August-October
2011
ition, highlights insid b i h x e D e First R&
Rice Plus
A Quarterly Magazine
August-October 2011
Issue 4
Plus A Quarterly Magazine Page No
Editorial Current Rice Issues Rice and Phosphorus A New Rice Revolution on the Way Global Rice Trade in 2012 Projected The Rice Golden Rice British Retail Consortium Code of Practice on Basmati Rice 1st R&D Exhibition on food & agriculture sector Mystery of Direct Seeded Rice: Opportunities and Constraints Current News
Chief Editor Hamlik
Managing Editor Rahmat Ullah
Editorial Associate
Contents
Editorial Board
Rozeen Shaukat
Business Development Manager Sarfraz Ahmed
Graphic Designer Mohammad Zakariya
Marketing Executive(s) Mujahid Ali Khalid Shabbir (UAE) Shamsahd Ahmad (Saudi Arabia)
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Editorial Advisory Board 1.Admiral (R) Hamid Khalid
Legal Advisor
2.Javaid Islam Agha
Advocate Zaheer Minhas
3.Ch. Hamid Malhi 4.Dr. Akhtar Husain
Rs.100/- per copy inclusive of postage Rs.300/-annually (four issues) inclusive of postage
5.Dr. Fayyaz Ahmed Siddique 6.Dr.Abdul Rashid(UAF) 7.Islam Akhtar Khan
Disclaimer Rice Plus Magazine is owned,managed & published by Induss Pak Corporation Lahore,represented by Hamid Malik which has been outsourced to & will be compiled,printed & distributed by Instiute of Research Promotion (IRP).All the rights of ownership & copyrights of copying,reprinting and editing,etc.are reserved with Induss Pak Corporation.No responsibility is assumed by Induss Pak Corporation for any kind of contribution/published material by authors. IRP, Suite # 11. Floor # 7.Central Plaza, Barkat Market, Garden Town Lahore, 54600 Pakistan. Tel: +92-42-5845551, +92-42-5020200, Fax: +92-42-5853157
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Editorial Note Welcome to new edition of Rice plus Magazine. There is an element of uncertainty in global rice trade. After three consecutive bullish years, 2011 seems to be bearish and even gloomy. Better production in top importers of rice grains, resulting in, drastic cuts in import volumes (Philippine, Indonesia and Bangladesh) seems to be driving factor of global rice trade. Philippine has announced a drastic cut of nearly 2 million tons of rice import and possible half the quantity of rice import by Bangladesh and Indonesia. Good monsoon consecutively for second year in India may help the South Asian country, resume export of non Basmati after three years of ban. Global prices of non basmati rice may come down by 15-20% from present level in 3rd quarter. In non basmati trade we feel a stiff competition among top 4 exporters, namely Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, US and may be India. In short term rice market will witness more supplies. Production in subcontinent, which highly depends on monsoon, has bright prospects as monsoon in India has arrived two days earlier than schedule rain intensity and geographical distribution is as per requirement. So far all models suggest a normal monsoon season. Pakistan which has a reasonably good quantity of water available during paddy transplanting time of rice (June to July , historically higher pre monsoon rain in rice belt of Pakistan) is expecting a good harvest but less than 6 million tons, as growers in cotton belt have gone back to cotton due to better return. Parboiling rice is going to see a stiff competition from Vietnam, as many parboiling plants are coming up in that country, which traditionally is a white rice market. In Pakistan, parboiling processing capacity is increasing rapidly and now Pakistan is catching up top exporter Thailand. Current year in Pakistan has been a difficult one for millers, who are really struggling to sell their Basmati rice even at breakeven levels as the international prices are under pressure, due to ample supplies and buyers are asking for low rates. Millers purchased the paddy at higher rates due to fear of less production as a result of devastating floods. New season is around the corner and export houses in India are sitting on huge pile of Basmati stocks. High mark up cost is multiplying their difficulties. Millers are wondering what to do with new season. In India there is a mounting pressure on the Government to enhance MSP (minimum support price) of Paddy by 8%, due to higher cost of inputs. Any decision by Indian Government will have an effect in Pakistan. If MSP is increased by 8% in Pakistan, it will be very injurious decision for Pakistani rice millers and exporters. Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Govt of Pakistan has recently recommended that all rice export consignment to USA, Mexico and Russia should be subjected to periodical inspection and exporters warehouses should be cleared by Ministry's official. This step will lead to Govt official's interference in rice export. Tsunami in Japan has opened an opportunity window for growers and exporters of Pakistan for which a lot of spade work needs to be done. Our exporters and scientist must understand that Rice Industry's future shape is going to be changed very rapidly specially the export of instant cooking rice .Consumers are already feeling uncomfortable on rapidly increasing prices of basmati, who are hit by global recession. Current scenario is very difficult, as increase in input costs of rice paddy is getting costly and on the other hand agitation in Middle East is forcing their governments to cap the prices of imported rice. Tail point‌. Pakistan Rice exporters should Watch the growing market of Nigeria (# 1 rice importers in the world with over 2 million tons), which is heavily dependent (70%) on Thailand. Hamlik Chief Editor riceplus@irp.edu.pk
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Current Rice Issues Hamid Malhi President Basmati Growers Association
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Forecasted figure 2011 Forecasted figure 2010
Flood Impact in Pakistani Rice
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ice production estimates for the current 201011 season have yet to be finalized but initial estimates show a 2.0Million Tons decrease in Non Basmati rice production and a normal production of Basmati rice. The devastating floods mainly affected the rice growing area on the West Bank of the River Indus in Sindh and Baluchistan. The floods could damage only a small percentage of the rice area of Punjab and that too was limited to the Non-Basmati districts of Bhakkar, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur and D.G Khan. The small decrease in production in Basmati has been due to the low return to farmers during the last season. There has been a healthy growth in the installation of new rice mills during the last few years and some recent additions are of remarkable nature with reference to their production capacity and quality machinery. This investment trend shows the sufficient availability of quality raw material for production and exports. The increase in market players is bound to increase healthy competition in the sector paving the way for encouraging the farmer community towards increase in production through more area or per acre yields. In comparison to stagnant Basmati rice exports for the last 3-4 years, our only competitor India has managed to increase its Basmati exports from 1.2Million Tons to 2.4Million Tons in a span of three year. It is food for thought for our rice exporters. Quality and production has never been an issue while export marketing has always lagged behind. There is a dire need to expand our export market and make efforts to recapture lost markets and explore new areas also. Branding and retail marketing is a costly affair but has long term healthy impacts. This year rice exporters need to give more attention to Basmati exports as availability of Non-Basmati particularly Irri-6 is on the lower side. The country's economy is also undergoing difficult times. Increase in exports of Basmati could counter the reduced availability of Non-Basmati rice so that rice exports earnings rise above 3.0. Billion $. The last ten months have seen some improvements in earnings from rice exports i.e. 2.5 Billion $ but there is a dire need to do a lot more in this context.
