A 1% increase in unbroken rice kernels could mean millions more servings of this critical staple grain, increased food security around the globe and improved producer profitability, a study from two University of Arkansas researchers suggests. Professor Lanier Nalley and Associate Professor Alvaro Durand-Morat, both in the agricultural economics and agribusiness department, conduct research for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station.

Researchers say better rice quality will feed more people