A dry spell is sweeping across Asia’s rice fields, dealing another blow to farmers grappling with steep fuel and fertilizer prices triggered by the war in Iran.
From Vietnam to the Philippines, production of the region’s most important food staple is under threat as a strengthening El Niño prolongs dry weather. That includes India, the world’s top grower and exporter, where the crucial monsoon rains that began in June are running about a sixth lower than normal so far.
