Rice: A Lifeline and a Legacy of Generosity
A Grain of Hope: From Korea to the World
For Suwoong Han, an 85-year-old Korean farmer, rice is more than just a crop; it's a lifelong companion. In the chilly March air, when the earth is still unforgivingly hard, Han begins his annual rice journey by soaking seeds, setting in motion a process that will eventually transform his paddy into a vibrant sea of yellow and green. Come October, the harvest is a moment of pride and joy, not just for the profits it brings but also for the role it plays in feeding the hungry worldwide.
Han's story is a testament to the power of rice. As the son of rice farmers from Gyeonggi Province, he understands the value of this grain intimately. His harvest often becomes a donation, joining the tens of thousands of metric tonnes of rice that the Republic of Korea generously offers to support the World Food Programme (WFP) initiatives.
A Personal Connection to Hunger
Han's connection to hunger is deeply personal. He recalls the hardships of the post-Korean War era, where WFP's food aid was a literal lifeline. "Hunger is an incredibly difficult hardship to endure," he shares, remembering the long walks to receive food assistance, including wheat and sorghum flour, milk, and powdered milk. This experience has left an indelible mark, shaping his understanding of hunger and its impact.
Thousands of miles away, Leila, a Rohingya refugee, shares a similar understanding. She escaped Myanmar's Rakhine State in 2017, leaving behind a world of violence that claimed her husband's life. After a grueling 15-day journey, she found refuge in the Cox's Bazar camps in Bangladesh. Leila remembers the taste of Korean rice, a gift that brought comfort and sustenance. "It was delicious with lentils and cabbage," she says, a simple meal that meant so much.
A Journey from Aid to Generosity
The Republic of Korea's story is one of remarkable transformation. Just a generation ago, it was one of the world's poorest nations, heavily reliant on WFP assistance. Between 1964 and 1984, WFP implemented nearly two dozen projects in Korea, ranging from nutrition and sanitation to flood control and road construction, helping to turn the country's fortunes around.
Today, Korea stands as one of WFP's top donors, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to food assistance programs, including the rice grown by farmers like Han. This year, Seoul's donation of 150,000 tons of rice to WFP operations in 17 countries is a record-breaking act of generosity, a threefold increase from its initial rice donations in 2018.
"The Republic of Korea's commitment to giving back and leading global humanitarian efforts is profound," says Shinjae Kim, Director of Global Agricultural Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. This year, Bangladesh became the first recipient of Korea's fortified rice, a nutrient-rich innovation designed to go beyond food assistance, addressing nutritional needs and bridging the global nutrition gap.
A Lifeline for the Rohingya
The rice cultivated by farmers like Han finds its way to places like Bangladesh, where it becomes a lifeline for over one million Rohingya refugees, including Leila. "Korean rice is a beacon of hope for some of the world's most vulnerable people," says Angie Lee, Director of the WFP Seoul Global Office. The rice is expected to reach over 8 million people in need by 2025, offering not just sustenance but also a sense of security and optimism.
Quality and Safety: A Priority
Farmers like Han grow rice under government contracts, ensuring high-quality standards. The harvested rice is stored in large warehouses in major production areas, husked, and kept in cold units to maintain freshness and meet strict food quality criteria.
For rice destined for Cox's Bazar, the journey begins with a truck ride to Gunsan Port in western Korea, where it's loaded onto WFP-chartered vessels bound for Bangladesh. Seoul's donation covers the costs of transportation and processing, with multiple quality checks conducted by the government's quality control agency and WFP. "Ensuring cargo safety is our biggest challenge," says WFP Shipping Officer Jaspal Oberoi. "Knowing that the rice we handle reaches those in need is what matters most."
After a two-week voyage, the rice arrives at Chittagong Port in Bangladesh, undergoing further quality checks. It's then transported to warehouses in Cox's Bazar, ready for distribution to the Rohingya refugees who rely almost entirely on humanitarian aid for survival.
The Challenges Faced by the Rohingya
Mohammad Rokibul Alam, WFP Bangladesh Programme Officer, highlights the myriad challenges faced by the Rohingya community. "Overcrowded living conditions, health risks, and limited earning and educational opportunities are just some of the issues they grapple with," he says. In a place where food is a precious commodity, every grain of rice is a blessing.
A Message of Gratitude
Alam has a special message for the farmers like Han: "Every grain of rice reflects your hard work and kindness, and it is deeply appreciated by the families in the camps." Leila, living in a small bamboo shelter in Cox's Bazar, echoes this sentiment. Her monthly WFP voucher, worth $12, allows her to purchase fresh vegetables to complement the staple rice. However, with her children growing, especially her eldest son, the food often falls short.
The situation in the camps is dire, with declining resources struggling to meet escalating needs. Since early 2024, over 130,000 Rohingya refugees have arrived in Cox's Bazar, fleeing ongoing fighting in Rakhine State. The prospects of their return are uncertain, and international support has been dwindling.
"The Rohingya community has been stateless for decades, and the needs in the camps are rising," says Alam. "Contributions like the Korean rice are critical in this context."
Leila expresses her gratitude for the rice donation, a gift from a faraway land. "I thank the Korean people for the rice. I pray for them and wish them well."
Far away in Gyeonggi, farmer Han is content knowing his rice is making a difference. "Knowing that the rice we produce helps people across the sea overcome their difficulties truly warms my heart."
Learn more about WFP's work in Bangladesh: https://www.wfp.org/countries/bangladesh
