"With other water-soaked smartphones, consumers instantly move into MacGyver mode attempting to beat the odds with dry rice, Ziploc bags and other home remedies that rarely work, " said Andre Smith, vice president-Boost Mobile.

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After we landed, the farmer we met grumbled that he had to drill his well deeper each year so he could grow more rice in the dry lands.

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In Southeast Asia, where they originate, they live in irrigation ditches and rice paddies, thriving there until the dry season, when their pools shrink and they squirm along to the next pocket of water.

CNN: Fish tale

More dry-season water will greatly increase the production of rice and other crops.

ECONOMIST: Letters

The recent decrease in rainfall has occurred during the country's dry season, and has thus affected only the second rice crop, which accounts for a fifth of the total in a normal year.

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Drain the rice and spread it out on a clean dish towel to drain until completely dry.

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