March 21, 2005

Asia's appetite for corn to soar in next 20 years

Asia's appetite for corn is seen to soar in the next 20 years, fuelled by the immense need for animal feed in tandem with the rapid expansion of the livestock sector.

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has forecast that Asia would represent more than 50 percent of the growth in corn consumption by 2020.

China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam are some countries that report an increase in corn demand.

China has recently introduced a new variety of "super corn", which could help to elevate grain production in the country.

The Asian giant is expected to become a net corn importer in the near future.