By: Babette P. Resurreccion, Edsel E. Sajor and Wang Jing

This paper presents recent developments in China’s agricultural and rice biotechnology and associated policy process in this domain. It discusses national developments and policy process in agricultural and rice biotechnology first, and zooms in on the case and experience of Yunnan Province in particular. It further explores and highlights current and emerging trends and outcomes in the widespread adoption of modern hybrid rice, focusing on issues of social equity and gender equality, and social inclusion in the policy process.

The aim of this paper is to inform and contribute to defining the agenda for a comparative research on biotechnology policy process in selected agri-food sectors in five Southeast Asian countries, particularly focusing on social equity outcomes and inclusiveness of the policy-making in this domain.

The paper is divided in six parts, to wit: (1) recent developments in agricultural biotechnology in China; (2) national biotechnology and rice research; (3) policy environment in biotechnology in rice Sector in China; (4) rice cultivation in Yunnan Province; (5) Yunnan’s experience in modern rice hybrid research and applications; and, (6) implications on social equity, gender and social inclusion issues.

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By: Leilani Gallardo, Kittima Leeruttanawisut, Dr. Apichart Vanavichit

Rice is a major staple food in Asian countries and its cultivation is often steeped in rich tradition and cultural linkages. This phenomenon is clearly apparent in Thailand, the biggest exporter of rice in the world for the last decade. Rice farming, harvesting and preparation permeate every aspect of Thai culture from the 6th century up to the present day. Archaeological evidences have found rice hulls in pieces of pottery and utensils in northeastern Udon Thani Province dating from 5,000 years ago. At present, members of the Thai Royal family often preside over ceremonies and offerings to mark the start of rice planting season and to court blessings from rice deities and goddesses for a good harvest.

Aside from its cultural significance, rice takes center stage as Thailand’s second major agricultural export next to rubber. The country earned USD 2.56 billion (Office of Agriculture Economics, 2008) for selling 7 million tons of rice exports in 2006, capturing 26% of the world rice market. Rice exports for that year also accounted for 10.7 % of Gross Domestic Product . According to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), rice is planted in 55% of the country’s arable land and is the staple food of the entire population regardless of income. Rice growing also employs roughly 4 million farming households. Thailand has a reputation for high-quality, long-grain white rice, which usually commands a substantial price advantage over lower grades since it began selling rice abroad in the late 19th century.

By: Antonio P. Contreras, Ph.D.

Abstract

The paper argues that the development of biotechnology policies in the Philippines vis-à-vis rice is enabled by structures and processes that are friendly to the furtherance of social inclusion and equity goals. This occurs in the context of attaining rice self-sufficiency amidst a globalized system, and is clearly expressed in the relative density of concepts and provisions related to participation, inclusivity and transparency in all the relevant policy instruments. However, spaces that are opened are vulnerable to a political system that has deep-seated structural flaws and a science community whose financial support from the state is limited and at the same time whose financial autonomy from vested interests is suspect. Thus, in addition to investing in research to build scientific knowledge and capacity, there should also be an investment in research on the political dynamics of the institutional domains for multi-stakeholder encounters and contestations. Further research should be done on the nature of the interplay between science, industry and policy, to determine appropriate institutional arrangements in which science-industry linkages remain robust without compromising the regulatory process, and without compromising science. In addition, it is also vital that research is conducted about the knowledge and information flows and communication pathways and their implications on policy outcomes and stakeholder positions. A deliberate effort should be done to study the processes of mythmaking on both sides of the biotechnology debate, and to clearly identify the nexus by which distortions occur, the form by which they happen, their manifestations and the drivers that engender their emergence.

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By: Sarah Carter

The TLUD (Top Lit Up Draft) gasifier was originally designed by Paal Wendelbo which he took to Africa in 1988. Since then, the design has been adapted and distributed around the world. A prototype of the design amended by Anderson has been produced and tested in Cambodia. A model was also adapted by ARTI in India.