By Dr. Gelia T. Castillo, National Scientist and IRRI Consultant
Rice is life. So, when the global rice crisis hit in 2008, it threatened many lives. The year became well remembered for the soaring prices, the long lines in the market, the panic, the blame game, and the social unrest in different countries. A sense of alarm grew when rice, known to be the most "affordable" food for the poor, suddenly became "unaffordable." It reminded the world of rice's crucial role in human existence. It also revived interest in agriculture.