'Major disruptor': El Ni?o threatens the world's rice supplies

After India imposed an export ban on rice following destructive rains, prices have soared - now other countries across south-east Asia are following suitNormally by mid-August Thongpoon Moonchansong's fields are submerged in still waters, with scattered rice plants reaching up to her knees. The waters are usually so abundant that if you plunge a net into the fields, you can draw out fish and crab to eat.This year, though, things have been different. Rain has been falling in her village in Uttaradit province in the north of Thailand, but it has not been heavy or consistent enough. The canal next to Thongpoon's family home is dry. Continue reading...