Neil That’s right. Over half the world’s population eats rice as the staple food, especially in Asia. But rice is a very ‘thirsty’ crop which needs lots of water to grow, and this is becoming a ...

In the US, where rice syrup is gaining popularity as a substitute for sugar, a 1-kilogram artisanal bottle can reach $140. It's all due to sikhye: a mixture of steamed rice, hot water, and barley ...