15th march,2016 daily global regional,local rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter March 15, 2016 Vol 7 Issue III

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www.ricepluss.com

www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com 92 321 3692874

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

Today Rice News Headlines...

Editorial Board Chief Editor

                      

Kenya eyes $1b bilateral trade with Pakistan FPCCI concerned over declining rice exports to KSA China to release water from dam to alleviate SE Asia drought Government To Review Rice Imports To Help Local Paddy Farmers Vietnam's Mekong Delta hit hard by severe drought PM orders more study of rice sector plan Iraq bought 30,000 T rice in tender from Argentina - trade Egypt clamps down on rice hoarders Slow progress on restoring banking channels with Iran Rice exports are expected to remain depressed throughout first quarter Rice Prices 03/15/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report Commodity Report-March 15 APEDA RICE COMMODITY NEWS PhilRice videographer wins int‟l award USA Rice Participates in USDA's Largest Agricultural Trade Mission For a royal dining experience, visit The Moghul‟s SIT to monitor probe in over Rs 1,000-cr rice export scam USA Rice and National Ag Day Promote Stewardship Rice Bran Oil Market - Industry Trends, Cost & Revenue - Research and Markets Thai rice research to receive more support from research agencies Rice buffer stock ample despite El Niño – PSA Government To Review Rice Imports To Help Local Paddy Farmers

RICE NEWS DETAIL...

Kenya eyes $1b bilateral trade with Pakis tan Kenya‟s High Commissioner Prof Julius Kibet Bitkok has said that the volume of bilateral t rade between Kenya and Pakistan which is $600 million at present can be taken to $1 billio n through aggressive efforts of businessmen of both countries.He said Pakistani rice was m eeting 70% needs of Kenya while Kenyan tea was meeting 70% needs of the Pakistani mar ket. However, he said both countries should focus on diversification of bilateral trade



Hamlik

Managing Editor

  

Abdul Sattar Shah Rahmat Ullah Rozeen Shaukat

English Editor

  

Maryam Editor Legal Advisor Advocate Zaheer Minhas

Editorial Associates

      

Admiral (R) Hamid Khalid Javed Islam Agha Ch.Hamid Malhi Dr.Akhtar Hussain Dr.Fayyaz Ahmad Siddiqui Dr.Abdul Rasheed (UAF) Islam Akhtar Khan

Editorial Advisory Board



Dr.Malik Mohammad Hashim

Assistant Professor, Gomal University DIK



Dr.Hasina Gul

Assistant Director, Agriculture KPK



Dr.Hidayat Ullah

Assistant Professor, University of Swabi



Dr.Abdul Basir

Assistant Professor, University of Swabi



Zahid Mehmood PSO,NIFA Peshawar



Falak Naz Shah

Head Food Science & Technology ART, Peshawar

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter . He said Kenya was interested in many Pakistani products including pharmaceuticals, surgical instru ments, farm machinery and sports goods. Similarly Kenya could export its leather products, flowers a nd many other goods to Pakistan. He said this while addressing business community at Islamabad Ch amber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

The commissioner counselor of Kenya was also present on the occasion.T he high commissioner said that Kenya was a gateway for Pakistan to reac h East and Central African market of 150 million people. He said the com merce minister of Kenya would visit Pakistan in August this year to take part in Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC)negotiations and asked the bu siness community of Pakistan to prepare a draft of preferential trade agree ment which could be discussed during the JMC. About tariff hike on Paki stani rice in Kenya, he said the decision was taken on the pressure of Eastern African bloc. However, he said this issue could be negotiated during the JMC to arrive at a favorable tariff for Pakistani rice.

He said ICCI should plan a trade mission for Kenya to explore potential areas of trade promotion. He said that High Commission of Kenya would organise ICCIâ€&#x;s meetings with relevant government offi cials and other stakeholders.In his welcome address, ICCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh urged for evol ving a new strategy to improve bilateral trade.

He said many Pakistani products including fruits and vegetables, food products, surgical instruments, medicines, textiles, IT, engineering and sports goods, auto parts and construction material could mee t the needs of Kenyan consumers at an affordable cost. He said Kenya should review its high tariffs o n the Pakistani rice.He said Kenya was a member of Eastern African Community (EAC) and Commo n Market f http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2016/03/15/business/kenya-eyes-1b-bilateral-trade-withpakistan/

FPCCI concerned over declining rice exports to KSA KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Senior Vice President Khalid Tawab expressed serious concerns over the drastic decline of rice export to Saudi Arabia during last couple of years.He disclosed that as compared to 54% in 2003, the rice export has been declined to 10% in last year.

Tawab said that the matter was discussed with the rice exporters and the representatives of REAP to identify the causes of such decline in rice exports to Saudi Arabia. He informed that Saudi Arabia is a traditional market for Pakistani rice but due to lenient attitudes of our commercial offices at Saudi Arabia, we are losing this huge market.

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter He further said that REAP, which is the largest representative body of rice exporters in Pakistan, wants to revive the export of rice in the Saudi market and are planning to send a delegation of rice exporters to Saudi Arab since last year. Unfortunately, due to incompetency of Commercial Counsellor Waseem Hayat Bajwa, the said visit of REAP could not be materialised despite all preparations.

Tawab said that the rice exporters, who are the members of REAP, are contributing $2.2 billion valuable foreign exchange annually and they are expecting minimum orders of $400 to 500 million during the visit of REAP delegation to Saudi Arabia due to prevailing lower prices of rice in Pakistan. He said that FPCCI is persuading REAP to send their delegation immediately to revive the rice market in Saudi Arabia but it was astonishing to learn that the rice exporters demand transfer of the commercial counsellor and they have firm opinion that in his presence the visit of their delegation could not be materialised.

Tawab drew the attention of the Commerce Minister Khurram Dastagir towards the declining rice exports and asked necessary measures for the revival of the same. The Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry SVP emphasised on immediate removal of the existing commercial counsellor in Riyadh with a suitable competent and professional person should be posted in his place. http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/business/15-Mar-2016/fpcci-concerned-over-declining-rice-exports-to-ksa

China to release water from dam to alleviate SE Asia drought March 15, 2016

photosA father with his children walk over the cracked soil of a 1.5 hectare dried up fishery at the Novaleta town in Cavite province, south of Manila May 26, 2015. REUTERS/Romeo RanocoMore

BEIJING (Reuters) - China will release water from a dam in its southwestern province of Yunnan to help alleviate a drought in parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, China's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.The water will be released until April 10 from the Jinghong dam, ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a daily news briefing.It will benefit Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, Lu added.China "hopes it can be of help in alleviating the drought downstream", he said.According to Vietnamese media, some 140,000 ha of rice in the Mekong Delta has been damaged by the drought with around 600,000 people facing drinking water shortages.While China and Vietnam are involved in an increasingly bitter territorial dispute in the South China Sea, the two Communist-lead countries 4|www.ricepluss.com , www.riceplusmagazine.blosgspot.com

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter have traditionally had close ties.Beijing and Hanoi have also been trying to repair ties severely harmed in 2014 when Beijing parked an oil rig in waters off the Vietnamese coast, leading to anti-China riots.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Nick Macfie) https://www.yahoo.com/news/china-release-water-dam-alleviate-se-asia-drought-112212241.html

Government To Review Rice Imports To Help Local Paddy Farmers KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 (Bernama) -- Rice imports will be subjected to a review to avoid a glut in locally cultivated rice, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.e said he would obtain a report soon on the reported complaints of unsold locally grown rice in Kedah and Perlis.I will obtain a report on the matter as soon as possible. I gree to a review of rice imports.

We do not want imported rice to displace locally grown rice," he told reporters today at the lobby of Parliament House.Ahmad Shabery said the welfare of local paddy farmers would be given preference.The primary objective of rice imports was to meet any shortfall in the volume of locally grown rice and not to replace it, he said.

The minister was asked to comment on the call by the Malay Rice Millers Association of Malaysia yesterday for the government to review rice imports in accordance with current needs.The association had said that up to 36,282 tonnes of locally grown rice remained unsold in the rice bowl state of Kedah and Perlis while 102,312 tonnes of paddy were unsold since Jan 1 this year.According to Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas), the rice import policy supports the nation's self-sufficiency policy in that the import volume depends on the production of local rice.To fully meet the rice requirement of the country, Bernas imports about 30 to 40 per cent of Malaysia's domestic rice demand annually, Bernas said on its website.