The figures indicate reduction in harvesting area from 2,800 to 2,100 M.H, milled production from 6.5 to 4.4 MT, and total supply is anticipated less than last year. The facts significantly report a less growth in rice due to flood in Pakistan. Source: http://gain.fas.usda.gov
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Rice and Phosphorus Dr. Amanullah Assistant Professor Agriculture University Peshawar
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ice, an important food and cash crop, is the third largest crop of Pakistan after wheat and cotton. It is planted on an area of over 2.5 million ha (11% of the total cropped area) and accounts for 17% of the total cereals produced annually. The annual production of milled rice is about 6.5 million tonnes sharing 5.5% in agriculture sector and 1.1% in GDP. Pakistan is famous for growing and exporting long grain aromatic Basmati rice. Rice exports hovering around three million tonnes per annum have accounted for 11% of the foreign exchange from merchandize exports. The rice export increased manifold during the recent years and a record export of 3.69 million tonnes of worth about Rs.170 billion was made during 2008-09. The country ranks 14th in terms of rice production and 3rd in rice export in the world (NARC). Phosphorus (P) is the second most important crop nutrient after nitrogen that increases crop productivity and profitability on P-deficient soils in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Amanullah et al., 2010). Phosphorus is a macronutrient that plays a number of important roles in plants. Adequate phosphorus results in higher grain production, improved crop quality, greater stalk strength, increased root growth, and earlier crop maturity. Crop phosphorus nutrition depends on the ability of the soil to replenish the soil solution with phosphorus as the crop removes it and on the ability of the plant to produce a healthy and extensive root system that has access to the maximum amount of soil phosphorus. Various inorganic P-fertilizer sources are used to supply P to crops. Application of Pfertilizers must be done in a way to maximize the P availability to crops and to minimize the risk that P might be lost to the environment by runoff or erosion. Excess application with the poor efficiency of P-fertilizers is one of the major problems confronting the sustainable agricultural development. Whereas, loss of N and P from farmlands to surface waters is considered as one of the major sources inducing eutrophication.
Rice is an important cereal crop in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Table below). No attention has been devoted to calibrating soil tests for phosphorus (P) in the rice fields in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The information is needed to improve fertilizer P efficiency for recommendations to the rice growers. The current nitrogen based fertilization system in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had a negative balance with other nutrients particularly with phosphorus. This low phosphorus to nitrogen ratio shows signs of fatguei and is no longer exhibiting increased rice productivity. Phosphorus (P) deficiency symptoms appear in the lower part of the rice plant and results in (1) decreased leaf number, (2) decreased leaf blade length, (3) reduced panicles per plant, (4) reduced seeds per panicle, and (5) reduced filled seeds per panicle. The reduced tillering capacity of rice planted on P deficient soil is usually the greatest factor responsible for reduced yields. Crops Statistics Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2009-10)
Rice Leading Districts in KPK
Dir Upper Malakand Lower Dir DIK Swat All Districts FATA Total
Yield (kg/ha)
Area (ha)
Production (t)
6568
12962
1974
6433
13915
2163
6382
10420
1633
6029
12069
2002
4223
9809
2323
42580
85777
2014
11207
16626
1484
53787
102403
1904
As the land for cultivation is contracting in Pakistan in general and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in particular due to increasing population so the future increases in crop production must come from higher yield per unit area. Increased cropping intensity, intensive cropping system removes plant nutrients heavily from the soil, in addition to natural losses of nutrients. Therefore, increased and judicious use of P-fertilizers, to replenish the nutrient supply systems, is a key factor in the rice based system aiming at intensification of crop production on sustainable basis. Proper phosphorus nutrition is therefore critical in the region for improving rice quality and grain yields and maximizing net returns.
