Pest storms are devastating rice production in Singapore, which is no good for anyone since this grain is a staple throughout Asia. This is becoming a threat to the country’s food security and could completely destroy rice farms throughout the region, according to Singapore scientists. Indeed, there is talk that the pesticides used to counter this problem may be doing the opposite – making it worse. The problem has partly been caused by trying to go cheap: use of less expensive pesticides; poor farmer education and destruction of ecosystems around paddies, to name but a few.
Historically this wouldn’t have been the case. Farmers took immense pride in their plots and ensured their produce was protected. King George VI would have been ashamed at his Asian brethren and might not have so readily agreed to having his face emblazoned on a set of Singapore stamps issued in 1948.