It said that to protect the local rice farmers, Bernas' import volume merely covers the shortfall of demand after ensuring that local rice production finds its way to the market.

Bernas also imports special rice varieties that cannot be produced locally, like 'basmati' and fragrant rice, to cater to the various types of culinary tastes of the people, it added.

BERNAMA

http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v8/ge/newsgeneral.php?id=1225194

Vietnam's Mekong Delta hit hard by severe drought IANS | Hanoi March 15, 2016 Last Updated at 11:38 IST Mekong Delta faces worst drought, saltwater intrusionVietnam experiencing worst drought in almost 100 yearsCow traders hit hard at Asia's largest Sonpur cattle fairNana Patekar's foundation collects Rs.80 lakh for drought-hit farmersSevere water shortage to hit Nepal: Study

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter The serious drought in Vietnam has damaged 160,000 hectares of paddy rice in Mekong delta, causing a loss of around 5,000 billion Vietnamese dong ($222 million) and affecting about 290,000 hectares of fruit trees, the media reported on Tuesday.Some 1,225 hectares of orchards in the province of Ben Tre have been damaged by the severe drought, and its impact will last long, Xinhua news agency quoted an official as saying.

Farmers complained that numerous coconut and cacao trees have failed to bear fruits due to the drought and if the dry conditions prolong, they will have to chop down the trees.Parts of the delta have been experiencing the most serious drought and saltwater encroachment for past 100 years.The delta needs some $4 billion to effectively deal with the drought and saltwater encroachment, according to the ministry of agriculture and rural development. http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/vietnam-s-mekong-delta-hit-hard-by-severe-drought116031500252_1.html

PM orders more study of rice sector plan Tue, 15 March 2016 Post Staff

Prime Minister Hun Sen has reviewed a report on key issues threatening the nationâ€&#x;s rice sector and sent it back to the Ministry of Commerce for further study and expert analysis, Council of Minister spokesman Phay Siphan said yesterday.The report, submitted by the CRISIS initiative on Friday, outlines four recommendations aimed at shoring up the rice sector, which the group claims is on the brink of collapse.The measures include: facilitating soft loans to rice millers, imposing a quota on rice imports, reducing electricity fees for millers and providing better logistics http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/pm-orders-more-study-rice-sector-plan

Iraq bought 30,000 T rice in tender from Argentina - trade Business News yahoo

(Adds detail from paragraph three) HAMBURG, March 15 (Reuters) - Iraq's state grains buyer purchased 30,000 tonnes of rice to be sourced from Argentina in a tender this week, European traders said on Tuesday. Argentine rice had been offered lowest in the tender, which closed on March 8 with offers having to remain valid until Monday, March 14. The tender had sought a nominal 30,000 tonnes sourced optionally only from United States, Uruguay or Argentina for March/April shipment. http://www.homenews.co/news/307276/iraq-bought-30-000-t-rice-in-tender-from-argentina-trade

Egypt clamps down on rice hoarders Linnete Bahati with Reuters 14/03 - 19:16

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter EGYPT Egypt‟s government has launched a crackdown on firms it believes are hoarding rice. The action comes in the wake of a shortage of the staple food.The government has failed to replenish its stock of rice prompting traders to inflate the price of the commodity.Rice mill owners who appear to be feeling the brunt of the current exercise the most think more needs to be done since the real perpetrators of the activity are rather not being pursued.“The investigators came here because they were supposed to go after the traders, but instead they are going after the factories and these factories aren‟t under the authority of the supply ministry, they‟re under the trade and industry ministry,” said Omar Al-Saeed, a rice mill owner who further argues: “We have a permanent license, we have an industrial record, we have a permit from the Industrial Development Authority. But it‟s easier for them to attack the mills – the known mills.”

Despite being widely grown in Egypt with farmers producing in excess, the white grain rice has been in short supply for the past two months and prices have surged by about 50 percent because traders are holding back supplies.Prices of rice are expected to rise even further in the coming months.The growing shortages and rising prices could impact the government‟s budget as a high percentage of the population rely on state subsidies for their basic food.The government has allowed exports of rice to resume, but its failure to augment its own stock has encouraged traders to hold back supplies in anticipation of a price surge. http://www.africanews.com/2016/03/14/egypt-clamps-down-on-rice-hoarders/

Slow progress on restoring banking channels with Iran SHAHID IQBAL

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) invited banks on Monday to discuss the progress made on commercial relations with Iran after the lifting of international sanctions on the country.Recently the SBP directed banks to normalise business activities with Iran. However, banking sources informed of slow movement in the said direction.Financial circles aware of development regarding Iran said that no bank has so far been approached for banking transaction with businesses in Iran.Usually, the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) leads others, however, it has also not taken any concrete step this time around, sources said.

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Bankers believe there is a lot of scope for the development of trade between the two countries.The SBP has advised all banks to take immediate measures for updating their policies, procedures, systems and controls, restoration of communication channels and agreements with their counterparts in Iran for early recovery of normal trade and business activities.Unlike Pakistan, India has been active as it maintained good trade relations when the country stood isolated because of UN sanctions. It played a role in building Port of Chabahar in Iran.

India adopted a rupee-based payment mechanism with Iran to skirt Western sanctions that prohibited purchases from Iran made in dollars.Under that system, India purchased Iranian oil with rupees by depositing the payment in an Indian state-run bank account, from where Iran would use funds to buy Indian goods, including food, drugs, consumer products and auto parts.Moreover, Indian rice exporters expressed hope that high-quality basmati rice sales to Iran would rise to one million tonnes in 2016.“Pakistan will have to work harder in gaining foothold in Iranian market”, commented an analyst. Trade between the two countries shrank to its lowest levels in FY15, comprising just $31.4m exports and $271,000 imports.

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2016

Rice exports are expected to remain depressed throughout first quarter

BY EDITORON 2016-03-15THAILAND

Rice exports for the month of February have dropped to about 700,000 tonnes from January‟s 1.2 million tonnes as Thai rice exporters are reluctant to export to some traditional customers for fear that they may default in payments.

Lack of government-to-government rice deals and the absence of new rice deals from the Philippines for February also contributed to rice export slump.Mr Chukiat Opaswongse, honorary president of Thai Rice Exporters Association, said that Thai exporters were reluctant to take orders from some customers such as Nigeria because oil price slump has sapped the value of Nigerian currency from 120 Naira per one US dollar to 400 Naira.

He predicted that rice exports would remain depressed throughout the first quarter and would start to recover in the second quarter.Meanwhile, an informed rice exporting source said some rice exporters are now experiencing liquidity problem and might fold up their business because of the rice export slump especially the markets in China and Africa due to cut-throat competition from other rice exporters and payment defaults from African customers.Some rice exporters have 8|www.ricepluss.com , www.riceplusmagazine.blosgspot.com

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter cut costs by trimming staff, lowering rice in storage and cutting expenditure in order to remain afloat.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/155042

http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/rice-exports-are-expected-to-remain-depressed-throughout-firstquarter/135173/

Rice Prices as on : 15-03-2016 08:10:35 PM Arrivals Current

Price

% Season Prev. Prev.Yr Modal change cumulative Modal %change

Rice Gadarpur(Utr)

1457.00

16.65

81968.00

2125

2000

11.84

Jasvantnagar(UP)

600.00

20

1950.00

2260

2255

2.26

Siliguri(WB)

580.00

26.09

2542.00

2600

2600

-

Sultanpur(UP)

356.00

10.39

2830.00

2165

2200

6.13

Etawah(UP)

300.00

-6.25

18240.00

2270

2260

2.25

Gondal(UP)

219.00 -12.05

10792.10

2065

2060

2.74

Srirampur(ASM)

190.00

18.75

4195.00

2500

2500

-1.96

Agra(UP)

165.00

10

4356.00

2070

2110

6.15

Bharthna(UP)

150.00

-70

6850.00

2250

2240

2.27

Sitapur(UP)

136.00

4.62

5742.00

2150

2160

NC

Allahabad(UP)