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A New Rice Revolution on the Way Get ready for Green Super Rice- John Berthelsen he world appears to be on the threshold of another green revolution in rice production as a result of an intensive, 12-year partnership between the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing and the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines called "Green Super Rice," it is the result of a project begun in 1998, involving the painstaking crossbreeding of more than 250 different potential varieties and rice hybrids, according to Dr Jauhar Ali, a senior scientist and regional project coordinator for the Development of Green Super Rice at IRRI in Los Banos, south of Manila. The process was developed by Zhi-Kang Li, which involves the efforts of hundreds of researchers in dozens of countries across the world, seeking to isolate the desirable traits from indigenous strains and then backcross breed them to produce hardier varieties. Particularly, the development comes at a time when food security has become a major political issue, not just in Asia but increasingly across the world as the price of commodities skyrocket. Disastrous floods in Pakistan, drought in Australia, fires and drought in Russia, all combined to spur concern that the world could be on the brink of a food crisis to rival that endured in 2007, when the price of rice shot from roughly US$250 to US1,100 per ton before falling back to hover around US$500 today. Imbalances in the demand-supply chain and hoarding by national governments have forced the World Food Program to initiate a number of emergency projects to continue the delivery of food to the world's poor. Rice in particular faces problems from climate change. It has been a long, hard slog to come out with the concept of Green Super Rice, Green Super Rice does not involve genetic modification. Instead, it involves taking hundreds of donor cultivars from dozens of different countries, identifying significant variations in plant response to drought, global warming and other problems, and "backcross" breeding painstakingly crossing a hybrid with one of its parents or with a plant genetically like one of its parents, then screening the backcross bulk populations after one or two backcrosses under severe abiotic and biotic stress conditions to identify transgressive segregants that are doing better than both parents and the checks. This operation is done for all the backcrosses originating from 46 recurrent parents and 500 donors -- a mini-core collection - and reconfirmed before further pooling them across different traits by the use of molecular markers to improve rice tolerance for instance, drought, salinity, submergence, rice blast fungus, bacterial leaf blight and the ability to out-compete weeds, reducing the need for fertilizers. The announcement comes on the 50th anniversary of what has been called the original Green Revolution, when IRRI, established by the Philippine government and the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations, introduced IR8, the first "miracle rice," as it was called then, to the world, at a time when India especially was on the brink of mass starvation. IR8, a semi-dwarf variety, yielded about 5 metric tons per hectare without fertilizer and as much as 10 tons under optimal conditions about 10 times the yield of traditional rice. IR8 was subject to kernel breakage and other problems. Eventually, its successors revolutionized world food production, driving down the price of rice by more than 50 percent and turning India, Thailand and other countries into some of the world's most successful producers and exporters. Rice is grown on some 142 million hectares in Asia, feeding more than 4 billion people. A semi-aquatic plant species that originated in tropical swamps, rice production typically consumes two to three times as much water as do other cereals. Thus water deficiency drought has been the single biggest limit in rain-fed rice fields, with drought at the early stages of growth causing delayed transplant or delayed germination. Drought at the reproductive stage also slow growth, according to a variety of papers made available by Dr. Ali, resulting in low and unstable rice productivity. IR8's successors used far more fertilizers and pesticides than conventional strains, but produced substantially higher yields. Such efforts are coming under an umbrella organization called the Global Rice Science Partnership, under the acronym GRiSP, launched last November at the third International Rice Congress in Vietnam, which seeks to enable the world to coordinate its approach to rice science so that agencies can pool their resources, apply their expertise and collaborate in the delivery of the improved strains to poor rice farmers across the world. GRiSP is looking for the funds to expand into seven countries across Asia and seven in Africa Some 260 people have been trained from public and private centers, including in Africa, on the use of the Green Super Rice breeding and seed Production technology. Source with thanks to: www.asiasentinel.com
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Global Rice Trade in 2012 Projected The global trade forecast for calendar year 2012 was reduced 110,000 tons from last month's forecast to 32.1 million tons (milled basis), still up 3 percent from 2011 and the highest on record. The largest change this month was a 100,000-ton reduction in the U.S. export forecast to 3.25 million tons. This reduction is based primarily on tighter U.S. supplies and a higher price difference over major competitors. The only other exporter revision this month was for Peru. That country's export forecast was reduced 10,000 tons to 20,000 tons, based on a downward production revision for 2011/12. The only importer revision was for the United States. The U.S. import projection was raised 20,000 tons to 650,000 tons based on the expectation of tighter supplies of U.S. long-grain rice in marketing year 2011/12. Global trade for 2011 was raised 175,000 tons this month to 31.2 million tons. Vietnam's export estimate was raised by 200,000 tons to 6.4 million tons based on pace-to-date and the recommendation of the U.S
Agricultural Counselor in Ho Chi Minh City. Paraguay's export estimate was raised 25,000 tons to 175,000 tons based on an increase in that country's production estimate for 2009/10. These increases were partially offset by a 50,000-ton decrease in the U.S. export estimate to 3.3 million tons. This reduction was based on export expectations the remainder of the calendar year given the estimated decrease in U.S. production in 2011/12. On the importer side, Madagascar's import forecast was raised 50,000 tons to 100,000 tons based on pace-to-date. Brazil's import forecast was reduced 50,000 tons to 450,000 tons based largely on import pace-to-date. Additionally, Brazil's recent harvesting of a record crop is weighing heavily on their domestic market. Lastly, Vietnam's import forecast was reduced 100,000 tons to 500,000 tons based on an upward revision in the country's 2010/11 production estimate. Source: www.usda.gov/
Country Specific Information Iran, Milled Rice Production and TY Imports by Year
(Unit of Measure 1000 MT)
50.00% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% -10.00% -20.00% -30.00% -40.00%
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
964
900
950
1200
1500
1460
1430
1470
1000
1400
1500
-6.64%
5.56%
-2.67%
-2.05%
2.80%
-31.97
40.00%
7.14%
change 26.01%
26.32% 25.00%
