21.   Large-scale monoculture rice production predominates the lowlands.

22.   Taiwan recently reached a four-year agreement with Haiti to increase rice production.

23.   The country has imported rice from Thailand to anticipate a possible drop in rice production this year.

24.   The government is also considering whether to allow foreigners to participate in rice flour production and the sugar-cane industry.

25.   The English-language Vietnam News said authorities were worried that building factories and hotels on farmland would cause a drop in rice production and an increase in prices.

26.   The grant is intended primarily to boost rice production in the Khorezm region and the Karakalpakia autonomous region, Interfax said, citing the Uzbek government press service.

27.   The Ministry of Agriculture said last month that the delay in rice planting had adversely affected rice production this year.

28.   The Jakarta Post quoted Chairil Anwar Rasahan, director general of food crops and horticulture at the Ministry of Agriculture, as saying rice production could drop significantly.

29.   This could account for the recent decline in rice production.

30.   Tokyo also said it will help to attract investments, expand rice production, and promote tourism in Africa.