18th ,2017 daily global regional & local rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

Daily Global Rice

E-Newsletter

1

September 18,2017 Vol 8 Issue VIII

Rice News Headlines...  CHINA-PAKISTAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS CONCLUDE  Global and Chinese Flattened Rice Industry Manufacturers Production Value Market Share 2017  Two recipes true to home cooking: fuss free and genuinely useful  Iran continue to import rice from Pakistan, India amid health concerns  Rice prices rising by Tk2 per day  India-Israel Agricultural Cooperation needs to align with the ‘New India’  RiceBran Technologies (RIBT) Upgraded to “Sell” by ValuEngine  Sweet and sticky balsamic chicken with saffron spiced rice  Pak-China hybrid rice drive starts  Rohingya Muslim refugees forced to scramble for aid in Bangladesh  BoP hits deficit for first time in 16yrs  Rumour of halt to Indian rice imports raises prices at Benapole  Enough rice for all  Rice export goal raised to 5.6 million tonnes this year  PARC starts campaign to promote hybrid rice cultivation  Executive checkups for senior citizens  PhilHealth gets bulk of gov’t subsidy in July  Ambode orders continuous sales of Lake Rice, approves creation of more sales points  New ‘Dry Rice 1.5’ initiative launched  Soaring Price of Rice: Govt intervenes to stabilise market  LAKE Rice: LASG approves creation of more sales’ points  Govt to sit with rice millers Tuesday  Rice prices continue to go up  DR ANGELINE KAMBA DIES

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com Monitor Latest Updates on www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com

2

News Detail...

CHINA-PAKISTAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATIONS CONCLUDE

The eighth round of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement negotiations finally concluded on a positive note, as the breakthrough in talks ended a two-and-a-half year stalemate. The second phase of negotiation which began on Sept 14 in Beijing, was attended by co-chairman Mohammad Younus Dagha, Secretary Commerce, Pakistan and Wang Shouwen, Vice Minister for Commerce, China. Pakistan requested for meaningful market access and an end to the preference erosion of Pakistani exports in the meeting. During the rounds, Pakistan shared a list of 70 high-priority items of export interest, seeking immediate market access. The Chinese officials agreed to consider the request favourably. These tariff lines constitute more than 80% of Pakistan‘s current exports to China. The Chinese delegation consisted of representatives of seven government ministries and departments. Ambassador of Pakistan to China Masood Khalid was also present during the negotiations.

PARC starts campaign to promote hybrid rice cultivation Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) in collaboration with Chinese hybrid rice seeds research organization has initiated a campaign to promote hybrid seed cultivation across the crop growing areas of the country. The main aim of this joint initiative was to enhance per acre crop productivity, increase profitability and produce surplus commodity for exports enhancement. Both Pakistan and China have decided to work together for conducting joint

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

3

awareness programmes to adopt hybrid rice seeds. The Chinese scientists are scheduled to train 30 Pakistani agriculture scientists, selected from all the four provinces.

Punjab agriculture Department urges farmers to cultivate Canola crop Punjab Agriculture Department has urged the farmers to cultivate Canola crop as it is highly profitable. Pakistan spends huge amounts on the import of cooking oil and the increase of Canola produce would surely help lowering import bills and meeting local demands. Naveed Asmat Kohloon, assistant director agriculture information in a press statement stated the Punjab government was providing Rs 5000 subsidy on per bag of Canola seeds with an objective to enhance canola yield in the province. The facility is given in line with Khadim-e-Punjab Kissan Package. September is the best month for the cultivation of Canola.

Declining trend in exports has reversed, says Tariq Bajwa Exports grew 13.2 per cent in the last three months, indicating that their declining trend has finally reversed. State Bank of Pakistan Governor Tariq Bajwa said while addressing a delegation of the Pakistan Business Council said major external indicators were positive in the first two months of 2017-18. The governor said the pace of expansion in the economy accelerated for the third consecutive year in 2016-17 amid an improving security situation and better energy supplies. The economy grew 5.3pc in 2016-17 compared to 4.6pc in the preceding year. Bajwa pointed out that the accommodative monetary policy has played a key role in boosting private-sector credit demand.

Three-Day Moot: World Chamber Congress invites SAARC The World Chamber Congress (WCC) has invited SAARC Chamber to participate in its threeday international flagship moot to be held in Sydney (Australia).The event will start from September 19, with about 12,000 chambers representing more than 100 countries gracing the occasion. SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Iftikhar Ali Malik in a statement said that it was recognition and acknowledgement of the contributions rendered by the SAARC Chamber. The SAARC Chamber delegation will have direct interaction with worlds‘ most prominent leaders and brightest minds to transform the future of business. Prominent speakers will highlight the subject of business, conflict and terrorism, said the SAARC official.

KP Govt to construct CPEC City on Islamabad-Peshawar-Motorway near Swabi Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to construct CPEC City on Islamabad-PeshawarMotorway near Swabi. The government sources told Radio Pakistan Peshawar correspondent that the city will be constructed on eighty thousand kanal land at a cost of over four billion dollars under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The CPEC City will consist of education and commercial zones, public buildings, apartments, Golf Course, Theme Park and sports facilities. http://www.radio.gov.pk/16-Sep-2017/china-pakistan-free-trade-agreement-negotiations-conclude

Global and Chinese Flattened Rice Industry Manufacturers Production Value Market Share 2017 SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 BY NIKHIL

MarketResearchNest.com adds ―Global and Chinese Flattened Rice Industry, 2017 Market Research Report”new report to its research

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

4

The ‗Global and Chinese Flattened Rice Industry, 2012-2022 Market Research Report‘ is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Flattened Rice industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Flattened Rice manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry. Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology. Then, the report explores the international and Chinese major industry players in detail.

Browse full table of contents and data tables at https://www.marketresearchnest.com/global-and-chinese-flattened-riceindustry-2017-market-research-report.html In this part, the report presents the company profile, product specifications, capacity, production value, and 2012-2017 market shares for each company.

Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global and Chinese total market of Flattened Rice industry including capacity, production, production value, cost/profit, supply/demand and Chinese import/export. The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis.

Order a Purchase Report Copy @ https://www.marketresearchnest.com/purchase.php?reportid=258792 The report then estimates 2017-2022 market development trends of Flattened Rice industry. Analysis of upstream raw materials, downstream demand, and current market dynamics is also carried out. In the end, the report makes some important proposals for a new project of Flattened Rice Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2012-2022 global and Chinese Flattened Rice industry covering all important parameters.Any special requirements about this report, please let us know and we can provide custom report.

Request a sample copy at https://www.marketresearchnest.com/requestsample.php?reportid=258792 Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

5

Two recipes true to home cooking: fuss free and genuinely useful Donal Skehan‘s balsamic chicken with saffron rice, and Moroccan meatballs with harissa couscous Sat, Sep 16, 2017, 06:15

Donal Skehan

Home cooking: sweet and sticky balsamic chicken with saffron-spiced rice Share to Faceboo kShare to TwitterShare to Email App Share to Pinterest

My mum‘s kitchen was where my love of cooking began. The spice cupboard beside the white 1980s cooker smelled dark and musty, and was filled equally with freshly bought spice jars and recycled ones with fading labels and grubby finger marks from dark, bubbling casseroles gone by. Bags of dried oregano, carefully carried home from summer holidays in Greece and Turkey, sat alongside the jar of birthday candles that came out twice a year, and the plastic bags of spices from the Asian market, tightly rolled up and sealed with a plastic clip.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

6

In her attempt to hide sweets from my brother and I my mum also chose to hide bags of marshmallows at the very top of this press, which meant by time we got to eat them they had absorbed the pungency of the neighbouring jars. This was not helped by the fact that we used to open the bag and sneak one or two out, leaving the remaining ones to dry out. A game of cat and mouse that no one really won.