Production by Year 50.00% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00% -10.00% -20.00% -30.00%
change
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
1313
1906
1934
1678
1806
1724
1758
1441
1487
1500
1500
0.92%
45.16%
1.47%
-13.24
7.63%
-4.54%
1.97%
-18.03
3.19%
0.87%
0.00%
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Source: http://www.indexmundi.com
TY Imports by Year
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The Rice Dr. Muhammad Tahir Assistant Professor University of Agriculture Faisalabad ice is one of the old species in our crops to variety. Each panicle has 50 to 300 flowers (floret which are domesticated from their wild or spikelets), which form the grains. The small habitat. Today in the world, there are two wind-pollinated flowers are produced in a branched major rice varieties; Oryza sativa indica and Oryza arching to pendulous inflorescence 3050 cm long sativa japonica which are grown. According to The fruit obtained from rice plant is called caryopsis researchers and historians, rice cultivation began (grain) which is 512 mm long and 23 mm thick. simultaneously in many countries of the world over Nutritional Value of rice: Rice is highly nutritative 6500 years ago. The first rice crops were observed in crop which includes; Energy1,527 kJ (365 kcal), China (Hemu Du region) around 5000 B.C. as well Carbohydrates79 g, Sugars 0.12 g, Dietary fiber 1.3 as in Thailand around 4500 B.C. and later appeared g, Fat 0.66 g, Protein 7.12 g, Water 11.62 g, in Cambodia, Vietnam and southern India. Thiamine (Vit. B1) 0.070 mg (5%), Riboflavin (Vit. Historians believe that the earliest remains of B2) 0.049 mg (3%), Niacin (Vit. B3) 1.6 mg (11%), cultivated rice in the sub-continent have been found Pantothenic acid (B5) 1.014 mg (20%), Vitamin B6 0.16 , Folate (Vit. B9) 8 Âľg (2%), Calcium 28 mg in the north and west and date from around 2000 BC (3%), Iron 0.80 mg (6%), Magnesium 25 mg (7%), Rice plant description :Rice plant develops a Manganese 1.088 mg (54%), Phosphorus 115 mg main stem and many tillers and may range from (16%), Potassium 115 mg (2%) and Zinc 1.09 mg 0.6 to 6 meters in height. The tiller bears a (11%)4 mg (13%)*.*Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) ramified panicle that measure between 20 and 30 centimeters wide but also may vary from variety
R
Recommendations for farmers to improve rice production Use pure, healthy and certified seed Seed rate and sowing nursery is pre-requisite for Use of new and resistant varieties the good crop harvest. According to Punjab Timely harvesting agriculture department, the nursery must not be Proper crop protection measures sown before May 20 to prevent multiplication of Use of integrated weed management stem borer mouths. Generally, for basmati 1-1/2 Proper control of rice disease kg/Marla and for IRRI varieties 1-2 kg/ Marla are Use of integrated pest management Appropriate plant population (75,000-80,000 per acre) used. Higher seed rate produce the week seedling due to more competition of crop plants for Irrigation management nutrients while the low seed rate allows the Proper fertilizers and timely application weeds to dominate in the nursery field. Recommended seed rate, in time planting of nursery and transfer to field Table 1: Recommended varieties of rice with seed rates, sowing dates and transplanting dates. (Punjab)
Varieties
Seed rate (kg/acre) WM
Sowing date
Transplanting date
DM
RM
6-7
8-10
12-15
20th May to 7th June
20th June to 7th July
Super Basmati
4.5-5
6-7
10-12
20th May to 20th June
20th June to 20th July
Basmati 198, Basmati-370, Basmati-385,
-Do-
-Do-
-Do-
1st June to 20th June
1st July to 20th July
Shaheen Basmati
-Do-
-Do-
-Do-
15th June to th 30 June
15th July to st 31 July
IRRI 6, KS-282, KSK-133, NIAB IRRI-9
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Nursery transplanting: The average nursery age for all varieties is 25-30 days. For dry condition the nursery need 40 days for transplanting and before uprooting the plants the field is filled with water. It will soften the soil and easy to pull out the rice nursery plant without breakage of the plant roots. At the time of transplanting the nursery height should not be higher than 15 cm. It should be dark green in clour and stem should be without branches. Two nursery seedlings per hills are sufficient. The plant population is key element for optimum yield of the rice. If we able to maintain the plant to plant and row to row distance 9� or 23 cm (9 inches x 9inches) then the plant population will be 180000 plants per acres (80000 holes and two plants per hole). In our field the number of holes pre plants is less than 60000 which will ultimately reduce the 25% yield of the framing community. Irrigation management: Rice crop is water loving crop and need judicious amount of water for its good yield and harvest. Total delta of water of rice is 50-60 acre-inches. Thus 12-16 irrigations are required which should be applied according to need of the crop. Fertilizer management: The general recommendation of NPK is given the following table: Nitrogen (Kg/ha)
Phosphorous (Kg/ha)
Potash (Kg/ha)
Basmati type
55
30
25
IRRI Type
70
40
25
Doses per acre
Zinc deficiency: Zinc sulphate (33%) at 6.5 kg/acre or zinc (21%) at 10 kg / acre can be broadcasted in the standing water or nursery before transplanting is dipped at least 5 minutes with Zinc oxides (2% solution). Removal of zinc deficiency can enhance the 10 % yield per acre. Weed management: The weeds are one of the major problem in the rice field which reduce the yield up to 15-20 % and may be up to 56-60% in sever cases. The weeds should be controlled by integrated weed management practices. The major weeds found in our rice field belong to grassy family. Della, Swank, Dhodhan, Bhoain, Khabbal, Naru grass and Mirch booti etc. The critical weed compilation period is first 30-40 days. Management of insect pests: Different kind of insect pests are attacked on the rice plants such as rice stem borer, strip rice borer, yellow stem borer, pink borer, white stem borer, leaf folder, white backed plant hopper, rice grass hoppers and rice hispa. But the stem borer cause the more damage as compare to other insect pests to the rice crop. The borer seriously damage the Basmati varieties while white backed plant hopper, leaf folder, army worm and yellow borer cause damage to IRRI varieties. The integrated pest management techniques should be used. The application of insecticides should be used according to agriculture department recommendation. Management of diseases in rice: The following control measures are helpful in reducing the attack of the diseases; The seed should be treated with some suitable fungicides e.g. Topsim M, thiofinate etc. The disease free nursery is transplanted to the field. The irrigation water from infected field should not be moved to the healthy field. Crop rotation should be used. Suitable fungicides, nematicides and varicides can be used. Harvesting: Huge grain losses occur at the time of early or late harvesting of the rice crop. Early harvesting results in broken kernels and low milling recovery due to more moisture in the seed and incomplete physiological maturity while late harvested crop is prone to more insect, rodent and bird pests in addition to increased risks of lodging and grain shattering due to more dryness of the panicles. Therefore, the best time for harvesting the crop is when the variety has reached the particular date of maturity (usually three months after transplanting of nursery).