120.00

-25

5190.00

2160

2160

2.86

Nalbari(ASM)

101.00

21.69

625.50

2000

2000

NC

Faizabad(UP)

100.00

-37.5

3591.50

2100

2115

-

Pilibhit(UP)

100.00 -12.28

17308.00

2185

2190

-6.82

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Lucknow(UP)

96.00 -15.04

3190.50

2180

2150

2.59

Kalipur(WB)

95.00

-9.52

3865.00

2050

2050

NC

Aligarh(UP)

80.00

14.29

2295.00

2120

2100

10.13

Dhing(ASM)

79.00

1.28

2527.20

1800

1800

-16.28

P.O. Uparhali Guwahati(ASM)

75.00

-1.32

2894.50

2100

2100

-19.23

Thodupuzha(Ker)

70.00

NC

1750.00

2650

2650

8.16

Barasat(WB)

65.00

30

1865.00

2300

2300

2.22

Shahjahanpur(UP)

64.80 -33.88

39899.10

2210

2210

8.87

Samsi(WB)

50.00 -83.33

15310.00

2800

2800

-

Pandua(WB)

50.00

4.17

1281.00

2500

2550

-7.41

Mainpuri(UP)

48.00 -11.11

844.00

2020

2010

4.94

Bindki(UP)

48.00

140

2031.00

2250

2265

8.70

Lanka(ASM)

40.00

NC

1960.00

1750

1750

-

Gauripur(ASM)

36.50 -22.34

2198.00

4500

4500

-

Dadri(UP)

35.00

-12.5

1512.00

2150

2120

1.18

Udala(Ori)

34.00

NC

686.00

2700

2700

8.00

Kolhapur(Laxmipuri)(Mah)

30.00

NC

1175.00

3100

3000

-

Yusufpur(UP)

25.00

66.67

492.00

1900

1900

NC

Garbeta(Medinipur)(WB)

25.00

-7.41

371.00

2400

2400

NC

Balurghat(WB)

24.00

-7.69

272.00

2730

2730

-

Diamond Harbour(South 24-pgs)(WB)

24.00

-4

423.00

1850

1850

-17.78

Ramkrishanpur(Howrah)(WB)

23.30

-2.51

837.80

2300

2300

-11.54

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Muzzafarnagar(UP)

21.00

-12.5

950.00

2170

2160

-

Falakata(WB)

20.20

34.67

296.30

2020

1990

-10.22

Karimganj(ASM)

20.00

-50

1280.00

2200

2200

4.76

Partaval(UP)

20.00

NC

1067.00

2075

2075

7.79

Mekhliganj(WB)

20.00

-6.98

493.00

2100

2100

-

Dibrugarh(ASM)

19.00

26.67

852.80

2400

2400

-

Soharatgarh(UP)

16.50

120

33.00

2060

2045

9.28

Khagaria (UP)

16.00

-

101.50

2150

-

2.38

Jahanabad(UP)

15.50

10.71

220.00

2260

2230

14.43

Jasra(UP)

15.00

-25

457.50

2000

2000

-1.23

North Lakhimpur(ASM)

12.70 -44.78

1061.50

1900

1900

-

Pukhrayan(UP)

12.00

-7.69

139.50

2025

2025

-8.37

Rampur(UP)

10.00 -28.57

375.50

2210

2210

7.02

Kaliaganj(WB)

10.00 -16.67

446.00

2550

2550

6.25

Champadanga(WB)

10.00

-37.5

598.00

2350

2350

-11.32

Sheoraphuly(WB)

9.00

-10

316.50

2650

2550

-1.85

Bhivandi(Mah)

8.00

14.29

238.00

3500

2550

122.93

Nilagiri(Ori)

8.00 -11.11

311.00

2200

2400

NC

Bijnaur(UP)

8.00 -42.86

396.00

2200

2210

-

Khairagarh(UP)

8.00 -11.11

267.50

2120

2100

4.95

Bolangir(Ori)

7.00

-6.67

155.50

2200

2200

-8.33

Tusura(Ori)

6.00

9.09

147.50

2200

2200

-8.33

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Baruipur(Canning)(WB)

6.00

-

6.00

2500

-

-

Karsiyang(Matigara)(WB)

6.00

39.53

60.30

2600

2600

-

Karanjia(Ori)

4.50 -30.77

196.30

2600

2600

4.00

Hamirpur(UP)

4.00

-20

30.00

2100

2050

-

Rura(UP)

4.00

NC

74.60

2190

2210

3.79

Rahama(Ori)

3.41

62.38

24.41

2400

2400

9.09

Islampur(WB)

3.20

-20

208.60

2150

2150

-

Melaghar(Tri)

3.00

-

3.00

3000

-

9.09

Fatehpur(UP)

3.00 -33.33

132.00

2215

2260

4.98

Chhibramau(Kannuj)(UP)

3.00

-75

212.00

2150

2150

-0.46

Jharsuguda(Ori)

2.50

-37.5

8.90

2500

2500

-3.85

Khatauli(UP)

2.00

NC

16.00

2160

2070

8.00

Ernakulam(Ker)

1.50

NC

11.00

3600

3600

26.32

Kasipur(WB)

1.30

8.33

21.40

2150

2150

-9.28

Punalur(Ker)

1.00

-

1.00

1600

-

-

Mangaon(Mah)

1.00

NC

25.00

2800

2800

NC

Sardhana(UP)

1.00 -16.67

60.10

2150

2145

3.37

Shillong(Meh)

0.60

39.70

3500

3500

NC

-25

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/article8356478.ece

03/15/2016 Farm Bureau Market Report Rice High Low Long Grain Cash Bids - - - - - -

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Long Grain New Crop - - - - - -

Futures:

ROUGH RICE High Low

Last Change

May '16 1049.0 1029.5 1037.0 -8.0 Jul '16 1070.0 1060.0 1064.0 -8.0 Sep '16 1084.0 1084.0 1080.0 -8.0 Nov '16

1095.5 -6.5

Jan '17

1110.0 -8.0

Mar '17

1110.0 -8.0

May '17

1110.0 -8.0

Rice Comment Rice futures retraced most of Monday's gains. Strong storms on Sunday dumped even more moisture on saturated and flooded fields across Arkansas and Mississippi, further delaying ground work and planting. Export sales last week were 145,800 metric tons, with Japan and Venezuela the top buyers, which is a marketing year high. However, the current WASDE report lowered US exports by another 2 million cwt, bringing the estimate to an even 100 million cwt.

That left carry out up 2 million cwt at 43.9 million cwt. Global rice supplies for 15/16 were raised 1.8 million tons due to increased production. The spike low of $10.50 is the first level of support for July.

Commodity Report-March 15 Published March 15, 2016

In todayâ€&#x;s commodity report we have the National Weekly Rice Summary, California Shell Eggs: Daily Egg Report, California F.O.B. Price for Extra Grade and Grade A Nonfat Dry Milk, Shell Eggs: Daily National Egg Market and other commodity end of the day market numbers.

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter National Weekly Rice Summary In California, medium grain milled rice prices steady to weak. Second heads steady to 1.00 lower; Brewers prices steady to weak. Rice by-products: Rice Bran prices steady. Rice hulls spot trade not well tested.

CME Rough Rice settlements for Friday 11th, May 16 closed .015 lower at 10.33; Jul 16 closed .02 lower at 10.60; Sep 16 closed .025 lower at 10.76. US dollar index on Friday settled at 96.20.

USDA Weekly Rice Summary (.pdf) with all prices.

California Shell Eggs: Daily Egg Report Prices are steady on all sizes. The undertone is lower. Retail demand is moderate to fairly good. Food service demand is moderate. Offerings are moderate to mostly heavy. Supplies are moderate to heavy. Market activity is slow. Compared to last week, shell egg inventory in the Southwest region is down 3.3% and down 8.0% in the Northwest region.

Shell egg marketer‟s benchmark price for negotiated egg sales of USDA Grade AA and Grade AA in cartons, cents per dozen. This price does not reflect discounts or other contract terms.

RANGE JUMBO

203

EXTRA LARGE

201

LARGE

194

MEDIUM

179

California F.O.B. Price for Extra Grade and Grade A Nonfat Dry Milk Week Ending

Avg. Price($/lb.)