The next press down was the nerve centre for our family life and home to a cheat sheet of handwritten recipes and clippings stuck to the inside of the door, designed for quick reference.

Jam for toasted brown bread, our breakfast before school, the never-ending supply of tinned tomatoes for a quick-fix Bolognese ragu to feed the house and a sticky bottle of ketchup, the secret ingredient for getting my brother to eat just about anything.

While I was experimenting with a new cake recipe, or generally making a mess in the kitchen, I don‘t think I appreciated that without these staple ingredients that just seemed to eternally exist, our family meals would not have been.

It‘s why I never regret sounding like a broken record in my cookbooks and online when I repeat the adage that good cooking starts with a well-stocked kitchen. I have loved sharing my recipes with you over the past year and half, and this week I share two recipes that are true to my love of home cooking, fuss free and genuinely useful. A sticky marinade for chicken that uses ingredients you are bound to have in the store cupboard and cheap and cheerful Moroccan meatballs that will give you the ideal excuse to raid those spice jars.

Sweet and sticky balsamic chicken with saffron-spiced rice A dark and heady marinade made with kitchen staples, ideal for any meat but, as here, particularly delicious used to infuse chicken drumsticks served with electric-yellow saffron rice.

Serves 4 For the chicken 8-12 chicken drumsticks 1 tbsp dark soy sauce 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp maple syrup 1 tbsp tomato ketchup 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 cloves garlic, finely grated For the saffron spiced rice 1 pinch saffron fronds 1 tbsp rapeseed oil 1 small onion, finely chopped

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

7

250g basmati rice 2 tsp salt Coriander leaves, to serve Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.

Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a large mixing bowl. Put half the sauce aside for later, then add the chicken to the rest and coat completely. Then put the drumsticks on a large baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Roast for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through. Halfway through the cooking time, baste with the remaining sauce.

While the chicken is cooking, put a pot over a medium-high heat, add the oil and fry the onion for 6-8 minutes, until tender. Add the rice to the pan and stir through.

Top with 500ml of just-boiled water and add the saffron and salt. Bring to a steady simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is completely absorbed. Remove from the heat, fluff up with a fork, put the lid back on and leave to sit until ready to serve.

Serve the rice with the chicken and garnish with coriander leaves.

Home cooking: Moroccan spiced sausage meatballs with harissa couscous Moroccan spiced sausage meatballs with harissa couscous Few recipes can boast about being made almost entirely from store-cupboard ingredients, but this one comes close. Bar a few mint leaves, some yogurt and sausage meat, the rest of the list can happily lie in wait for their moment to shine. If you choose not to use sausage meat here, a combination of pork and beef mince, or lamb, will be a worthy fit.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

8

Serves 4 1-2 tbsp rapeseed oil Good handful of mint leaves 100g natural yogurt 4 tbsp flaked almonds, toasted Sea salt and ground black pepper For the meatballs 500g best-quality sausage meat 1 tbsp cumin seeds, toasted and crushed 1 tbsp coriander seeds, toasted and crushed 1 tbsp fennel seeds, toasted and crushed 1 tsp cayenne pepper For the couscous 250g couscous 400ml chicken stock, just boiled 1 tbsp harissa paste Combine the ingredients for the meatballs, then, with damp hands, form into 20 bite-size meatballs.

Put a large frying pan on a medium-high heat and add a little oil. Fry the meatballs in batches for 5-6 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked through completely.

Place the couscous, chicken stock and harissa paste in a bowl and cover. Allow to sit for 10 minutes, until the liquid is completely absorbed. Fluff up with a fork and season with salt and pepper.

Serve the couscous on a serving plate, the meatballs arranged on top. Garnish with yogurt, toasted almonds and mint leaves https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/two-recipes-true-to-home-cooking-fuss-freeand-genuinely-useful-1.3211717?localLinksEnabled=false

Iran continue to import rice from Pakistan, India amid health concerns 17 September 2017 13:44 (UTC+04:00)

https://en.trend.az/iran/business/2797561.html

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

9

Rice prices rising by Tk2 per day Shafiqul Islam Published at 06:11 PM September 15, 2017 Last updated at 11:36 PM September 15, 2017

Photo:Mehedi Hasan /Dhaka Tribune

Traders, millers and the government have given contradictory reasons for the unusual price hike Rice traders, millers, wholesalers and the government have contradicted each other over unstable rice prices after the per kg retail cost of the staple rose by Tk2 per kg every day this week on average.

On Thursday, various markets in Dhaka were selling Miniket rice at up to Tk68 per kg, a significant rise on the Tk55 mark paid before Eid-ul-Azha.

Coarse rise was up Tk14 to a maximum of Tk54 per kg, while the price for fine quality rice hit Tk70.

Additionally, there was a noticeable variation in prices at the same market with traders saying everyone was selling as they seemed fit in the absence of government monitoring.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

10

Rice traders and warehouse owners have blamed the price hikes on each other, as well as on the recent monsoon floods and excessive rainfall which have made road transportation difficult. ―We sell to the retailers adding very few profits,‖ Mozammel Haque, a rice trader at BadamtoliBabu Bazar wholesale market, told the Bangla Tribune. ―There is no funny business going on; if there is then the millers are to blame for that.‖ Shahidul Haque, a retailer at Karwan Bazar kitchen market and the owner of Swati Enterprise, also blamed the millers while pointing to complications at the ports and customs during rice importing. ―The rice prices are high because of the millers and importers. They have hoarded rice in their personal warehouses. More rice will be found if those are raided,‖ he said.

Habibur Rahman, a miller in Naogaon, defended his industry and said the flash-floods in haor basin and subsequent floods across the country had severely affected the Boro and Aush harvests. ―Millers are always blamed which is wrong. There is no rice in millers‘ warehouses, since many lost their harvest in the flood. They do injustice to us when the government and others blame us.‖ Several government ministers have claimed that there was no shortage of rice in the state reserve, assuring people that warehouses in every district will be searched for rice hoarded by corrupt businessmen who are trying to create an artificial crisis and drive up the price more. ―Action will be taken against anyone trying to create artificial crisis. Warehouses across the country will be raided for rice illegally stored by millers and traders,‖ Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said. ―The deputy commissioners of all districts have already been instructed on this matter.‖ Food Minister Advocate Qamrul Islam, however, told the Bangla Tribune that the people had ―nothing to fear‖ as more rice was being imported from different countries to meet the demand.

He too held corrupt businessmen responsible for the rising prices.

This article was first published in Bangla Tribune http://www.dhakatribune.com/business/commerce/2017/09/15/rice-prices-rising-tk2-per-day/

India-Israel Agricultural Cooperation needs to align with the ‗New India‘ SEPTEMBER 17, 2017, 10:52 AM Devsena MishraDevsena Mishra promotes advanced technologies, startup ecosystems and government‘s business and technology related initiatives like Digital India, Make in India …

The Agriculture is the driving force of the ‗New India‘. Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi has set a target to double the income of the farmers by 2022. A few days back, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in India have organized the pledge taking ceremonies to achieve this

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

11

target, in 562 districts of the country, where the Central and State Governments representatives, Agricultural officers, Students and a large number of farmers have participated in each district.

For the first time, we have seen such kind of ceremonies for a government‘s commitment.

The current approach of Israeli projects in India, particularly in the Agriculture sector, needs some major improvements. India and Israel have signed the Agreement for Agricultural Cooperation in 2006, which evolved into Indo-Israeli Agricultural Cooperation Project in 2008. During the last three years, the Indian government has completely revamped its age-old institutions/policies. This is a high time for Israel to update and align its cooperation strategy with the changed reality and vision of the New India. Now the focus should be on Agribusiness and Agro-Value Addition. Israel should participate proactively to turn Indian Agriculture sector into a profitable enterprise!

On January 1, 2015, Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi has replaced Planning Commission of India with the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India), this change reflects the change in the approach of the government in India, now the focus is on ‗functioning‘ in place of ‗planning.‘ The Planning Commission of India was an institution which formulated India‘s five-year plans.

