Impact of COVID-19 on the rice value chain (RVC) in Asia

COVID-19 induced lockdowns have disrupted input supply, production, processing, marketing, and consumption segments of the rice value chain. The rice value chain is facing adverse impacts of constraints on mobility, access to inputs and services, markets, finance, labour, trade and services, demand and income. The rural-urban disconnect has increased price differences between producers and consumers, decreased cash flows and hampered businesses in the value chain. To mitigate impacts of COVID-19 on the rice value chain, ensuring access to input & output markets, minimizing supply chain disruptions, promoting digital services, financial support, social safety nets, open trade, and investing in rice research will be key.