Total Sales (lb.)

March 11, 2016

$0.7885

7,521,889

March 4, 2016

$0.7590

12,313,745

Shell Eggs: Daily National Egg Market New York prices are unchanged on larger sizes and Medium. Regional and California prices are steady. The undertone is usually steady to lower. Offerings are moderate to mostly heavy in California, moderate elsewhere.

Demand into retail and distributive channels is moderate to at times very good, mostly moderate to fairly good.

Supplies are moderate to heavy, while light to usually moderate in the Southeast. The shell egg inventory is down 2.2 percent when compared to the previous week. Market activity is moderate in the regions, however slow in California. Breaking stock floor stocks are moderate to fully adequate; breaking schedules are full-time. Breaking stock inventory is down 1.9 percent from last week. Light type fowl offerings are at least sufficient for the light to moderate demand.

Check the March USDA Commodity Report Calendar for today‟s commodity reports released by USDA.

Now Tuesday’s Commodity Market ending market numbers for other commodities: Corn May Corn ended at $3.68 1/2 decreasing 1/4 cent, July ended at $3.73 1/2 unchanged.

Soybeans May Soybeans ended at 8.92 down 3 3/4 cents, July ended at 8.97 3/4 decreasing 4 1/4 cents.

Wheat May Wheat ended at $4.77 1/4, dropping 1 1/2 cent, July Wheat ended at $4.84 1/2 down 1 1/4 cent.

Rough Rice May Rough Rice ended at 10.37 off 0.08, July ended at 10.64 decreasing 0.08.

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Live Cattle April Live Cattle ended at $140.725 increasing $1.425 and June ended at $130.325 up $1.50 and August ended at $124.625 gaining $1.025.

Feeder Cattle March Feeder Cattle ended at $163.975 gaining $1.925 and April ended at $164.80 increasing $2.225 and May ended at $163.80 up $2.15.

Lean Hogs April Lean Hogs ended at $70.725 decreasing $0.05, May ended at $79.25 up $0.35 Class III Milk March Class III Milk ended at $13.79 unchanged, April ended at $13.40 decreasing $0.08 and May ended at $13.29 losing $0.07. #2 Cotton May #2 Cotton ending at 58.24 losing 0.05, July ended at 58.07 up 0.17.

Sugar #11 May sugar #11 ended at 15.32 down $0.10 and July ended at 15.27 dropping $0.06.

Orange Juice May Orange Juice ended at 128.60 gaining $1.25, July ending at 128.75 up $1.10.

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APEDA RICE COMMODITY NEWS International Benchmark Price Price on: 14-03-2016

Product

Benchmark Indicators Name

Price

1

Turkish No. 2 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t)

4625

2

Turkish No. 4 whole pitted, CIF UK (USD/t)

4125

3

Turkish size 8, CIF UK (USD/t)

3625

1

CZCE White Sugar Futures (USD/t)

817

2

Kenya Mumias white sugar, EXW (USD/t)

691

3

Pakistani refined sugar, EXW Akbari Mandi (USD/t)

574

Iranian natural sultanas (Gouchan), CIF UK (USD/t)

1851

Apricots

White Sugar

Sultanas 1

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter 2

South African Orange River, CIF UK (USD/t)

2781

3

Turkish No 9 standard, FOB Izmir (USD/t)

1700

Source:agra-net

For more info

Market Watch Commodity-wise, Market-wise Daily Price on 12-03-2016 Domestic Prices

Unit Price : Rs per Qty

Product

Market Center

Variety

Min Price

Max Price

1

Jambusar (Gujarat)

Other

2800

4200

2

Dhekiajuli (Assam)

Fine

2200

2500

3

Samsi (West Bengal)

Fine

2890

2920

1

Dehgam (Gujarat)

Other

1540

1645

2

Sangli (Maharashtra)

Other

2050

2700

3

Satna (Madhya Pradesh)

Other

1450

1650

1

Thirurrangadi (Kerala)

Other

3500

3500

2

Gohana (Haryana)

Other

2000

2500

3

Bharuch (Gujarat)

Other

1200

1400

1

Palayam (Kerala)

Other

750

850

2

Junagarh (Orissa)

Other

2000

2400

3

Solapur (Maharashtra)

Other

300

600

Rice

Wheat

Orange

Cabbage

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Source:agmarknet.nic.in

For more info

Egg

Rs per 100 No Price on 14-03-2016 Product

Market Center

Price

1

Pune

315

2

Nagapur

283

3

Namakkal

333

Source: e2necc.com

Other International Prices

Unit Price : US$ per package Price on 14-03-2016

Product

Market Center

Origin

Variety

Low

Onions Dry

High Package: 50 lb sacks

1

Atlanta

Idaho

Russet

15.50

16

2

Chicago

Wisconsin

Russet

8.50

8.50

3

Miami

Washington

Russet

15

16.50

Cauliflower

Package: cartons film wrapped

1

Atlanta

Mexico

White

12

12.50

2

Dallas

California

White

15

16.50

3

Detroit

California

White

19.50

20

Grapefruit

Package: 4/5 bushel cartons

1

Atlanta

Florida

Red

21

21.50

2

Chicago

Florida

Red

18

18

3

Miami

Florida

Red

17

20

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Source:USDA

Health expert warns farmers against heat stroke

With the onslaught of El Niño and the summer season fast approaching, an expert advises farmers to take necessary precautions against heat stroke.Dr. Raul V. Destura, an internal medicine and infectious disease specialist, says that heat stroke is one of the most common health risks among farmers who work under the scorching heat of the sun.According to Destura, heat stroke, also known as sun stroke, is a severe heat illness with body temperature that is greater than 40.6 °C (105.1 °F), mostly due to environmental heat exposure.“Most of the time, heat stroke becomes unnoticed or undiagnosed among the rural health units,” Destura said.He added that people who experience this are sometimes thought of as “na-maligno” or under the control of a superficial creature when in fact, altered mental state or behavior is one of the symptoms of this illness.

Other symptoms of heat stroke include an alteration in sweating, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, racing heart rate, and headache.“If it‟s heat stroke, your skin is dry. If you‟re over-exercised, you get a moist skin,” Destura clarified.Immediate interventions for heat stroke is to get the person into shade or indoors, remove excess clothing, keep him hydrated, and cool him with whatever means available. This may include putting the person in a cool tub of water or shower, spraying with garden hose, or sponging cool water. Placing ice packs or wet towels on the person‟s head, neck, armpits, and groin is also a measure that can be done. Meanwhile, rice farmers are also highly exposed to respiratory 18 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter ailments especially during the harvest season when they get to inhale dust particles from threshing. This may also cause allergies and skin infections. Chemical exposure from the wrong use of pesticides is also risky. Destura, therefore, advises farmers to use protective equipment such as facemasks and gloves.

Considering these health risks, Destura strongly recommends that occupational health risks “must be comprehensively integrated in rice farming management.” He encourages a multidisciplinary approach that includes health of the farmers. Mechanized farming is also one of his suggestions to reduce biological risks with proper training and machine maintenance to avoid mechanical accidents. Lastly, he encourages farmers to consult a doctor immediately if they have any health concern. Destura also emphasized that doctors and health experts must direct their studies to practical applications that benefit the health of the farmers.“We need to generate agricultural productivity without too much compromise on our farmers‟ health,” he ended. Destura‟s talk on “Health Risks in Rice Farming” was featured in a seminar-series at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) earlier this year. He is currently the Chair of the Institutional Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee of UP Manila.

PhilRice videographer wins int’l award

PhilRice videographer Jayson C. Berto poses with International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde during the awarding ceremony at the Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi, India, 11 March.

IMF Staff Photo/Stephen Jaffe

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter A PhilRice development communicator recently won in the Asia-wide International Monetary Fund (IMF) video competition themed Advancing Asia: Investing for the Future. Jayson C. Berto, 23, is also multi-tasked as videographer of the Infomediary Campaign being waged by the Institute‟s Development Communication (DevComm) Division. Berto‟s 2-minute entry “Rice Hull is not Waste” was about a campaign site in Davao Oriental. He documented how the training of a school teacher who participates in the campaign resulted in quite a number of impressive results.