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Golden Rice Khawar Jabran Ayub Agricultural Research Institute Faisalabad
A
genetically modified variety of rice having grains rich of vitamin A has been named as “golden riceâ€?. Beta-carotene (a precursor of vitamin A) and other carotenoids in the grain give it a golden color hence named as 'golden rice'. Upon ingestion, many of these carotenoids especially the beta-carotene, are converted into vitamin A in the human body. These carotenoids not only protect the human body from a number of diseases but also possess nutritional benefits. Professor Ingo Potrykus (Switzerland) and Professor Peter Beyer (Germany) were the scientists who developed golden rice. The objective of the golden rice was to protect the children victim of blindness and xerophthalmia caused by vitamin A deficiency. Millions of people in the world including pregnant women especially the ones belonging to Africa are deficient of vitamin A. This vitamin A deficiency either results in blindness or death in children as well as adults. On the other hand, vitamin A deficiency may aggravate the chances of HIVAIDS and measles in the children. According to UNICEF, 124 million children are deficient of vitamin A worldwide. The conventional method of vitamin A provision in the deficient people is either oral or injection which is very costly and unaffordable especially for the poor people. The project of golden rice was started in 1982 by Swiss scientists who finally gave golden rice in 2000. Golden rice II was produced in 2005 by the team of Syngenta Company which had 23 times higher viatmain A than the golden rice I. It is hoped that the golden rice will be finally available in the market by 2012. Recently Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have funded to improve availability of vitamin A, E, Fe and Zn. Currently the work is in progress in IRRI on golden rice. Most of the countries with vitamin A deficiency use rice as food. Golden rice was intended to generate betacarotene which is a precursor of vitamin A, in the rice grain. Although rice naturally produces beta-carotene but that is confined in the leaves for the purpose of photosynthesis, however, the endosperm is without carotenoid. Two beta-carotene synthesizing genes, one (psy) from daffodil and other (crt1) from bacteria were inserted in the rice. Under controlled environment, the golden rice produces 1.6 Âľg/g of carotenoids while higher amounts were noted when it was grown under field conditions. The countries like Philippines, USA and Taiwan etc. have bred Golden rice with their indigenous varieties to improve the nutritional status of their cultivars. As the conventional varieties all over the world are deficient in vitamin A, so the golden rice was an effort to make vitamin A fortified rice which would be a low cost alternative of artificial vitamin provision to the human body. The suggested amount of golden rice to supplement vitamin A is 75 g per person per day. One important concern about the golden rice is the stability of vitamin A in cooked rice. Experiments proved that sufficient amount of vitamin A was present in the cooked rice.
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British Retail Consortium Code of Practice on Basmati Rice 1. Introduction
2. Legal Requirements
1.1 This Code has been produced and agreed by the following organizations: The Rice Association British Rice Millers Association British Retail Consortium in consultation with the Local Authorities Co-ordinators of Regulatory Services (LACORS) and the Association of Public Analysts (APA), and in discussion with the Federation of European Rice Millers, the All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) and the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP). Here in after the signatories to the Code shall be jointly referred to as 'The Associations'. 1.2 Members of the Associations are responsible for the importation, milling and packaging of the majority of Basmati rice marketed in the UK. Members of the Associations are concerned to safeguard the reputation of Basmati rice as a premium rice with its own special properties, and deplore any attempt to adulterate Basmati rice or make false claims about its geographical or botanical origin. 1.3 The scope of this Code of Practice is restricted to the labeling of Basmati rice. The Code of Practice lays down the minimum specifications for Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.) sold in the UK, and applies to pre packed as well as non-pre packed rice, and where rice is used as an ingredient in another food. At such time as a consensus is reached by the producing countries on the approval and testing of new Basmati varieties, the Code may be amended accordingly. 1.4 Basmati rice imported and sold in the UK is subject to a number of UK Regulations (see Paragraph 2.1) which reflect the general basic principles of European Community law which requires that foods are accurately described and presented to consumers in all respects. The trade and UK food law enforcement officers will use this Code of Practice to provide greater clarity in determining the authenticity of Basmati rice. As the Code of Practice is based on generic EU legal requirements its provisions will be applied to products imported via other EU Member States. The Code is voluntary but those choosing not to follow its provisions must meet the same minimum legal requirements and must demonstrate what reasonable precautions they have taken and ensure that they have exercised all due diligence to ensure that their Basmati rice is authentic.
2.1 Members of the Associations undertake to comply with the specific requirements of the Trade Description Act 1968, the Food Safety Act 1990,the Food Labeling Regulations 1996, the General Food Law Regulations 2005 and any subsequent legislation concerning the labeling, description, advertising and the substance, quality and nature of rice and any other relevant legislation which would apply to Basmati rice sold in the UK. 2.2 The name “Basmati” is a customary name and refers to rice having special characteristics. Guidance on the use of the term “Basmati” has been published by the Food Standards Agency in February 2003, and has served as the basis for this Code. 3. Definition of Basmati Rice 3.1 “Basmati” is the customary name for certain varieties of rice that are grown exclusively in specific areas of the Indo Gangetic Plains, which currently includes the Punjab (on both sides of the Indian and Pakistani border),Jammu, Haryana, Uttaranchal, and Western Uttar Pradesh in India. India and Pakistan have agreed to protect the geographic indication of Basmati rice varieties covered by EC Regulation 1549/2004, as detailed in Council Decisions 2004/617/EC and 2004/618/EC. 3.2 Table 1 lists the varieties that are currently approved by the Indian and Pakistani authorities and can use the description “Basmati”. They are all, or have at least one parent, which is an Historic Land Race variety, and they have been approved on the basis of having the unique properties of Basmati rice as measured by various objective tests such as grain dimension, amylose content, cooking elongation, and aroma, and meets the specification in Table 2. 4. Labelling of Basmati Rice 4.1 The description 'Basmati rice' shall only be applied to the varieties of rice in Table 1 and grown in India or Pakistan in the areas outlined in Paragraph 3.1. 4.2 Basmati rice can only be marked with its country of origin (i.e. Product of Pakistan, Product of India), if it contains at least 97% of grains originating from the country referred to on the pack. 4.3 When the description of the product is “Basmati rice” the non-Basmati rice content must not exceed 7%.
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4.4 If the product is a named blend of two or more rice varieties (including Basmati) or types (e.g. Blend of Basmati and Thai rice), information on the nature of the mixture should be given to consumers as per the quantitative ingredient declaration (QUID) provisions in the Food Labeling Regulations 1996 (or as amended), and reflected appropriately in the name of the food, and the Basmati component must not have more than 7% non- Basmati varieties. 4.5 The specific variety name may be given as voluntary information to the consumer. In order to avoid confusion the words “variety: X” where X is the variety name in italics in Table 1, should be used. When Basmati rice is marked with a variety, that variety should constitute at least 97% of the Basmati rice content.
