The United Nations together with FAO decided 2004 as 'International Year of Rice' (IYR). IYR will highlight the vital role that rice plays in agriculture, food security, the environment, culture and science. IYR 2004 aims at promoting improved production of - and access to - this important food crop, which feeds more than half the world's population while providing income for millions. It is noted that during the past several decades, RCA has been endeavoring development of new good rice varieties using nuclear techniques and many of the new varieties are well acclaimed by the farmers in the region.

Various events have been planned for IYR 2004. Among them, an international conference on 'Rice in Global Markets and Sustainable Production Systems' held in February in Rome particularly drew world's attention. It dealt with new challenges and opportunities for sustainable rice-based production systems. Development of sustainable rice-based systems will reduce poverty and hunger, and contribute to environmental conservation and a better life for present and future generations. Harnessing science and technology to this effect was underlined.

Another event is the 'Global Photo Contest on Rice' that has been just announced. FAO and UN launched this global photography contest to highlight the importance of rice as a staple food crop and a symbol of culture and global identity. The objective of the IYR Global Photo Contest "Rice is Life" is to enhance awareness of the importance of rice in the fight against hunger and poverty. The competition is also an opportunity to focus on the role and significance of rice in different cultures around the world. Almost 3,000 million people share the culture, traditions, and untapped potentials of rice. In remote villages of southeast Asia, farmers still compare a grain of rice to a 'grain of gold'. In modern Japan, people see rice as the very heart of their culture.

So, rice is a food - but more than a food. It is society, culture, politics, business, the beauty of the landscape, people in their communities. In short, rice is life not only in most of Asian countries but also throughout the world. Professional and amateur photographers are invited to capture the "Rice is Life" theme in photographs illustrating the rich diversity of regions, people and resources linked to this internationally vital food source. The deadline is 30 July 2004.

For more information, please visit http://www.fao.org/rice2004