The teacher taught her students choice climate-smart rice production technologies, which made the students take the lessons to the next level by producing carbonized rice hull (CRH) and selling it to the farmers in their community. “I bought CRH from the students as I saw that it yielded good results in their plants,” said a farmer-parent in the video. Berto documented how the campaign-participating school engaged farmers in the community by leading an agricultural extension activity. Through the campaign, the school became a hub of agri-information in the locality.

Berto, a son of Tublay, Benguet and DevComm graduate of Benguet State University, received his award during the Advancing Asia Conference in India, 11 March. He joined PhilRice in 2013.“The time and effort were more than worth it,” said a jubilant Jayson. “I even got a chance to ask a few questions to Ma‟am Melinda of the Gates Foundation and UNDP Administrator Helen Elizabeth Clark.”For a young videographer like Berto, winning an international competition was “overwhelming.” “It was really overwhelming for me meeting the judges and dignitaries such as IMF Managing Director Lagarde, and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Philippine Ambassador to India Ma. Teresita C. Daza congratulated me and when they called my name and the place where I come from, I felt that I was no longer just representing PhilRice but also our country,” Berto said.

PhilRice‟s Infomediary Campaign is an initiative on youth engagement in agriculture. It mobilizes young people to serve as information providers or infomediaries in the rice –farming communities. The campaign operates in 108 high schools nationwide in collaboration with the Department of Education and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research on Climate Change, Agriculture, and Food Security.

USA Rice Participates in USDA's Largest Agricultural Trade Mission

By Sarah Moran March 15, 2016 On a mission ARLINGTON, VA -- USA Rice Vice President of International Promotion Jim Guinn is with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack this week on an agricultural trade mission (ATM) to Peru and Chile to expand export opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products. USA Rice member ADM Rice also is a participant."USA Rice will be gathering information on the rice market, meeting with rice importers and 20 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter distributors, and promoting all types of U.S. rice to current and prospective customers," Guinn said.

The first stop is Peru, a nation of 30 million consumers, a large and growing percent of whom have moved into the middle class in the last 10 years during which Peru has enjoyed relatively fast and prolonged economic growth. Prolific rice eaters, Peruvians average about 165 pounds per capita per year.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data, Peru imported approximately 237,000 MT of rice in 2015. Although U.S. rice exports have shown great percentage growth in the last two years, U.S. rice still makes up less than 4 percent of Peru's rice imports.

"While we face stiff competition from MERCOSUR countries Uruguay, Brazil, and Argentina, I believe we have an opportunity to build on our recent success," said Guinn. "We have begun a promotions program in the country and based on positive results, plan to expand the program in support of importers of U.S. rice."The U.S. has a free trade agreement with Peru and was successful in removing a number of barriers to the import of both U.S. rough and brown rice last year. "There are still some issues related to weed seeds for rough rice, but with perseverance and assistance from the USDA's Foreign Agriculture Service and Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS), we anticipate making inroads into this market consistently with U.S. rough rice," Guinn said

For a royal dining experience, visit The Moghul‟s The incredible fusion of Persian recipes with spices from India makes The Moghul‟s in Stoney Creek a crowd pleaser for lunch and dinner.

The Moghul‟s

The owner of The Moghul‟s has a passion for great food and opened the Indian restaurant with the goal of providing satisfying, aromatic Moghulai food to diners, while also treating them like royalty.The restaurant's name is a nod to the Moghul Empire, known for beautiful architecture, exceptional art and delicious Indian cuisine.Moghulai dishes feature nuts such as almonds, cashews and walnuts, as well as butter-based curries and bread prepared in a tandoor clay oven.

While the taste alone makes the food so enjoyable, in true Moghulai tradition, the food is 21 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter beautifully presented with exceptional hospitality.The royal dining experience begins with an elaborate buffet that includes an extensive salad bar. Enjoy the lunch buffet seven days a week from noon to 3:30 p.m. The dinner buffet is open Monday Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.The Moghul‟s also has an amazing à la carte menu, where you can choose from delectable options such as Moghul‟s Tandoori Platter, featuring an assortment of tikkas, kebabs and fish, or a dish like Chicken Korma,

made with tender morsels of chicken prepared in a special saffron sauce with cashews.While many prefer to dine in to enjoy the refined atmosphere at The Moghul‟s, takeout is perfect for evenings when you're in a rush but still want to dine well. Their takeout dinner for two includes an appetizer, choice of two meat dishes, a vegetable dish, two naans and fragrant basmati rice, all at a great price.

For more information, call 289-389-3777 or email themoghuls@yahoo.ca.

The Moghul‟s is located at 288 Mud Street West in Stoney Creek. With easy access from the Red Hill Valley Parkway, The Moghul‟s is convenient for those who live in Ancaster, Grimsby, Burlington and the Greater Hamilton Area. They are fully licensed, and offer a warm and friendly ambiance with a capacity for up to 80 guests.

For a royal dining experience, visit The Moghul‟s The Moghul‟s 288 Mud St W, Stoney Creek, Ontario. 289-389-3777 Check out their deals on Facebook and Wag Jag. To make a reservation online, click here.

SIT to monitor probe in over Rs 1,000-cr rice export scam New Delhi, Mar 14, 2016, (PTI)

The Supreme Court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money will monitor the probe into the alleged over Rs 1,000-crore scam in export of high-quality Basmati rice to Iran which was fraudulently diverted mid-sea to Dubai.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which has unearthed the scam, has shared relevant details of the case with the SIT, which will monitor the agency's probe, official sources said.With this, the DRI will have to share its probe details periodically with the SIT during the review meetings, they said.The SIT, which is headed by former Supreme Court judge M B Shah, 22 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter is responsible for investigating cases of black money stashed abroad through coordination of various members from Reserve Bank of India, Intelligence Bureau, Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation, Financial Intelligence Unit, Research and Analysis Wing and DRI.According to the probe being done by the DRI, over two lakh metric tonnes of Basmati rice was illegally offloaded in Dubai in the last over a year instead of in Bandar Abbas in Iran, official sources said.Over 25 big exporters from Haryana and Punjab are under the scanner of DRI and other agencies for their involvement in the multi-crore scam. Both the DRI and SIT have referred the case for probe by ED also, they said.

Explaining the modus operandi, the sources claimed the rice would be taken to Gujarat's Kandla Port by these exporters.They would then file Shipping Bills--documents filed withcustoms authorities carrying details of goods to be exported, consignor and consignee--for export to Iran, the sources said.Instead of the consignment reaching Iranian shores, it would be diverted mid-sea to Dubai allegedly with connivance of cargo ship operators carrying the goods. Surprisingly, payments were also made from Iran to these exporters in India. Importers and port officials would allegedly acknowledge the receipt of rice and allow payment to be made against it here, they said.

What is worrying for intelligence agencies here is that they do not know the end-use of rice offloaded in Dubai. They suspect use of rice as barter system to fund some illegal activity like terror financing, the sources said.While India lost foreign exchange which it could have got from Dubai in case of genuine trade, Iran was also deprived of customs duty it would have been entitled to if rice was delivered at its shore, they said. The authorities suspect the proceeds of the scam assumed the form of black money.

Online subscription plans deliver meals to your door Gretchen McKayPittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cooking dinner can be such a pain sometimes.Mostly because it requires a trip to the grocery store, which isn't the most fun place on earth to unwind after a tough day at work. From endless circling of packed parking lots to high prices and crowded aisles, to always, always, getting stuck in the slowest self checkout lane, a trip to the DMV could be less frustrating.And that's if you've figured out beforehand what you want to eat, and done a mental tally of what's in your fridge and pantry to concoct a shopping list. And have the desired recipe in hand. Oh, and possess the energy to rustle up ingredients, prep them and then prepare the dish before your famished family cries foul.It's time to call for backup.

Meal-prep subscription boxes, which deliver all the makings of a fabulous dinner to your doorstep, are growing in popularity for a reason. Not only do they take the guesswork out of that dreaded what's-for-dinner question, but they also do most of the grunt work.Everything you need to craft a skillet- or oven-ready meal from scratch, from the protein to fresh veggies to spices and 23 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

flavorings, comes perfectly portioned for two to four servings. Also included are easy-to-follow recipes with time estimates and nutritional background and information on whether the ingredients are gluten- or GMO-free, organic, or contain nuts, soy or dairy. Step-by-step photos make it easier for beginners.Instructions also explain the tools you'll need (such as a zester, meat thermometer or vegetable peeler) and what you'll need pull out of your pantry usually salt, pepper and cooking oil.