It was established on 15 March 1950. In his first Independence Day Speech in 2014, Mr. Modi has shared his intention to establish a new institution, which will have a ―new design and structure, a new body, a new soul, a new thinking, a new direction, a new faith towards forging a new direction to lead the country based on creative thinking, public-private partnership, optimum utilization of resources, utilization of youth power of the nation.‖ All key initiatives of the Indian government are aligned with the vision of the ‗New India‘.

Recent initiatives of the Indian government The Indian government is working on a mission mode to transform agriculture sector.

Government‘s initiatives like National Rurban Mission, Innovative Crop Insurance Scheme, Soil Health Card scheme, Soil Testing Laboratories, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (To promote bio-farming), ‗India emergence through village emergence‘ campaign, ‗My Village My Pride‘ scheme (to provide the methodology of scientific farming and a new technology to every village) etc. are very encouraging. The NITI Aayog has proposed a number of reforms for India‘s agriculture sector, including liberal contract farming, direct purchase from farmers by private players, direct sale by farmers to consumers, and single trader license etc. To provide advanced agricultural assistance to farmers, the government will open ‗Krishi Vigyan Kendras‘ in all districts of the country. The Indian government is using digital and mobile technologies for the benefits of the farmers.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

12

In April 2016, the government has launched Electronic National Agricultural Market (e-NAM), this online platform will integrate 585 wholesale markets across India. To boost the agricultural productivity, Indian government is focusing on four key areas: Irrigation, Seeds, Fertilizer and Technology. The Indian government is also promoting the use of drip and sprinkler irrigation technologies under the ‗Per drop, More crop‘ component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).

On the occasion of its 70th foundation day, the Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI) has been elevated as National Rice Research Institute. This Institute has developed 114 rice species for different agriculture climate conditions. The scientists of NRRI have also developed an interesting mobile app called ―rice expert‖ to provide information to farmers in real time on insect pests, nutrients, weeds, nematodes and disease-related problems, rice varieties for different ecologies, farm implements for different field and post-harvest operations. This app has received a very good feedback from the Indian farmers.

Smart Villages in India On 21st February 2016, Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi has launched the ―National Rurban Mission‖ an initiative to develop 2500 smart villages and 300 rural growth clusters by 2019. The objective of the NRuM is to stimulate local economic development, enhance basic services, and create well planned rurban clusters. India is the world‘s 3rd largest Smartphone users market. According to some recent reports, the usage of social media in rural India has grown by 100 percent. Some of the key initiatives of the Indian government to develop smart villages are: Bharat Net (rural broadband connectivity project), Digital Village (for providing Wi-Fi hotspots in rural India), Transformation of Rural post offices into Common Service Centers (CSCs), India Post Payment Banks, GARV (Grameen Vidyutikaran App) and National Digital Literacy Mission etc.

The Smart Village program offers great opportunities for technology, water management, agrotech, solar energy, waste management, infrastructure and financial players of Israel.

Israeli Agricultural Expertise Agricultural innovations of Israel are remarkable. Israel‘s scientists, consultants, farmers and agriculture-related industries cooperate in Agriculture Research activities. The Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) of Israel, widely known as the Volcani Institute is responsible for operating research operations in the country.

Israel‘s Key Agricultural Innovations are: Drip irrigation (Introduced by Israeli inventor late Mr. Simcha Blass), Grain Cocoons (for toxic-free fumigation and safe storage of agricultural commodities), Biological Pest Control, Crop Protection, Dairy Farming (Israeli Dairy Firms

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

13

provides advanced systems for herd management, monitoring and feeding worldwide), Hardier seeds (a technology that enables the introduction of genetic materials into seeds without modifying their DNA), Desert Potatoes, GFA (Grow Fish Anywhere) etc.

The Current Status of India-Israel Agriculture Cooperation After Defense, Agriculture is one of the key areas of India-Israel cooperation. The Indo-Israeli Agriculture Project is the collaborative effort of the Israeli Embassy, Indian center and state government bodies, the Indian Agriculture Ministry‘s Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and MASHAV. In 2015, during the 7th Vibrant Gujarat Summit India and Israel have signed a joint agreement for the third phase of the Indo-Israel Agricultural cooperation project. The first stage of the IndoIsraeli Agricultural Cooperation Project started in 2008. During the first phase (2008 -2011) and the second phase (2012-2015) of this project, some centers of excellence have been set up in different parts of India, mainly in Haryana, Punjab, Utter Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Bihar, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. So far of the proposed 26 centers of excellence, 15 are operational. In the third phase (2015-2018), the Indo-Israel Agriculture Project will be aiming to open some more Centers of Excellence in other states.

The agriculture sector is one of the largest contributors to the GDP of India. According to the stats of Ministry of Labor and Employment, in 2014-15, 45.7% of India‘s workforce was employed in agriculture. The approach of the Indian government towards agriculture overhauling is serious. This is the best time to align India-Israel agricultural cooperation project with the vision of the ‗New India.‘ http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/india-isael-agricultural-cooperation-needs-to-align-with-the-new-india/

RiceBran Technologies (RIBT) Upgraded to “Sell”

by ValuEngine Xavier Holt on Sep 16th, 2017

ValuEngine upgraded shares of RiceBran Technologies (NASDAQ:RIBT) from a strong sell rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Friday morning.

Separately, Maxim Group reissued a hold rating on shares of RiceBran Technologies in a research report on Tuesday, July 18th.

Get RiceBran Technologies alerts:

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

14

RiceBran Technologies (RIBT) traded up 1.85% on Friday, reaching $1.10. 48,549 shares of the company‘s stock traded hands. RiceBran Technologies has a 12 month low of $0.69 and a 12 month high of $1.54. The firm‘s 50 day moving average price is $1.07 and its 200 day moving average price is $0.92. The company‘s market cap is $14.86 million.RiceBran Technologies (NASDAQ:RIBT) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 10th. The company reported ($0.18) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.14) by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $3.15 million for the quarter, compared to analysts‘ expectations of $10.70 million.

RiceBran Technologies had a negative net margin of 18.06% and a negative return on equity of 241.74%. On average, equities analysts expect that RiceBran Technologies will post ($0.41) EPS for the current fiscal year.

About RiceBran Technologies RiceBran Technologies is a human food ingredient, functional food ingredient, packaged functional food and animal nutrition company. The Company is focused on processing and marketing of nutrient dense products derived from raw rice, an underutilized by-product of the rice milling industry. The Company has two operating segments.

Receive News & Ratings for RiceBran Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RiceBran Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. https://www.dispatchtribunal.com/2017/09/16/ricebran-technologies-ribt-upgraded-to-sell-byvaluengine.html

Sweet and sticky balsamic chicken with saffron spiced rice A delicious Donal Skehan recipe made with basic kitchen staples Sat, Sep 16, 2017, 06:10 First published:Sat, Sep 16, 2017, 06:10  Serves: 4 

Cooking Time: 50 mins



Course: Main Course

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

15 

                

Cuisine: Fusion Ingredients For the chicken: 8-12 chicken drumsticks 1 tbsp dark soy sauce 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp maple syrup 1 tbsp tomato ketchup 1 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 cloves garlic, finely grated Saffron spiced rice: 1 pinch of saffron fronds 1 tbsp rapeseed oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 250g basmati rice 2 tsp salt Coriander leaves, to serve

Method A dark and heady marinade made with basic kitchen staples, ideal for any meat but in this recipe, particularly delicious when used to infuse chicken drumsticks served with electric yellow saffron rice.

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

16

Combine all the ingredients for the sauce in a large mixing bowl. Reserve half the sauce for later then add the chicken into the rest of the sauce and coat completely, place the chicken drumsticks on a large baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Roast in the oven for 40 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through. Halfway through the cooking time, baste with the remaining sauce.

