However, some problems arose when the nitrogen fertiliser, on which the rice depended, became more expensive. Also pests and diseases multiplied because the fertilised rice was soft tissued and therefore more prone to attack. Even if production increased, rice prices fell, to leave farmers with the same income, some of which was spent on the extra costs of fertiliser and pesticides the crop demanded. This meant that they were often in debt and could not re-invest in their farms, afford to send their children to school and sometimes did not have enough to eat. These days research and advice is focusing on crossing traditional varieties of rice with new varieties to overcome some of these problems.
Rice is one of the main crops and is grown mainly in paddy fields.
The tropical climate means that in many parts of the country two, or even three, crops may be grown in a year. Since the mid 1970s, however, there have been climatic changes resulting in more erratic weather and longer and more frequent periods of drought. Ideally a single lowland rice plant needs 2000 litres of water during its life of 120 days. Come the rainy season when metre-deep floodwater can wash away both the field and plants, countless Golden Snails can chew their way through the tender stems of the newly transplanted main crop. Farmers both in the UK and other countries often have to face similar problems.