Home meal services aren't new, and there's no shortage of personal chefs willing to cook weekly meals to order. These heat-and-eat meals are great from a convenience standpoint, but fail to deliver if you hunger for scratch cooking.First introduced in 2012, and now a billion-dollar business, meal-kit boxes let you get your hands dirty. While ingredients come premeasured, often down to the 1/4 teaspoon, you still get to chop, zest, whisk, sear and saute in other words, cook, only fast. Basic knife skills, in fact, are essential for kit users.It might seem wasteful, and not especially kind to the earth, to get so many tiny packages of ingredients and packaging for just two or three meals; one plan I tested came in more than 24 plastic bags, along with four freezer bags and reams of biodegradable cushioning material.

But consider the positives.

Meals kits aren't as thrifty per serving as traditional cooking, but they're cheaper (and faster) than dining out and offer far better quality than fast-food takeout. You get to experiment with new cuisines and unfamiliar flavors, and you'll see vegetables in a new light. Also, there are some choices involved; most plans allow you to pick from at least six meals.On the other hand, if you are a cook who likes to experiment or are wary of others selecting your meat, fish and produce, you might find meal kits unimaginative. Also, having everything proportioned can make seasoned cooks feel, well, like novices.

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter We tested six of the most popular meal subscription services in the market, along with one that just debuted this month, and used cooks of varying skill levels and palates. Apart from yours truly, the testers are my college-age daughter, who's learning her way around a dorm kitchen; my son, who worked as a prep cook in a commercial kitchen and eats gluten-free; my husband, who cooks well enough but has never followed a recipe; and my editor, an accomplished home chef.

Worth noting: While you generally can skip a weekly order once you sign up, and all plans allow you to cancel at any time, you have to remember to do so before the weekly cutoff time (usually a seven-day notice). Most give you a free meal or discount price upon signup, but only one plan Peach Dish included dessert (cookies and oranges).

Green Chef (GREENCHEF.COM) Cost: Starts at $80.94 per week for two-person plan, with three meals. Additional charge for gluten-free and paleo options. Nine dishes to choose from.We really liked this plan, which featured richly flavored dishes made with seasonal certified-organic ingredients. Gluten-free food so often is bland or off-tasting, but our selections Sweet Potato Fritters, Paprika-Dusted Cod and especially the Tamari-Glazed Chicken were winners. The seasonings were bold, the produce was super-fresh, and the completed dishes were well-rounded, if somewhat high in calories (758 for the chicken dish per serving).

All of the recipes involved a fair amount of prep (dicing, searing and shredding), and two of the dishes required cooking in multiple pans at the same time something a new cook could find intimidating. But, generally, they were easy. Portions were more than generous; each fed three adults, with some leftovers.

Jack McKay Blue Apron (BLUEAPRON.COM) Cost: Starts at $59.94 per week for two-person plan, with three meals. Six dishes to choose from.

My meal came in a pretty big box with an extremely heavy ice pack in it. Everything was kind of just thrown in there together, so I had to go through the box and sort the different dishes. Most of the ingredients were pretty fresh. But some of the produce (specifically the lemons and oranges) got really soft and mushy when I did not use them immediately.

I'm just learning to cook so really appreciated that the recipes were relatively easy to follow; the videos online also helped. But I still had to Google a lot of cooking terms. For instance, I had no idea how to separate the "neck and bulb" of a squash. The recipe for Butternut Squash with Stewed White Beans was phenomenal. It probably was the hardest to make, but worth it. But the Vegetable Bibimbap with kimchee had a weird mixture of flavors and was absolutely disgusting.

I think college students should definitely give Blue Apron a try because it's not that much more expensive than a dining plan. There are also cheaper (family) options available, which, split across four roommates, would definitely be an economical source of meals.

Olivia McKay Purple Carrot (THEPURPLECARROT.COM)

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Cost: $68 per week for two-person plan, with three meals. No selection Mark Bittman and his culinary team curate your weekly menu for you.I like my meat and dairy and so was a bit hesitant to try this kit, the first exclusively vegan meal plan to come on the market, in 2014. I am, however, a fan of Bittman. So try I did.I wasn't wowed, but I was pleasantly surprised. All three of the dishes proved tasty and substantial, and they were super pretty when plated. That said, they took some effort. The Creamy Polenta that accompanied the Awesome Bolognese (made with seitan, a wheat gluten) required constant whisking to keep it lump-free, and a recipe for Falafel Hash with Grapefruit-Arugula Tabbouleh took nearly an hour to pull together. But, man, was it awesome.

A recipe for Crisp Rutabaga Rosti with Garlicky Balsamic Spinach wasn't quite so successful.

"Deliberately overcooked" quinoa was supposed to bind the patties together but they fell apart instantly when I put them on a baking sheet bound for the broiler. I ended up adding an egg and recooking them, but I had to wonder if a beginner would have been able to save them.

This plan takes a leap of faith if you're not familiar with ingredients such as seitan or tofu or aren't used to someone else making all your dinner decisions. But for people trying to eat better for the planet and body, it's a nice option. Recipe cards include exact measurements so you can re-create them on your own.

Gretchen McKay Home Chef (HOMECHEF.COM) Cost: $48.90 per week for two-person plan, with two meals. Twelve dishes to choose from.

This plan came in the smallest box, with the least amount of packaging, which would be a factor with older customers who have to lug it from the porch to the kitchen. It also was among the few to offer drink pairings beer for a Chinese entree and Chianti for a meat dish and a fun fact about one of the ingredients. For instance, did you know sirloin steaks come from the rear of the cow?

Selections included a savory Butternut Mac N' Cheese with Roasted Brussels Sprouts, a Chinese BBQ Pork with Egg Drop Soup and Broccoli and Parmesan-Crusted Sirloin. All three were pretty easy to make and absolutely terrific.

Some of the servings were on the smaller side the package included just eight Brussels sprouts and a small handful of cubed squash for the mac 'n' cheese but everything was fresh, colorful and fragrant. The egg drop soup didn't look anything like the picture, but it was my first time cooking with liquid eggs, and I couldn't get them to "ribbon" properly.

Gretchen McKay Hellofresh (HELLOFRESH.COM) Cost: $59 to $69 for two-person plan for three meals. But customers can order as up to five meals a week for varying numbers of people.HelloFresh shipped its first dinner kit out of Berlin in 2012 and by September 2014 was offered across the United States. It now serves more than 7.2 million meals a month in seven countries over three continents.Its selling point is having dietitians on staff who can make sure the meals meet all nutritional requirements and dietary needs, said Shara Seigel, senior public relations manager. The company also partners with British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to provide a special recipe each week for customers who want it. For the most part, the recipes were easy to follow (the company sent me Level One recipes), but novice cooks might need more detailed instructions.

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter

The recipe for Spiced Salmon with Blood Orange-Arugula Salad, Couscous and Lemon-Shallot Vinaigrette was simple and tasty, but there was missing information: Cooks were instructed to zest a lemon and blood orange but the recipe never said what to do with it. (I just threw the zest into the vinaigrette. Hope that was right.) The one piece of celery included for the salad was crisp, but pretty battered, had brown spots and looked old. Chicken Paillard with Mustard Potato and Green Bean Salad also was tasty but took longer than the 30 minutes suggested because each green bean had to be sliced in half lengthwise.Caramelized Onion Burgers with Garlic Aioli and Crispy Cauliflower took fewer than 30 minutes to prepare. It was our favorite of the bunch and was a full meal.

Virginia Linn Peach Dish (PeachDish.com) Cost: $50 per week for two-person plan, with two meals. Eight dishes to choose from.

Peach Dish takes a lot of the stress out of cooking, but not all of it. For a non-cook like me, there's still a confusing list of ingredients (saffron? barberries?), and while some came in the right portions, others required me to measure out just a fraction of the supplied amount. For the chicken dish, for instance, I had to pick and chop dill fronds and mint leaves from the stem.