While the chicken is cooking, place a pot over a medium-high heat, add the oil and fry the onion for 6-8 minutes until tender. Add the rice to the pan and stir through.

Top with 500ml of just boiled water and add in the saffron and salt. Bring to a steady simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the liquid is completely absorbed. Remove from the heat, fluff up with a fork, place the lid back on a leave to sit until ready to serve.

Serve the rice with the chicken and garnish with coriander leaves. https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/food-and-drink/recipes/sweet-and-sticky-balsamicchicken-with-saffron-spiced-rice-1.3212915

Pak-China hybrid rice drive starts ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), in partnership with China's hybrid rice seeds research organisation, has set off a drive to spur cultivation of hybrid seed across the paddy zones of the country for boosting productivity, profitability, and export surplus, an official said on Friday. ―Both countries have decided to work together for conducting joint awareness programmes to adopt hybrid rice seeds,‖ an official associated with PARC told Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). ―The Chinese scientists are scheduled to train 30 Pakistani agronomists, selected from all the four provinces.‖ Besides, the official said, they would also educate the members of the provincial field extension departments on hybrid rice seed cultivation. ―They will also organise road shows and field visits across the rice-growing areas to address the issues and challenges facing the promotion of hybrid seed,‖ the official said. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/230197-Pak-China-hybrid-rice-drive-starts

Rohingya Muslim refugees forced to scramble for aid in Bangladesh SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 BY AGENCIES

KUTUPALONG: Every day Sunabhan joins thousands of other Rohingya refugees by the roadside near her settlement in southern Bangladesh waiting for aid trucks to arrive and readying herself for the desperate scramble for food.

Like most of the nearly 400,000 refugees who have flooded into Bangladesh in the past three

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

17

weeks to escape violence in Myanmar, she relies entirely on hand-outs from local volunteers operating with no official oversight and little coordination.

Today Sunabhan, a widowed mother of four, managed to fight her way through the scrum of hungry refugees near the camp in Kutupalong and grab a bag of rice flakes.

But often the 44-year-old, who arrived in Bangladesh with her family 10 days ago after fleeing the violence that killed her husband, goes away empty handed. ―There are more people than food so it is very chaotic,‖ said Sunabhan, who like many Rohingya goes by only one name. ―The strong ones run to the trucks and they get the food first, it is more difficult for women and children.‖ Newly arrived Rohingya Muslim refugees wait in line for their registration at a government office in the Bangladeshi town of Ukhia.

The United Nations said this week there was an urgent need for a coordinated response to the massive influx of desperate people, most of whom have still had no assistance from aid agencies or the state.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

18

Ordinary Bangladeshis have stepped into the breach, filling trucks and driving to the new settlements that have sprung up.

But their distribution methods make it impossible to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.

Each time a truck pulls up, the refugees scramble to grab the food parcels, water bottles and clothing the volunteers throw into the desperate crowd.

At times fights break out; at others, children who have clambered up the sides of vehicles, hands outstretched for food, are swept onto the street when the trucks suddenly speed off.

Food is the most prized catch, but even those giving out clothing attract a crowd. Children pick up garments that land on the muddy ground, dust them down and bundle them into empty rice bags.

SAFETY CONCERNS Mohamad Anisul Islam, a 23-year-old Bangladeshi art student, is one of those standing atop the trucks throwing out aid.

He insists his government is doing all it can for the refugees, but says he wants to help with the

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

19

desperate situation. ―Their condition is miserable. They have no food, no home, none of their basic human rights are being met,‖ he said. ―We already have a big population in Bangladesh and we want them to go home, but while they are here we want to help.‖ Vivian Tan, spokeswoman for the UN refugee agency, said the government was now trying to set up drop-off points for aid distribution due to concerns over the current ad-hoc arrangements. ―It reflects the generosity of the Bangladeshi public but did raise concerns about the safety of the refugees rushing for aid being tossed off trucks,‖ she told AFP. ―The sheer scale of this growing influx and the fact that they are scattered in different locations – - camps, makeshift sites and local villages -– make it hard to know where they all are and to reach them all equitably.‖

A young Rohingya Muslim refugee waits outside the World Food Programme office in the Bangladeshi town of Ukhia.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

20

Bangladesh‘s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the army would be deployed to distribute aid, while Lieutenant Colonel Rashidul Hasan told AFP on Friday the orders had reached the crisis zone. ―We‘ve got the directive that the army would receive relief materials sent by foreign nations at the airport and take it to Cox‘s Bazar,‖ he said.

For years Bangladesh restricted the UN refugee agency from operating outside the two camps that are home to the small minority of refugees with government registration papers.

It refused to register new entries, reluctant to give them an incentive to stay on.

Overwhelmed by a tide of arrivals that shows no sign of stopping, it has softened its stance and begun the process of registering newcomers — even as it presses Myanmar to end the violence and take them back.

Myanmar, a mainly Buddhist country that views the Rohingya as illegal immigrants, shows no sign of doing so.

Although it remains unclear what benefits registration will bring for the refugees, thousands are turning out in droves to be fingerprinted, photographed and documented. ―I haven‘t had any proper aid yet,‖ 70-year-old refugee Faisal Karim told AFP as he squatted in the long queue for registration by the army at the Kutupalong camp. ―I think that when we are registered we will get proper relief, like the refugees who have been here a long time.‖ https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2017/09/16/rohingya-muslim-refugees-forced-to-scramblefor-aid-in-bangladesh/

BoP hits deficit for first time in 16yrs 12:00 AM, September 17, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:43 AM, September 17, 2017

Star Business Report

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

21

Bangladesh's balance of payments entered the negative territory for the first time in 16 years in July on the back of a wide mismatch in trade.The overall balance was $179 million in the deficit in the first month of fiscal 2017-18 against $480 million in the surplus a year earlier.

While historical monthly data is not available, the last time the overall balance was in the negative was back in fiscal 2000-01, when it was $281 million in the deficit for the whole fiscal year.

The current account balance also traversed to the negative territory for the first time in four years in fiscal 2016-17.

However, Bangladesh Bank projects that the overall balance will be $2.35 billion in the surplus at the end of the fiscal year, but the current account deficit will reach $2.72 billion.

In July import soared 47 percent, whereas a year earlier it crept up only 2.99 percent.

As the import of food, capital machinery and raw cotton increased so did the overall import, said a BB official.

For instance, in July last year food import was only $0.8 million, whereas this year it was a whopping $101.8 million.

Besides rice, capital machinery import shot up 61 percent in the first month of the fiscal year.

Raw cotton import increased 105 percent, yarn 26 percent and clinker 52 percent.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

22

At the same time, the import of consumer goods like milk, edible oil, sugar and so on increased between 26 percent and 114 percent.

On the other hand, export slightly increased year-on-year but not at the rate as import.

In July export grew 18.50 percent.

Due to the huge mismatch in import and export trade, deficit crossed the $1 billion mark in July, in contrast to $236 million a year earlier. As the trade deficit made a big jump, so did the current account deficit, which reached $497 million in the first month of fiscal 2017-18 in contrast to $379 million in the surplus a year earlier.

Foreign direct investment rose in July but the principle amount of the old debt also went up about 22 percent, which put a pressure on the overall balance. Foreign currency reserves also fell slightly due to pressure on the balance of payments, according to central bank data.

On September 13 the foreign currency reserve was $32.73 billion, which was $33.41 billion on June 30.

The central bank official said the rising trade deficit could put some pressure on exchange rates.

The deficit has already affected the exchange rate as the taka has depreciated against the US dollar.

The weighted average exchange rate was Tk 80.7 per dollar on September 13, up from Tk 78.4 on the same day last year, according to data from the central bank.