4.6 If the amount of broken grains exceeds 20%, the name of the food must indicate that broken grains are present (e.g. Basmati with broken grains). If the amount of broken grains is less than 20% but greater than 10%, the name “Basmati” should be qualified to indicate that it is a value or economy product. For a product to be described with the name “Basmati rice” without any qualification of the presence of broken grains, the amount of broken grains must be less than 10%. A broken grain is one where one quarter or more of the grain is missing.
5. Modification of Approved List 5.1 The addition or deletion of varieties for the approved list will be allowed subject to a process agreed between the Associations and the producing countries. 6. Methodology 6.1 The methodology for determining “Basmati” rice varieties will be available on the Food Standards Agency web-site (www.food.gov.uk). The Associations may decide on suitable methodology using the methods published on the Food Standards Agency web-site, or any other recognized validated method which may be more appropriate to verify the characteristics as defined in paragraph 3 and Table 2. Table 1: Varieties of basmati rice that can use the description ‘bas mati’ Basmati rice varieties eligible for a zero import duty under Regulation (EC) 1549/2004 Basmat i 217 (I) Ranbir basmati (IET 11348) (I) Basmat i 370 (I, P) Super basmati (P) Basmat i 386 (I) Taraori basmat i (HBC-19, Karnal Local) (I) Kernel basmati (Basmat i Type –3 (Deh radun)(I) Pakistan) (P) Pusa basmati (IET 10364) (I)
*I - Originally approved by India
Other B asmati rice varieties approved by Indi a and Pakistan Basmat i 198 (P) Kasturi (IET 8580) (I) Basmat i 385 (P) Mahi Suganda (I) Haryana Bas mati (HKR Punjab Bas mati (Bauni 228/IET 10367) (I) Basmat i) (I)
P - Originally approved by Pakistan
Table 2: Minimum characteristics for varieties of basmati rice milled raw Minimu m elongation ratio on cooking Minimu m average pre-cooked length Amylose content Length/breadth ratio Gel Length Alkali spreading value Typical Basmat i Aro ma
Source: http://www.riceassociation.org.uk
Source: http://www.riceassociation.org.uk
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Milled Raw 1.7 6.5mm Intermediate 19-26% greater than 3.5 60-100 mm 4-5 Present
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1st R&D Exhibition on Food and Agriculture Sector KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXHIBITION nstitute of Research Promotion (IRP) and Pakistan Scientific and Technological Information Centre (PASTIC-PSF) in collaboration with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) arranged First Technology Exhibition and Seminar on R&D in Food and Agriculture on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at LCCI.The exhibition purpose was to provide a place to industrialists and researchers across the country to showcase their innovations, technologies, products, services and solutions in food and agriculture sectors. The occasion was also helpful to promote S&T partnership for national sustainable development. The exhibition was inaugurated by Federal Minister for Science & Technology, Mir Changez Khan Jamali. The key highlights of the exhibition seminar are as follows:
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Abid H.K.Sherwani: (CEO,IRP) admired the prestigious gathering in exhibition. He said that together we can make possible what is believed to be impossible. He requested to academia and industry to trust each other and make our country proud by innovating and commercializing into enterprise research. Dr. Hamid Malik, Chief Executive, Indus-Pak appreciated our R&D organizations for introducing new varieties in rice, cotton, wheat and other grains as well . He pointed that these results were delivered a decade back, and R&D development is not seen after that. Livestock, which is also very potential area, but the development of this sector is not much appreciable. He stressed that: Increase in per acre productivity of major foreign exchange earning crops. Optimum production per unit with least application of water and pesticides. Develop new varieties with enhanced production to overcome the problem of inbreeding. As super basmati is deteriorating in its economical traits, due to inbreeding. A new basmati variety with 8mm plus AGL, aroma and high milling recovery, is badly needed. Data collection for true assessment of Sahiwal and Nili Ravi.National Breeding policy should be based on better economic trait performance rather than preserving heritage. Use of embryo transfer, cloning, genetical engineering, pedigree and progeny testing for genetical improvement of Sahiwal and Niliravi. Effective and efficient use of Biological waste for animal and poultry feed. Development of vaccines for Live Stock based on prevalent strains of pathogens. Improvement in the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Reduction and elimination of Post harvesting losses in Agro products. Dr. Nawaz Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, UVAS highlighted that: UVAS is only one veterinary university which is contributing largely in agricultural livestock economy. We do not have priority funding for livestock research. ·
We need to do genetic research and produce new breeds of animals. He stressed for long and short term planning of R&D based projects and emphasized on record keeping for better production.
Dr. Fayyaz Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, M/S Bio Food (Pvt.) Ltd highlighted in his speech that: ·
Industry is more progressive in R&D if given opportunity.
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The pace of research commercialization is encouraging.
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Industry needs trained researchers for industry driven research, and there is not enough education/ trainings.
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Industry must be given opportunity to take R&D grants and do research accordingly.