The recipes for Beef Hot Pot with Asian Greens and Curry Spiced Chicken with SaffronBarberry Rice sounded exotic (read: difficult), but were actually pretty basic. Still, I felt anxious.

For a novice like me, a recipe that lists seven steps is probably five or six steps too long. The instructions clearly state "Read the entire recipe" before starting, and that would have taken some of the confusion out of the process if I had done it. But of course I didn't.I was able to produce a semi-gourmet meal that looked, smelled, and tasted like it had been prepared by a pro, and it was pretty darn cool. The portions were generous (enough for leftovers) and the meals were way more interesting than the boring salmon and rice I cook for myself most days. I'd definitely do it again.

Peter McKay Terra's Kitchen (TerrasKitchen.com) Cost: $83.99 minimum per week for three meals for two people. Fourteen meals to choose from; options include omnivore, gluten-free, paleo and vegetarian.The Cadillac of home meal delivery plans, which launched just this week, arrived in an eco-friendly, climate-controlled "delivery vessel" that looks, and is, almost as heavy as a mini-refrigerator. Items have to be unpacked on the day they arrive so you can place the vessel outside before 8 a.m. of the next business day for return. (You peel off the old shipping label to reveal the return label.)

Ingredients came in small recyclable plastic boxes instead of bags, and most were already sliced/diced and ready for the pan. (If I was ordering a plan for my elderly parents, this would be a huge selling point.) I would have been out of luck, though, if I hadn't owned a grill pan or castiron skillet all three recipes called for grilling.The meals weren't as fancy as with other plans, but they were solid, and nothing took more than a half-hour. Tomato Scallion Rice with Cheesy 27 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Grilled Squash was colorful, full of flavor and oh so easy. The chicken thigh portions in the BBQ Chicken with Sweet Potato and Spinach Salad cooked up tender and juicy but might disappoint those with big appetites. I liked but didn't love the Fajita-Style (skirt steak) Street Tacos. While the beef was tender and the avocado perfectly ripe, the pico de gallo tasted bitter and the Buffalo hot sauce seemed a weird afterthought.

The recipe cards also include wine and beer pairings, wellness tips and "foodie facts" or pro tips for instance, wait until the last minute to dress your salad to ensure crisp and lively greens.

Gretchen McKay Parmesan-crusted Sirloin PG tested 8 ounces red potatoes 1 yellow onion 4 ounces sugar snap peas 4 parsley sprigs 4 thyme sprigs Olive oil for drizzling and heating Salt and pepper Salt and pepper to taste, divided 1 tablespoon butter 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs 1 ounce grated Parmesan 2 sirloin steaks 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Preheat oven to 375 degrees and prepare a baking sheet with foil. Rinse, dry and quarter potatoes. Peel and halve onion, then slice into thin strips. Remove any strings from snap peas.

Stem and mince parsley.Arrange potatoes and half of thyme sprigs on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in oven until fork-tender, about 20 minutes.

Remove thyme and transfer potatoes to plate.Melt butter in microwave. Combine in mixing bowl with breadcrumbs and Parmesan and pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

Rinse sirloin steaks, pat dry, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in an oven-safe pan over high heat and sear on the first side for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and sear second side for 2 more minutes. Flip back onto first side and top with Parmesan-panko mixture.

Transfer pan to oven and continue cooking for 4 to 5 more minutes until crust is golden brown and a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees is reached. Remove steaks to plate and rest.

Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and remaining thyme sprigs and stir frequently for 5 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and pinch of salt and pepper and cook 4 minutes. The natural sugars in the balsamic will sweeten onions.

Transfer to plate, discarding thyme sprigs. Wipe pan clean and add 1 teaspoon olive oil and snap peas. Cook, undisturbed, for 1 minute to char, then stir until fork tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.Arrange a serving of potatoes on plate with onions and snap peas next to them. Lean steak against vegetables and garnish plate with minced parsley.

Serves 2.

Home Chef 28 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Carmelized Onion Burgers with Garlic Aioli and Crispy Cauliflower PG tested 10 ounces of ground beef One red onion 1 garlic clove Head of cauliflower 1/4 cup of panko crumbs Olive oil for drizzling, divided Salt and pepper to taste, divided 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 2 brioche hamburger buns Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Bring ground beef to room temperature. Halve, peel and thinly slice the red onion. Mince or grate the garlic. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.In a medium bowl, toss cauliflower florets with panko, a large drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Place florets on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes, until golden brown.Heat a drizzle of oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, tossing, for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add balsamic vinegar and cook, tossing over low heat for about 10 minutes, until slightly caramelized. Season onions with salt and pepper. Set onions aside and wipe the pan clean.

Meanwhile, form ground beef into two equal-sized patties. Season with oregano, salt and pepper.

Using same pan, heat another drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add burger patties and cook for 2 to 5 minutes per side, until cooked to desired doneness.While burgers cook, combine in a small bowl, the mayonnaise, minced garlic (to taste, start with a little and go up from there) and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Split and place buns in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes to toast.Remove buns from oven. Spread with garlic aioli on one side of the bun and top with a burger and the caramelized onions. Serve the crispy cauliflower on the side.

Serves 2.

HelloFresh Curry Spiced Chicken with Saffron-Barberry Rice PG tested 1 tablespoon barberries 5 sprigs dill 4 ounces cucumber 2 sprigs fresh mint 3/4 cup basmati rice 2 teaspoons butter 2 cloves garlic 1/4 cup sliced almonds Salt to taste, divided 1/8 teaspoon saffron 29 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter 3 ounces yogurt 2 tablespoons sultanas Black pepper to taste 8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast halves 1 tablespoon curry powder Heat oven to 425 degrees. Rinse barberries under running water. Place in a mixing bowl and cover with enough water to allow the berries to float and any sand to sink to the bottom. Set aside to soak.Prepare your mise en place: Peel and mince garlic. Pick and chop dill fronds; save the stems. Quarter cucumbers lengthwise; thinly slice crosswise. Pick and chop mint leaves.

Rinse rice well in warm water. Drain barberries thoroughly.Heat a saucepot over medium heat, and add butter. When butter is melted, stir in garlic and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Stir in barberries and cook 2 minutes more. Add rice, almonds, dill stems, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, saffron and 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook 8 to 10 minutes, or until most of the liquid is evaporated. Keep covered, remove from heat and set aside.

While the rice cooks, prepare the creamy cucumbers: In a small bowl combine yogurt, cucumbers, sultanas and mint, and season with kosher salt and pepper to taste. Set aside at room temperature.

Season chicken breasts on all sides with curry spice and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Lightly coat a heavy baking pan with 1 teaspoon cooking oil. Place seasoned chicken on the pan, and cook 12 to 14 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through.Remove dill stems from the rice.

With a fork, fluff in chopped dill fronds. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Slice chicken across the grain, then serve over rice with creamy cucumbers on the side.

Serves 2.

Peach Dish Tamari-Glazed Chicken PG tested 1/2 cup organic red quinoa 3 1/2 ounces organic green beans 1/4 organic red bell pepper 1 stalk celery 10 ounces organic boneless chicken thighs 2 1/2 tablespoons oil, plus more for sauce Salt and pepper to taste, divided 1/2 cup sliced yellow onion 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced 2 teaspoons ginger, peeled and minced 2 1/2 tablespoons mirin 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon sambal chili paste 1 carrot 2 tablespoons organic peanuts 6 sprigs cilantro 30 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter Bring red quinoa and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a small pot. Reduce heat to medium-low, then cover. Simmer 16 minutes, or until liquid is mostly absorbed and quinoa is tender. Let rest 3 minutes, covered. Fluff with a fork.Meanwhile, trim stem ends off green beans. Cut into 1-inch long pieces. Medium dice red bell pepper into about 1/2-inch pieces. Slice celery into about \inch pieces.Cut chicken thighs into bite-size pieces. Heat about 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken to hot pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Cook 5 minutes, or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.Add about 1 tablespoon oil to pan with chicken. Add green beans, bell pepper, celery, onions, garlic and ginger. Season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine mirin, wine vinegar, brown sugar and chili paste in a blender. Mix on medium speed for 30 seconds. While blender is running, slowly pour in oil. Pour sauce over pan with chicken and veggies. Add 1/3 cup water. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to mediumlow. Simmer 8 to 10 minutes, or until sauce thickens and glazes chicken, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, trim ends off carrot; peel if desired. Grate on large holes of a box grater. Add quinoa and carrot to pan with glazed chicken. Stir to combine. Cook 1 minute. Remove from heat. Salt and pepper to taste. Destem cilantro; roughly chop leaves. Roughly chop peanuts.Divide tamariglazed chicken and quinoa between plates. Sprinkle peanuts and cilantro over top.