However, since June 29 the exchange rate has remained static at Tk 80.7 per dollar. http://www.thedailystar.net/business/bop-hits-deficit-first-time-16yrs-1463356

Rumour of halt to Indian rice imports raises prices at Benapole  

Md Selim Reja, Benapole Published at 07:01 PM September 16, 2017



Last updated at 12:07 AM September 17, 2017

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

23

About 3,000 tons of rice was imported last week at the price of $535 per ton at BenapoleWIKIMEDIA Following the rumour, the import price of the rice increased to $55 per ton, leading to a Tk10 hike per kilogram Rice prices have shot up by Tk10 per kilogram in Benapole allegedly following a rumour that Indian rice imports would be suspended for nearly a month and half.

According to sources at Benapole port, Indian exporters sent an anonymous letter to several ports in Bangladesh on Wednesday which said that India will discontinue exporting rice to Bangladesh from September 15 till November 30.

However, 100 truckloads of rice were still imported through the port last Friday.

Benapole Customs Commissioner Shawkat Hossain Bhuiyan confirmed that the news about the import halt is fake.

Bangladeshi importers have observed that Indian exporters might be involved in a conspiracy to create an artificial crisis so they can increase the value of Letter of Credit (LC).

Though a class of businessmen are benefitting from the hike, low-income people are suffering, they added.

Sources at the port have said the duty-free imported rice was being unloaded at the port.

About 3,000 tons of rice was imported last week at the price of $535 per ton.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

24

Aminul Haque, vice president of the port‘s Import-Export Association said: ―Some people spread the news without verifying it. Even a few newspapers published the news about the anonymous letter.‖ He alleged that the Indian importers are directly involved in the matter.

Following the rumour, the import price of the rice increased to $55 per ton, leading to a Tk10 hike per kilogram, he added.

Monir Hossain Majumder, general secretary of the Benapole chapter of Bangladesh Land Port Employees‘ Union, said that until now, rice imported from India through the port has remained uninterrupted http://www.dhakatribune.com/business/commerce/2017/09/16/rumour-halt-rice-import-raises-pricesbenapole/

Enough rice for all  

Tribune Editorial Published at 06:25 PM September 16, 2017



Last updated at 06:53 PM September 16, 2017

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

25

The government should take precautions for extra security at its warehouses and do all it can to keep the price of rice low and stable This year‘s intense rainfall has flooded rice fields across the country, causing rice output to fall below the anticipated levels.

And on the demand side, on top of 160 million mouths to feed, we are hosting over a million Rohingya refugees who also rely on this essential crop.

We have also been importing rice to meet demand, but somehow, prices have soared to unacceptable levels, and everyone keeps passing the buck, unable to pinpoint exactly what is causing the price hike.

Government officials say that we have enough rice in storage to meet our demand, but that traders and millers are hoarding rice illegally to make big bucks out of an artificially created crisis.

As recently as last month, a mobile court seized 2,700 sacks of rice stolen from government warehouses.

It is true that business is driven by the profit motive, but this kind of illegal manipulation of prices goes beyond profit-making and becomes a criminal act that results in undue hardship on the country‘s poorest and neediest.

Our first priority should be to make sure that no one in this country should go hungry, especially when there is enough rice to feed everyone.

As an immediate, short-term remedy, the government should take precautions for extra security at its warehouses and do all it can to keep the price of rice low and stable.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that no Bangladeshi should hungry, and that is the noblest of goals, and it means ensuring enough rice for everyone http://www.dhakatribune.com/opinion/editorial/2017/09/16/enough-rice-for-all/

Rice export goal raised to 5.6 million tonnes this year VNA FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 - 21:22:00 PRINT

Illustrative image (Source: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – The Vietnam Food Association (VFA) revised up the goal of rice export to 5.6 million tonnes this year from the 5.2 million tonnes set in July thanks to a strong rise in contracts signed during August and positive signs of the market.

In the first eight months this year, the country exported more than 3.8 million tonnes of rice with free on board (FOB) value of 1.66 billion USD, up 17.7 percent in volume and 16.6 percent in

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

26

value, respectively, on a yearly basis.

August saw a surge of 70 percent in volume and 56.8 percent in FOB value of rice shipments.

During the eight months, businesses signed export contracts amounting to 5.1 million tonnes, more than 1.2 million tonnes of which are yet to be delivered.

Positive signals were also seen in the shipment of glutinous rice to China.

Dang Thi Lien, Director of the Long An food company, said China has demand for 300,000 tonnes of glutinous rice between now and the year‘s end while Vietnam can meet only 20-25 percent of them so export prices could continue to rise later this year.

Export of jasmine rice has also performed well.

VFA Chairman Huynh The Nang said China, Bangladesh and the Philippines remain potential rice importers of Vietnam.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

27

Apart from African countries, new markets such as Iran, Iraq are likely to buy Vietnamese jasmine rice while japonica rice is gaining more popularity in Australian continent and China.VNA http://en.vietnamplus.vn/rice-export-goal-raised-to-56-million-tonnes-this-year/117957.vnp

PARC starts campaign to promote hybrid rice cultivation PARVEZ JABRI SEP 15TH, 2017 14:49

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) in collaboration with Chinese hybrid rice seeds research organization has initiated a campaign to promote hybrid seed cultivation across the crop growing areas of the country.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

28

The main aim of this joint initiative was to enhance per acre crop productivity, increase profitability and produce surplus commodity for exports enhancement.

In this regard, an official of the council told APP here Friday that both the countries have decided to work together for conducting joint awareness programmes to adopt hybrid rice seeds.

The Chinese scientists are scheduled to train 30 Pakistani agriculture scientists, selected from all the four provinces.

Besides, he said that they will also impart training to the members of the provincial field extension departments on hybrid rice cultivation.

They would also organize road-shows and field visits across the rice-growing areas to address the issues and challenges in promotion of hybrid rice seed, he added.

He further informed that the a revolutionary hybrid rice seed was recently developed by the Chinese researchers, which would help Pakistani farmers to enhance significantly their per acre yield. The new developed rice seed variety would help to produce extra surplus, hence the country would be able to export more rice for exporting it to other countries, he added.

He said a travelling seminar has also been designed by PARC and Chinese Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Company to travel in all the four ecological zones of the country in Khyber Pukhtunkhawa, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

29

The main objective of the seminar was to estimate the local hybrid seed requirements for different regions and showcase the hybrid rice varieties, he remarked.

In addition, he said that the other aim if the activity was the capacity building of the local experts from all over the country in order to promote the hybrid rice techniques.

High level Chinese team comprising on 12 top hybrid rice experts will be the part of this travelling rice seminar, he added. http://www.brecorder.com/2017/09/15/369510/parc-starts-campaign-to-promote-hybrid-ricecultivation/

Rice Starch Market Status and Outlook 2012-2022: BENEO, Ingredion, AGRANA

09-18-2017 09:55 AM CET - Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: market research 2017 Rice Starch Rice Starch Market Research 2017 A market study ‖ Global Rice Starch Market ‖ will help you understand, formulate and implement strategic decisions by offering critical data, insights and analysis from technology as well as commercial perspective on the Rice Starch market. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Rice Starch market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report consist of comprehensive market data, on a granular level, providing a holistic picture of the Rice Starch market for maximum clarity and understanding.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

30 The Global Rice Starch Market 2017 report includes Rice Starch market Revenue, market Share, Rice Starch industry volume, market Trends, Rice Starch Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Rice Starch Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.

Request for Sample Report Of Rice Starch Market: bit.ly/2xeVXrH Manufacturers Analysis and Top Players of Global Rice Starch Market 2017 : BENEO Ingredion AGRANA Bangkok starch Thai Flour WFM Wholesome Foods Golden Agriculture Anhui Lianhe Anhui Le Huan Tian Biotechnology Firstly, the report covers the top Rice Starch manufacturing industry players worldwide. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions like United States, Europe, Japan, China, Southeast Asia and Middle East and Africa. Furthermore the report covers Rice Starch market on the basis of product types and its applications.

The Rice Starch report gives information on the top company profiles, market share, contact details and manufacturing cost analysis along with value chain analysis of Rice Starch industry, Rice Starch industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth.

