Rice experts at the International Rice Congress 2006 expressed concern at the recent trend which shows a decline in the per capita consumption of rice in most Asian economies due to rising incomes and rapid urbanization.

Experts also discussed the rising rice production which had led to decline in real prices for the food grain, which has helped to sustain household food security. Rice experts at the Congress also said seed supply from formal sector should be enhanced as the quality of the end product depends on quality standard of seed used.