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Prof. Dr. Farid A. Malik, FCCU, highlighted that: We have to change our policy framework and procedures to promote R&D. There is no strategic priority regarding R&D in country. We do not have education for development related to industrial R&D. We need to shift from only publication research to problem solving research. Mohsin Syed Regional Director (NIP) encouraged the valued efforts of PSF, IRP and LCCI to organize this exhibition and requested the consistent efforts to promote indigenous research. He highlighted that: We are living in an agricultural country but here is not much care for our farmers. Inconsistency in inflation rate destabilized the performance and planning in agriculture sector. We have centres, scientists, engineers and land but not supportive and encouraging environment from government. Youngsters are our strengths if they work with dynamic style. We have to accept that agriculture improvement is the only way that will stabilize our economy and improve our cost of living in the coming years. Concluding Remarks by Dr. Kasur Abdullah Malik, FCCU, highlighted that There must be political will for S&T research and development. Public sector officers must come out in fields and visit universities. There are appreciable efforts in R&D but need to increase 50 times more. R&D spending and budget is very less in Pakistan.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr, Manzoor Soomro Chairman (PSF). He appreciated the gathering for their contribution to promote R&D culture in Pakistan. He stressed on politicians and industry people for liaison with scientists. He recommended that we have to look for solutions instead of problems. Participants stressed that propagation of innovative ideas is very necessary. We should try to accept small innovative R&D projects instead of looking for high profiled R&D projects. So that we can monitor R&D outcomCash prizes were also awarded to the best three indigenous technologies in the exhibition. Kold Krafts (Rs-50,000), Veterinary Research Institute Lahore (Rs-30,000) and Life Technologies Pvt. Ltd (Rs20,000). More than thirty innovative indigenous technologies, technological solutions, products and services from R&D organizations and industry were exhibited. The main contributors from industry included Marhaba Industries, Qarshi Industries, Hilal Foods, Agri Biotech Industry, Kold Krafts, Hoest, Life Technologies (Pvt) Ltd, Guard Agricultural Research and Services, Lahore and Agri Biotech/ ECO Foods. The academic institution included Ayub Agricultural Research Institute , Punjab Agricultural Research Board, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Govt. College University, Faisalabad, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, NIBGE Faisalabad, NIFA, Peshawar, PCSIR, Lahore, PARAS Lahore, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore, University of Sargodha and Veterinary Research. Institute, Lahore.
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Mystery of Direct Seeded Rice: Opportunities and Constraints Amar Matloob and Dr.Abdul Khaliq, University of Agriculture - Faisalabad ice holds a conspicuous position in the -3000 liter of fresh water to produce 1 kilogram of agro-based economy of Pakistan. It is a paddy. One can undoubtedly conclude that it is not high value cash crop, accounting for 6.4 the paddy but our fresh water that is being exported. percent of the value added in agriculture and 1.4 Transplanted rice usually demands surplus water at a percent in gross domestic product. Rice is the largest moment in time when the reservoirs are already agricultural export commodity of Pakistan only petite of water. Late onset of monsoon and drudgery after cotton. Transplanting in puddled soil (wet of operations often delay rice transplanting, which tillage) with continuous flooding is common leads to late vacation of fields, forcing the sowing method of rice production. Water standing in the of wheat past the optimum time, and hence reducing field offers effective weed control in transplanted wheat yields enormously. Increasing water scarcity rice cultures. On the other hand, transplanting of rice in the country has threatened the sustainability of is laborious, cumbersome, expensive and time transplanted rice production. consuming. Nursery transplanting is usually To overcome problems associated with traditional delayed due to lack of labor and all fields are not rice cultivation, direct seeding of rice seems only transplanted simultaneously. This usually results in viable alternative in rescuing farmers. Direct above-optimal age of rice seedling that produces seeding has potential for attaining high water lesser number of productive tillers per plant. Also productivity and eliminating the edaphic conflict in transplanting shock, a set-back of growth due to rice-wheat cropping system of Punjab. Direct seeded uprooting and replanting of seedlings, increases crop generally flowers earlier leading to reduction in with increase in age of seedling. Late nursery crop duration. It is an easy and economical technique transplanting reduces growing period of the crop and can also put aside time and labor. Fairly good that deteriorates the kernel quality as well as its yields can be obtained if crop is properly managed. yield. Transplanting also decreases rice plants Poor stand establishment, and heavy weed ability to withstand moisture stress. Similarly, infestation early in the season is major obstacle in careless transplanting by hired labor results in large scale adoption of direct seeding of rice. improper planting densities in farmer's field so that Recently, a number of seed invigoration techniques -l required plant population (250,000 plants ha ) is have been standardized that can provide better germination and even crop stand but weed rarely achieved. In rice-wheat cropping system, wheat crop management in direct seeded rice still remains a key following rice requires well drained and pulverized issue with many of the growers. Carpet weed (Itsit), soil. This reflects an edaphic conflict in this system. and jungle rice (Swanki) are the most competitive Soil management practices for rice render weeds in direct seeded rice fields. Direct seeded crop consequent venomous effects on the soil generally lacks a head start over weeds as compared environment due to the dispersion of soil particles, with a 25-30-day-old transplanted seedling. The soil compactness and result in considerable energy proper time and method of weed control are, inputs for tillage operations for the following wheat therefore, a complex phenomenon in direct seeded and other upland crops. On the basis of a diagnostic rice crop. Lack of suitable genotype, proper sowing survey conducted in several rice-wheat areas, it was equipment, technical know-how, increased blast observed that low wheat yields in a rice-wheat incidence and unavailability of a selective post system can be attributed to poor physical condition emergence herbicide for direct seeded rice are the of soil including deterioration in soil structure and key elements in its large scale adoption. Moreover, the development of subsurface hardpans. Basmati (fine) varieties are seldom being used for Transplanted rice is also gigantic user of water. direct seeding across the globe. Most of the rice Current production system consumes about 2500 growing and consuming nations have coarse rice