Serves 2.

Green Chef

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com

USA Rice and National Ag Day Promote Stewardship

By Deborah Willenborg ARLINGTON, VA -- USA Rice is promoting this year's National Ag Day's theme, 'Stewards of a Healthy Planet," by using social media to educate consumers about the role America's rice farmers play in working lands conservation efforts that benefit rice lands, waterfowl habitat, and water resources, three critical resources throughout the United States.

"Farmers are, by definition, conservationists," says USA Rice President & CEO Betsy Ward. "And U.S. rice farmers in particular do more than their fair share by providing critical habitat for waterfowl and other species valued at more than $3.5 billion to replace."New conservation initiatives created by the 2014 Farm Bill 31 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter have provided up to $386 million to help farmers restore wetlands, protect working agriculture lands, support outdoor recreation activities, and boost the economy.

Since 2009, USDA has partnered with more than 500,000 farmers, ranchers, and landowners to enroll a record number of acres in conservation programs. Those programs have saved millions of tons of soil, improved water quality, contributed to the national effort to preserve habitat for wildlife, and protected the most sensitive ecological areas. Ward continued, "As farm policy evolves, America's rice farmers realize conservation and sustainability are front and center so by being good stewards of the land, they are ensuring that their operations are more productive and sustainable over the long run." National Ag Day is sponsored by the Agriculture Council of America and features essay, art, and video contests, and multiple events in and around Capitol Rice Bran Oil Market - Industry Trends, Cost &

Revenue - Research and Markets Hill.

March 15, 2016 10:26 AM Eastern Daylight Time

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6nbmzq/rice_bran_oil) has announced the addition of the "Rice Bran Oil Market - Industry Trends, Manufacturing Process, Plant Setup, Machinery, Raw Materials, Cost and Revenue" report to their offering.

“Rice Bran Oil Market - Industry Trends, Manufacturing Process, Plant Setup, Machinery, Raw Materials, Cost and Revenue”

         

The report provides a techno-commercial road-map for setting up a rice bran oil processing plant. The study ranges from macro overview of the market to micro details of the industry performance, processing and manufacturing requirements, project cost, project funding, project economics, expected returns on investment, profit margins, etc.

Key Questions Answered in This Report?

What are the key success and risk factors in the rice bran oil industry?

What is the structure of the rice bran oil industry and who are the key players?

What are the machinery requirements for setting up a rice bran oil plant?

What are the raw material requirements for setting up a rice bran oil plant?

What are the utility requirements for setting up a rice bran oil plant?

What are the infrastructure costs for setting up a rice bran oil plant?

What are the capital costs for setting up a rice bran oil plant?

What are the operating costs for setting up a rice bran oil plant?

What should be the pricing mechanism of rice bran oil?

What will be the income and expenditures for a rice bran oil plant?

Key Topics Covered: 1 Research Methodology 2 Executive Summary 3 Introduction

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Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter 4 Rice Bran Oil Industry Analysis 5 Rice Bran Oil Industry: Overall Market Performance 6 Processing and Manufacturing of Rice Bran oil 7 Project Details, Requirements and Costs Involved 8 Rice Bran Oil Processing Plant: Loans and Financial Assistance 9 Rice Bran Oil Processing Plant: Project Economics For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6nbmzq/rice_bran_oil Sector: Rice and Rice Products, Oils and Fats http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160315006137/en/Rice-Bran-Oil-Market---Industry-Trends

Thai rice research to receive more support from research agencies

BY EDITORON 2016-03-16THAILANDThai

rice

BANGKOK, 16 March 2916 (NNT) – The Agricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA) has been promoting scientific research and development (R&D) on rice, in a bid to increase the competitiveness of rice products from Thailand in the global market.ARDA Deputy Director Kunvara Chotiphansophon said her agency has always been supportive of agricultural research. ARDA would recommend technologies to the farming sector to help increase the quality of grains. Rice research, which is managed by the Rice Department, has received funding from a network of national agencies, including ARDA. These studies also serve various commercial purposes, such as identifying premium rice species, improving nutritional value, and helping farmers raise productivity while lowering costs.According to Director-General of the Rice Department Anan Suwannarat, rice research has been primarily concerned with the development of a new strain that thrives in dry weather conditions. One such strain that has come out of rice R&D is known among researchers as „Kor Khor 61‟.In addition, researchers are trying to introduce rice as ingredients in dietary supplements and cosmetics. Fifteen studies have so far yielded promising results. They will soon be introduced to the rice industry. http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/thai-rice-research-to-receive-more-support-from-researchagencies/135358/

Rice buffer stock ample despite El Niño – PSA March 15, 2016 10:43 pm

by JAMES KONSTANTIN GALVEZ, REPROTER Despite the El Niño phenomenon affecting palay production, the country has enough rice stock to last through the next harvest season, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Tuesday.As of February 1, the rice inventory can cover 87 days, the PSA said in its latest report.Rice kept by households are sufficient for 30 days, those in NFA depositories are good for 29 days, and those in commercial 33 | w w w . r i c e p l u s s . c o m , w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o s g s p o t . c o m

Daily Global, Regional & Local Rice E-Newsletter warehouses could last up to 28 days.The total rice stock was pegged at 2.94 million metric tons, up 25.2 percent from 2.35 million MT in February 2015.With the dry season harvest just a couple of months away and imported rice continued to arrive at Philippine ports, the current inventories and the incoming bulk from the harvest are enough to fill the country‟s requirements.A high rice inventory would suggest that Manila, formerly the world‟s biggest rice importer, may no longer push through with the planned rice importation to boost the buffer stock during the July-to-September lean season.

The state-run National Food Authority (NFA) is required by law to have at least a 15-day buffer stock at any given time, and 30 days during the lean months.NFA Administrator Renan Dalisay said the NFA Council and Food Security Committee (FCS) continue to monitor the impact of El Niño on palay crops, noting adding that the government is ready to buy from foreign suppliers up to 500,000 MT as standby volume for the lean months.“The FCS may decide before June this year on the rice importation scheme.

Because we still have sufficient supply, if ever they push through, the arrival of the standby volume may be within July-August, as long as within the lean season,” Dalisay added. http://www.manilatimes.net/rice-buffer-stock-ample-despite-el-nino-psa/250610/

Government To Review Rice Imports To Help Local Paddy Farmers KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 (Bernama) -- Rice imports will be subjected to a review to avoid a glut in locally cultivated rice, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.e said he would obtain a report soon on the reported complaints of unsold locally grown rice in Kedah and Perlis."I will obtain a report on the matter as soon as possible. I agree to a review of rice imports. We do not want imported rice to displace locally grown rice," he told reporters today at the lobby of Parliament House.

Ahmad Shabery said the welfare of local paddy farmers would be given preference.The primary objective of rice imports was to meet any shortfall in the volume of locally grown rice and not to replace it, he said.The minister was asked to comment on the call by the Malay Rice Millers Association of Malaysia yesterday for the government to review rice imports in accordance with current needs.The association had said that up to 36,282 tonnes of locally grown rice remained unsold in the rice bowl state of Kedah and Perlis while 102,312 tonnes of paddy were unsold since Jan 1 this year.According to Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas), the rice import policy supports the nation's self-sufficiency policy in that the import volume depends on the production of local rice.

To fully meet the rice requirement of the country, Bernas imports about 30 to 40 per cent of Malaysia's domestic rice demand annually, Bernas said on its website.It said that to protect the local rice farmers, Bernas' import volume merely covers the shortfall of demand after ensuring that local rice production finds its way to the market.Bernas also imports special rice varieties that cannot be produced locally, like 'basmati' and fragrant rice, to cater to the various types of culinary tastes of the people, it added.

BERNAMA

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