Mr. M.K. Papademetriou presented briefly the need and rationale for organizing the Consultation. He presented the objectives, the provisional agenda (Annex 2) and the details of the programme (Annex 3), which were duly adopted. The objectives of the Consultation, in brief, were as follows:
a) to review the situation regarding the gaps between potential and actual rice yields in the Asia-Pacific region; andb) to discuss a number of key issues relating to sustainable increased rice production and to develop proposals needed for further action.
