Burmese cyclone could push rice prices up

08/05/2008 14:48:32

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation says damage done to Burma's rice crop could affect exports this year, putting more pressure on the global rice market.

Cyclone Nargis struck five Burmese states which together account for 65 per cent of the country's rice output.

The FAO says the damage to rice, palm oil and rubber plantations means Burma will need to rely on imports of these goods in the coming months.

There are no accurate official figures on Burma's rice exports, but in April the government said it had exported nearly half-a-million tons over the past year and had enough for domestic consumption.

Produced by Radio Australia and Australia Network