Rice Starch Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.

Access Report with Full ToC : www.spiremarketresearch.com/global-rice-starch-sales-mark...

The Rice Starch research report splits on the basis product types that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme, production and contribution to the Rice Starch market revenue worldwide.

Finally, Rice Starch market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.

About Us:

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

31

"Spire Market Research" is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We have a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of the technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.

Contact Us 5001 Spring Valley Road, Suite 400 East, Dallas, TX 75244, USA Contact: +1-214-661-1669 Web: www.spiremarketresearch.com/ This release was published on openPR. http://www.openpr.com/news/722124/Rice-Starch-Market-Status-and-Outlook-2012-2022-BENEOIngredion-AGRANA.html

Executive checkups for senior citizens By: Ramon Farolan - @inquirerdotnet Philippine Daily Inquirer / 07:11 AM September 18, 2017 First of all, allow me to add a few more notes on some of the other distinguished members of UP High School class of 1951. In my last column I featured Raul Daza, a Liberal Party loyalist.

Ambassador Lilia R. Bautista finished law at the UP College of Law and served as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. She was later appointed as permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

Manuel ―Noli‖ Barcelona was a member of the Commission on Elections before serving with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei. He is a brother of the late Court of Appeals justice Ramon Barcelona.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

32

Perhaps the most illustrious member of the class is Dr. Benito S. Vergara.

Ben‘s motto in our high school yearbook was: ―Behind the clouds is the sun still shining.‖ After a long career spent at the International Rice Research Institute (Irri) in ―a life devoted to promoting science in the Philippines,‖ he was named national scientist by the National Academy of Science and Technology for achievements in rice physiology and work in promoting rice science and technology. His Irri publication, ―A Farmer‘s Primer on Growing Rice,‖ has been translated and printed in over 50 languages and, to this day, is in use around the world by agriculturists, extension workers, and farmers.

Ben was also instrumental in the establishment of the Rice World Museum and Learning Center as well as the Philippine Science Heritage Center or Salinlahi, which features the scientific and technological achievements of Filipino scientists. *** As senior citizens grow older, the importance of regular executive checkups becomes more pronounced. The topic of conversation at social gatherings noticeably shifts from office politics, community and national issues, to health-related subjects: blood pressure, sugar levels, cholesterol counts, urinary tract infections or prostate problems.

Last week I received a letter from senior citizen Damaso G. Magbual. He writes: ―I am 73 years old but still relatively healthy, as I go for regular checkups. In the past I would see at least five doctors every year at different dates since they have different clinic hours. Travel time made more burdensome by terrible traffic is taking a toll on me. Hence, I decided to check in at the Manila Medical Center (my hospital since 1978 where I have had five surgeries already) at UN Avenue for two days, so I can see the different doctors in two days. I was told that the hospital offers certain plans for executive checkups. I opted for plan A and I was told to pay P32,550. I inquired if they have deducted the usual senior citizen discount granted under the law. I was told that ‗an executive checkup is a package and it is not entitled to any discount including that for senior citizens.‘ ―General Farolan, I would like to know if it is true that an executive checkup is exempt from a senior citizen discount because it is a ‗package‘? I called the Department of Health (DOH) and I was told that they have no supervision over private hospitals and I was advised instead to seek the

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

33

opinion of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). I was informed that establishments under the supervision of the DTI offering ‗promos and discounts‘ are still mandated to give the usual senior citizen discount on top of the promo and discounts offered. ―I seek your counsel and advice.‖ I was surprised by the fact that DOH officials were not able to provide Mr. Magbual with any answers, since as they put it, ―they have no supervision over private hospitals.‖ I believe that government health officers should be well-versed and knowledgeable about issues that affect the health and wellbeing of our citizens. It has nothing to do ―with supervision over private hospitals.‖ By the way, if the DOH has no supervision over private hospitals, who shoulders this responsibility?

As to the question raised, the law is quite clear. Rule IV, Privilege of Senior Citizens, of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Senior Citizen Act, Section 1 [c] reads: ―Medical and Dental Services in Private Facilities—Medical and dental services that are requested by a physician for the diagnosis of illness or injury are subject to the 20 percent discount and VAT exemption.

Under section 1 (d), professional fees of attending physicians in all private hospitals shall be subject to the 20 percent discount and VAT exemption.‖ In simple terms, an executive checkup in private facilities is subject to the senior citizen discount, and this is true for professional fees of attending physicians.

The DTI opinion is correct. On top of any promo being offered — this is similar to the executive checkup being offered as a package — business establishments are still mandated to give senior citizen discount on top of the promo or package deal being offered. Since the package deal is being offered to all, the senior citizen status is not being honored if he pays the same as everyone else.

My advice to Mr. Magbual is to insist on the senior citizen discount. The matter should not be discussed with some clerk in the cashier‘s office. Clerks have their own rules and instructions to follow. It is best to sit down with the hospital administrator for an intelligent discussion in a friendly and respectful manner. Should the hospital insist on their position, you may decide to take them to court. I realize this is an expensive and lengthy course of action but Romulo Macalintal, the famous election lawyer, has volunteered to help senior citizens in their quest for justice and fairness pro bono.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

34

And finally, this prayer should be of help: Dear Lord, in Thine Own mysterious ways enlighten our businessmen and hospital administrators so that they may see the wisdom of honoring the senior citizen discount for executive checkups. Other than our meager pensions, it is the only thing the law has given us in our old age and unfortunately, some hospitals still disregard even what the law has clearly granted. This we ask in Christ‘s Name. Amen

http://opinion.inquirer.net/107210/executive-checkups-seniorcitizens#ixzz4sq8YIKKz

PhilHealth gets bulk of gov‟t subsidy in July By: Ben O. de Vera - Reporter / @bendeveraINQ Inquirer Business / 08:10 AM September 18, 2017 The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), a government-owned and/or -controlled corporation (GOCC) that administers the state‘s health insurance program, cornered the bulk of subsidies given away by the national government in July.

The latest Bureau of Treasury data showed that of the P16.867 billion in subsidies granted to GOCCs in July, P15.114 billion or 89.6 percent was received by PhilHealth.

Last year, PhilHealth got P43.8 billion, the biggest amount of subsidies among GOCCs. Next year, PhilHealth is also poised to get the largest chunk of subsidies worth P57.1 billion.

ADVERTISEMENT According to the latest data on the national treasury‘s website, PhilHealth had 41.2 million members with 52.2 million dependents in 2016, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 93.4 million or 91 percent of the projected 2016 population.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

35

The GOCC subsidies in July, however, were only less than half of the P35.258 billion distributed in the same month last year.

The other GOCCs that received subsidies in July were the National Irrigation Administration (P978 million); Philippine Rice Research Institute (P337 million); People‘s Television Network Inc. (P105 million); National Electrification Administration (P100 million); Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (P70 million); Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (P69 million); Philippine Heart Center (P38 million); Lung Center of the Philippines (P22 million); Philippine National Railways (P13 million); Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (P13 million); Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (P5 million); and Southern Philippines Development Authority (P3 million).

The Governance Commission for GOCCs had said that up to 90 percent of the subsidies that state corporations receive were being spent on programs and projects, while the remainder covered operational expenses http://business.inquirer.net/237048/philhealth-government-subsidy-gocc#ixzz4sq9Lm9O6

Ambode orders continuous sales of Lake Rice, approves creation of more sales points

By Press Release September 17, 2017 13:23:05pm GMT | Gov Ambode Akinwunmi of Lagos State

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has directed the State Ministry of Agriculture to commence and ensure a non-stop sales of Lake Rice in all the designated sales centre across the State just has he approved the creation of more sales centres, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatyin Suarau has said.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

36

Suarau who stated this over the weekend in his office while reviewing the plans of carrying out the Governor‘s directives noted that the directive is part of the strategy to increase access to the product and ensure effective distribution of the rice across the State.

