Why should the goverment discourage such production instead of leave people free to pursue it? Do you expect (high) social costs from a failure there?
I agree it shouldn't be "discouraged" (as a private enterprise) but it seems reasonable to debate whether they should receive subsidies or grants etc.
EDIT: this looks more like research than production, so I think it makes sense for it to be supported by grants.
Eg potatoes grown for eating are almost completely unregulated and unsubsidised in the EU. Similar with grapes grown for eating. In comparison with potatoes grown for starch and wine grown for grapes. It's crazy.
... but then again, many industries do too. Libertarian tech bros think they are "self made" even in fact the government supported them with absolutely massive support, from government tech purchasing to supporting R&D and higher education to tax breaks to deregulation and more.
Rant off.
Though I'm not sure what you are trying to say with your comment? Just because someone is in favour of reducing subsidies, doesn't necessary mean they want to abolish the government?
Just like Bob being in favour of a weightloss diet for a morbidly obese Alice, friend doesn't mean Bob wants their normal sized friend Charlie to starve himself to death (nor does Bob want Alice to continue losing weight once she reached a healthy weight).
>Why should the goverment discourage
These are government measures to encourage rice production, not discourage it.