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Middle East Conflict Drives Southeast Asia's Rice Production Crisis

4/11/2026

34 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The ongoing war in the Middle East is driving up fuel and fertilizer costs, threatening rice production in Southeast Asia.
Many smallholders are considering skipping the planting season due to high input costs.
In Thailand, some farmers are leaving crops unharvested due to the costs involved.
Patrick Davenport of BRM Agro in Cambodia says panic is widespread among farmers facing soaring input costs and low market prices.

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Story summary

The ongoing war in the Middle East is driving up fuel and fertilizer costs, threatening rice production in Southeast Asia.
Many smallholders are considering skipping the planting season due to high input costs.
In Thailand, some farmers are leaving crops unharvested due to the costs involved.
Patrick Davenport of BRM Agro in Cambodia says panic is widespread among farmers facing soaring input costs and low market prices.