He said that the newly created sales centres aside the existing designated centers in the 57 local government and local council development areas in the state that will be used for the non-stop sales of the products are, Farm Service Centre Odogunyan-Ikorodu; Farmers Mart Surulere; Agric Input Supply Authority (LAISA) Ojo; Agricultural Development Authority (ADA) Oko Oba, Agege and Lagos Television (LTV) Complex, Agidingbi-Ikeja.

While assuring that the State government will do the needful to ensure the continuous availability of the product in both existing and new sales centres, Suarau noted that work is in progress to ensure adequate supply of the product across the State.

Said he, ―the need to ensure that Lake Rice circulate into the nooks and crannies of the state is key in our drive to attain food sufficiency. Food production and self-sufficiency have been given

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

37

priority attention at State‘s policy and strategic levels, this is aimed at sustaining Lagos because our state is the largest consumer of food commodity in Nigeria‖.

The Commissioner while noting that the price of the rice has not changed stressed that State government will continue to maintain the price of the product to make it affordable to citizens.

He added that the essence of the Lagos-Kebbi partnership is to ensure food security and show case the ability of Nigeria to become a producing nation. ―Logistics have been put in place to ensure a hassle free purchase of the product in an atmosphere devoid of rancour in all our approved sales centres thus making the processes of purchase a lot more easier for everyone‖, Suarau said

New „Dry Rice 1.5‟ initiative launched R ice researchers from across Australia are leading the charge to achieve a 1.5 tonnes per megalitre water use efficiency. New research and technology to enable high harvest yields while using less water to grow the crop is the aim of the ‗Dry Rice 1.5‘ project, according to AgriFutures (formerly Rural Industry Research and Development Corporation). AgriFutures rice program manager Michael Beer said the Rice Research & Development Forum held in Yanco last month showed real efficiency gains are possible with the adoption of new technology and innovation.

He said researchers from the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Centre for Regional and Rural Futures Deakin, University of Queensland, Charles Sturt University, and SunRice joined AgriFutures and Rice Extension representatives to ‗‗share knowledge and build collaboration‘‘. ‗‗Researchers are now using new research techniques to deliver better rice varieties sooner,‘‘ Mr Beer said. ‗‗The rice breeding and chemistry program has been developing new ways to measure rice cooking and eating quality as well as methods to select for these traits using molecular markers. ‗‗The program is working on the difficult challenge of breeding cold and heat stress tolerance into new varieties through detailed understanding of the physiology of these traits. ‗‗It is focused on breeding high value niche varieties with exceptional agronomic performance and that match market demand for healthier food options.‘‘

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

38

Mr Beer said growers can apply precision crop management using on-farm sensors, automated controllers and remote imagery. ‗‗They will have access to accurate decision support tools and crop growth models with weather forecasting and phenology research. ‗‗Research into overcoming soil constraints and understanding the value of flexible layouts will allow crop rotations to be profitable and sustainable. ‗‗A vital link is a comprehensive extension effort to share knowledge and on-farm application of new technology and innovations amongst growers. ‗‗The 1.5 tonne per megalitre target is the first step in an ongoing plan to increase rice farming water use efficiency and profitability.‘‘ http://www.denipt.com.au/2017/09/18/6418/new-dry-rice-15-initiative-launched

Soaring Price of Rice: Govt intervenes to stabilise market

Starts selling rice, flour under OMS programme People buying subsidised rice and flour from a dealer at Mugda in the capital as the operation of Open Market Sale began yesterday. Photo: SK Enamul Haq

Staff Correspondent

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

39

With rice prices soaring across the country, the government yesterday made a rather delayed intervention in the form of selling the staple at a subsidised price under a nationwide Open Market Sale programme. Engaging nearly a thousand dealers, the food ministry channelled OMS rice for Tk 30 a kg to people lining up at designated sale points. Though the price of OMS rice has doubled this time to Tk 30 from Tk 15 a kg, it is still lower by at least Tk 20 a kg from yesterday's retail market price. The state-run Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) said the coarse varieties of rice were on sale in the capital's retail markets for Tk 50 to 54 a kg yesterday, Tk 10 higher than that only a month ago. The government would also launch its Food-Friendly Programme tomorrow under which 1.5 lakh tonnes of rice would be sold to five million ultrapoor for only Tk 10 a kg. They can buy 30 kg of rice each.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

40

Besides, the government directed the local administrations in major rice-trade zones to strengthen monitoring to prevent hoarding of rice. Food ministry sources told The Daily Star that such interventions could not be made earlier because of very low stock of rice in public granaries. A section of rice millers allegedly hoarded rice and deliberately hiked prices after the country lost crops -- primarily estimated at 20 lakh tonnes -- to flashfloods in Haor areas and fungal attack in the last Boro season. Government stock of rice rose to 3.4 lakh tonnes yesterday, thanks to some late imports from Vietnam. Another 1.2 lakh tonnes are on the way to Chittagong Port. Meanwhile, a Myanmar delegation arrived in Dhaka yesterday for fixing modalities for Bangladesh's import of up to three lakh tonnes of rice. On the first day of OMS operation yesterday, people found it difficult to locate the points of sales due to lack of publicity by the government. Md Rubel Ahmed, an OMS dealer, told this newspaper that each of them got one tonne of rice and one tonne of coarse flour for daily sale. The prices are fixed at Tk 30 for rice and Tk 17 a kg for coarse flour. A consumer can buy up to five kg of each item. Asked, Waziur Rahman, deputy director of food, said, ―The OMS programme, meant for providing rice to common people at relatively low prices, started across the country in the morning.‖ A total of 806 OMS centres, including 179 in flood-affected areas, would sell rice across the country, mentioned the deputy director. Another food official said 109 OMS centres are in operation in the capital. However, our district correspondents reported that lack of publicity affected OMS operation in many parts of the country on the first day of OMS sale yesterday.

RAJSHAHI The OMS rice sale failed to draw attention of buyers in the city due to absence of publicity. M Moniruzzaman, Rajshahi regional controller of food, said the OMS operation began fully in Rajshahi city, Naogaon and Bogra, and partially in Joypurhat, Pabna and Natore. He said the dealers in Rajshahi city began the sale in the afternoon, as it took them time to deposit money with banks and collect rice from government warehouses. Kaisar Ali, food controller in Dinajpur, said the OMS rice sale began in Dinajpur and his office engaged 24 dealers in the task.

Split in four groups, the dealers would sell six tonnes of rice every day. The Daily Star correspondent in Dinajpur, however, didn't find any OMS outlet in Barabandar, Bahadurbazar, Gudribazar and Chehelgazi areas of the town.

THE CAPITAL Mohammad Tareque, who was in charge of a truck carrying OMS items in city's Mugda, said they would operate from 9:00am to 5:00pm every day. Tareque said the number of customers was less yesterday as many people were yet to know about the OMS sale. Tofayel Alam, a classIV employee of Geological Survey of Bangladesh, went there to buy coarse flour along with his wife. The couple bought 10 kg coarse flour from the OMS Truck. ―We are happy that we got it…

This is enough to meet our need for a month,‖ Tofayel said, adding that he had earlier bought flour for Tk 30 a kg from a shop. Kabir Hossain, driver of a CNG-run three-wheeler in Dholaipar area, said he bought rice and flour from an OMS sale point for the first time as the price of

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

41

coarse rice shot up to Tk 52 a kg in retail shops. Abdul Awal Talukdar, owner of Mukta Rice Agency in Karwan Bazar, said the price of rice of various categories increased after the Eid. He blamed a ―syndicate‖ of millers for the price hike.