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varieties which perform better in direct seeding culture. The problem of sacrificing our fine rice to coarse rice to adopt direct seeding is too bitter to swallow as fine rice is the main export commodity and fetches a major share of foreign earnings in global market. Direct seeding can be broadly categorized into drydirect seeding, wet-seeding and water-seeding. Considering the recent water crises in the country, dry-direct seeding of rice seems the most striking one. It involves drilling of dry or primed seed in 22.5 cm apart rows or broadcasting the same just like an ordinary wheat crop. Land should be prepared with a principal aim of achieving a weed free seed bed of fine tilth. Seed priming provides good stand establishment and early seeding vigor that imparts competitiveness against weeds. Priming can be done with water or calcium chloride and/or potassium chloride. Next crucial factor is the optimum field capacity at the time of sowing. Lack of moisture at this stage can be fatal. Sowing seed at appropriate moisture level at optimum rate and depth should be the ultimate goal. -1 A seed rate of 50 kg ha and depth of 3-4 cm is fairly adequate. Lower seed rate would yield less number of productive tillers while increasing seed rate would lead to intra-specific competition for resources and mutual shading resulting in unhealthy stand. Sowing of crop in narrow rows (15 cm apart) could also reduce the space available for weeds to thrive. Fertilization should be carried out in such a way that end beneficiaries are crop plants and not the weeds. Nitrogen should be applied in two or three splits as crop's initial requirement is low and most of the applied pool goes to build weed biomass. Side or band placement beside or below the seed has been found better than broadcasting. Micronutrients like zinc and boron are important as they help to increase metabolic efficiency of crop plants and result in better seed set and quality of the produce. Sustainability of direct seeded rice is greatly determined by the presence or absence of weeds, and hence weed control should be started as early as possible. Weed management for dry seeded paddy crop should start from the land preparation. Stale seed bed/ suicidal germination technique, locally called dab method, followed by application
of a non-selective herbicide can reduce the weed burden by half. Under field conditions, dry seeded paddy yields are directly proportional to the duration of weed-free period. A weed competition up to 20 days after sowing could drastically reduce the number of panicle bearing tillers. In this context, pre-plant incorporation or pre-emergence application of an appropriate herbicide could serve the purpose. This, later on must be followed by a selective post emergence herbicide to tackle weeds that emerge later with subsequent irrigations. For direct seeded rice, a post emergence herbicide providing season long weed control is currently lacking. Some products are under preliminary testing and are at various stages of evaluation. The combination of pre and post emergence herbicide is even more effective in controlling weeds than the sole application of either of these. Hand hoeing twice at 25 and 45 days after sowing can benefit crop by effectively controlling weeds and can be practiced wherever cheap farm labor is available. Mechanical weed control with tractor drawn implement can be practiced provided the crop is drilled with a seed drill. Certain crops when included in rotation have the potential to reduce weed load in the coming crop. Dry seeded rice crop can be grown after wheat, sunflower, sorghum and brassica to avail the allelopathic benefits of these crops. Use of allelopathic rice varieties having weed suppressing potential and competitive ability against weeds is also crucial.Considering the acute agricultural water shortage that country is facing at the moment, we have to look beyond the conventional production practices. Resource conservation technologies like direct seeded rice can help a lot in sustaining ricewheat cropping system. This necessitates the realization and development of the improved direct seeded rice production technology through joint venture of public and private research organizations based on farmer feedback and field related problems. The agricultural policy makers should take into account this aspect and allocate grants and projects to researchers to fix issues related to direct seeding and subsidies to farmer by providing pesticides free of cost to encourage its field scale a d o p t i o n b y t h e f a r m i n g c o m m u n i t y.
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1. Indian Basmati export in new fiscal year from 10. Nigeria is going to be top most importer of rice in April to June has increased by 27%. During this the world with over 2 million tons volume, 70% time India exported 550,000 MT (Ave price of which is being supplied by Thailand. Nigeria 1131$/ton) of Basmati as compared to 700,000 is predominantly a market for Parboiled Rice. MT (Ave price 1085$/ton), during same period 11. Share of Parboiled rice in total Rice exports from last year. Pakistan has reached to 22% from a meager 8% nd 2. Indian Government has approved sale of 10,000 in 2007, to become 2 largest Global exporter of M Tons of Rice to Oman through diplomatic Parboiled rice after Thailand. In non Basmati channel. parboiled Rice Thailand Average sale price is 512$ per ton as compared to Pakistan's 460$ per 3. Thai Rice prices have increased by 20% in last 3 Ton. weeks, as a result of Pro Thaksin Party in elections. Thaksin party is pro farmers and has 12. Global Parboiled prices have increased to promised to raise Govt intervention price of US$530 per ton in January 2011 as compared to Paddy by 30 %, from current 12000 bhat/ton to $470.68 in July 2010 for 5% broken. 15000 bhat, if given a chance to rule. 13. India is carrying approximately 2.5 million tons 4. Iraq is emerging as a leading buyer of Indian of Pusa milled rice from current crop, which is Basmati C1121. Last year Iraq imported one highest in recent years. hundred thousand (100,000) tons and this year Indian exporters are projecting a quantity of 14. Irrational use of pesticides in rice crop , specially at flowering stage is causing higher than 700,000 tons, keeping in view the export of last 4 permissible traces in milled rice both in India and months. Pakistan in 9 months exported less than Pakistan. 5000 M tons. 5. Rice exporters in India have asked Punjab 15. Indian rice exporters are feeling a tremendous financial pressure due to delay in payments from growers to reduce the cultivation of popular Iran during last 6 months (from Jan variety, PUSA in this season, due to large 2011).Amount is said to be over 300 million carryover stocks. dollar. Top 6 exporters to Iran are KBRL 6. Indonesia is again active as buyer in (238,884 Tons), Sunstar overseas (109,064), DD international market with special focus on India international (120745tons), LT foods (60758) , and Pakistan and for that purpose VAT on rice Tilda (54769Tons). has been removed. 7. Koh-e-Noor Foods of India, which has flagship 16. Top Indian Rice Millers in Haryana are establishing their own electricity generation brand 'DAWAT�, has entered into a JV with US infrastructure based on husk.So far Shri Vishnu Spice maker "McCormick�. US firm will invest overseas (1.5 MW), RP Basmati 0.5MW), 115million $ to have 85% stake in JV. Sunstar overseas (1.95 MW), REI Agro 8. China is expecting a bumper autumn harvest (2.5MW), Best foods (4 MW) has converted their (75% of total Chinese harvest) this year, electric generation on husk. provided natural factors like floods and rains 17. Global trade of Parboiled rice is going to be behave normal. increased from present level of 5 million tons to 9. Indian Prime Minister honored three Indian Rice 6.5 million tons, with Thailand, being major researchers including two women researchers. beneficiary. Pakistan will be another beneficiary, Researchers included Dr. Meenakshi where parboiling processing facilities have Sundaram,a biotechnologist, Dr. N. Sarta, increased by 30% in last 3 years. Principal researcher and Dr. Jagadish Bentur,an entomologist, all at Rice Research Institute Hyderabad, for their breakthrough research work and commercialization.
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