HOARDING ALERT Yesterday afternoon, a large group of law enforcers led by Kushtia Additional Deputy Commissioner Habibur Rahman inspected Khwajanagar, one of the country's biggest rice milling and trade zone, to make sure that no trader can hoard rice. Later, the ADC told the media that they carried out the inspection in the presence of millers and traders to ensure that rice is traded and supplied normally to all other parts of the country from Khwajanagar. The move came just six days after another government team raided mills and warehouses owned by Bangladesh Rice Millers Association President Abdur Rashid in Kushtia and slapped a fine of Tk 50,000 for hoarding. Rashid yesterday claimed that he owns one of the country's largest rice mills, and several thousand tonnes of paddy and rice have to be kept in warehouse in any given season to keep the mill operational.

IMPORTS GET PRICEY Bangladesh imported around seven lakh tonnes of rice in over two and a half months of the current fiscal year against only 1.33 lakh tonnes in the last fiscal year. Five lakh tonnes out of the seven lakh came through private importers. Chitta Majumder, a rice importer, told this newspaper that imports from India got cheaper after duty cut by Bangladesh government. But the prices increased again after the Eid-ul-Azha as Indian exporters hiked prices to Tk 41-42 from Tk 37 a kg. He said traders across the border increased the prices amid growing demand from Bangladeshi importers. Besides, there were delays in shipments for a few days before and after the Eid due to shortage of transport. Recent rumours over India's slapping a ban on rice export also fuelled the price, Chitta added. http://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/soaring-price-rice-govt-intervenes-stabilise-market1463671

LAKE Rice: LASG approves creation of more sales‟ points ON SEPTEMBER 17, 20176:12 PMIN NEWSCOMMENTS The Lagos State Government(LASG) said it had directed a non-stop sale of LAKE rice across the state in all the designated centres. Lake rice Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State gave the directive in a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, on Sunday in Lagos.

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

42

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Oluwatoyin Suarau, also said that the governor had approved the creation of more sales‘ centres. Suarau said the governor‘s directives were parts of the strategy to ensure that as many members of the public had access to the product and ensure effective distribution of the rice across the state. He said that the newly created sales centres aside the existing designated ones in the 57 local government and local council development areas in the state would be used for the non-stop sales of the products.

They are: the Farm Service Centre at Odogunyan-Ikorodu, Farmers Martat Surulere; Agric Input Supply Authority (LAISA) at Ojo; Agricultural Development Authority (ADA) at Oko Oba, Agege and the Lagos Television (LTV) Complex, Agidingbi-Ikeja. He assured the public that the state government would do the needful to ensure the continuous availability of the product in both existing and new sales centres. `The need to ensure that Lake Rice circulates at every nook and cranny of the state is key in our drive to attain food sufficiency for all. ―Food production and self-sufficiency have been given priority attention by the state government and, this is aimed at sustaining Lagos state as its residents are the largest consumers of food commodity in Nigeria,‖ he said.

The commissioner said the price of the rice had not changed and he promised that the state government would continue to maintain the current price of the product to make it affordable to citizens. A 50-kg bag sells for N12,000, a 25-kg bag goes for N6,000 while a 10-kg bag sells for N2,500 . He said the essence of the Lagos-Kebbi partnership was to ensure food security and showcase the ability of Nigeria to become a food-producing nation. ―Logistics have been put in place to ensure a hassle-free purchase of the product in an atmosphere devoid of rancour in all our approved sales centres thus making the processes of purchase a lot more easier for everyone,‖ Suarau said. NAN Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/09/lake-rice-lasg-approves-creation-sales-points/

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

43

Govt to sit with rice millers Tuesday Online Desk | Update: 13:32, Sep 18, 2017

Following soaring price of rice and ongoing unrest situation in rice market, three ministries will hold a joint meeting with the country‘s rice mill owners, importers and traders on Tuesday, reports news agency UNB. Representatives of all rice mill owners‘ associations, importers, wholesalers and retailers were asked to join the meeting to be held at the Food Ministry.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Agriculture Minister Matia Chowdhury and Food Minister Qamrul Islam are likely to attend the meeting.

Representatives of law enforcing agencies will also present at the meet http://en.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/news/159861/Govt-to-sit-with-rice-millers-Tuesday

Rice prices continue to go up

‗The price spiral is likely to stop within the next few weeks as a good amount of rice would be available in the market through private initiative‘The prices of the staple continue their upward trajectory over the last couple of days, with no sign to abate.

According to the market insiders, unless more import initiatives are taken, the hike in rice price would be far from being tamed. As per the on Sunday‘s data provided by Trading Corporation of

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

44

Bangladesh, the retail price of per kg coarse rice was ranging between Tk50 and Tk54 while it was Tk43 to Tk45 just a week ago. Weak public reserve, tremendous damage to paddy during Boro season, recent monsoon flooding that hit Aman cultivation, plus lackluster attempt to procure rice from international market have worsened the situation all together. Nirod Boron Saha, president, Naogaon Rice Wholesalers Association, told the Dhaka Tribune, ―The price spiral is likely to stop within the next few weeks as a good amount of rice would be available in the market through private initiative.‖ He also hinted that the price of the staple food could spike more by the end of the year unless a large volume of rice is imported. Regarding the upward price spiral, Agro-economist Dr Qazi Shahabuddin said: ―Rice price has already increased a lot, but the situation will worsen because of more shortage in near future as we will get less production in Aman season in December due to recent flood.‖ Causes Earlier in April, the flash flood in haor basin comprised of seven districts in the country‘s northeastern part damaged around 20,00,000 tons of Boro rice. Later in last month, this year‘s monsoon flooding damaged around 6,00,000 hectares of Aman paddy field, projecting 15,00,000 tons of less rice production.

State of rice import Amid the ongoing Rohingya influx, Food Minister Qamrul Islam visited Myanmar recently with an aim to make an import of 10,00,000 tons of rice from there, but failed. As of September 13, the country has imported around 6,75,000 tons of rice. Meanwhile, the government has signed separate agreements with Vietnam and Thailand to import rice. Of them, Vietnamese rice has started to arrive. As of today, the government food grain stock stands at 4,61,000 tons. Of them, rice accounts for 3,39,000 tons while wheat 1,22,000 tons. The government has already launched Open Market Sale (OMS) at Tk15 a kg to exert control over the market. The government intervention through OMS is being hailed as a good initiative to stem the price spiral. http://www.dhakatribune.com/business/2017/09/17/rice-price-continues-show-strength/

DR ANGELINE KAMBA DIES Saturday, September 16, 2017 NewsdzeZimbabwe

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com

45

Former Zimbabwe representative to UNESCO Commission on Culture and Development, Dr Angeline Kamba has died.She was widow of the first black University of Zimbabwe Vice Chancellor — Dr Walter Kamba. Dr Kamba died last Tuesday at her Borrowdale home after having been unwell for some time.She was 81. Family spokesperson Dr Ibbo Mandaza confirmed the death saying Dr Kamba had just been discharged from hospital. ―She passed on the 12th of September at night after being unwell for close to a month. ―She died peacefully at home at the age of 81. ―We had been attending to her ever since her husband died. ―We were looking after her as a family. She had just left hospital and now she has rested.‖Dr Kamba was the first director of National Archives of Zimbabwe, making her the first black and first woman to be at the helm of the national documentation entity. She was vicepresident of International Council on Archives between 1984 and 1988.

Dr Kamba was also a member of Council of the Caine Prize for African Writing and she also served on the board of the International Rice Research Institute which is located in Los Banos, Philippines, from 1998-2003 and chaired it from January 2002 to December 2003.

In 2010, she was honoured with a doctorate degree in Archaeology, Museum Studies and Cultural Heritage by the Midlands State University. Dr Kamba also served as board chairperson of the Harare International Festival of the Arts for 10 years before her retirement in 2011.Dr Kamba is survived by two children and two grandsons. Mourners are gathered at No. 3 Hogsback Lane, Borrowdale Brooke. http://www.newsdzezimbabwe.co.uk/2017/09/dr-angeline-kamba-dies.html

Online Advertisement:mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 0321 369 2874 www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com www.ricepluss.com