December 18 ,2018 Vol 9 ,Issue 12
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Rice prices still high By: Karl R. Ocampo - @inquirerdotnet Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:05 AM December 18, 2018 Although rice prices have continued to decline, a member of the country‘s monetary board said it was difficult to say whether prices will go back to year-ago levels. Monetary board member and former International Rice Research Institute executive director Bruce Tolentino said there were many variables that need to be considered. ―One answer is to apply the anticipated inflation rates for 2019 and 2020 to the price of rice moving forward from now. That should provide a fair approximation of the range,‖ he said. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects the country‘s inflation rate in 2019 and 2020 to hit 3.18 percent and 3.04 percent, respectively. As of the first week of December, the average price of regular-milled and well-milled rice declined to P42.17 and P45.73 a kilo, respectively, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed. However, compared to prices a year ago at P38.06 and P42.24 a kilo, respectively, these are still higher by 10.80 percent and 8.74 percent. Prices are also still higher than the suggested retail prices of P39 and P44 a kilo for local regularmilled and well-milled rice.
https://business.inquirer.net/262359/rice-prices-still-high-2#ixzz5a1gJfdz6
Paddy output to rise: FAO 12:00 AM, December 18, 2018 / LAST MODIFIED: 12:06 AM, December 18, 2018
Sohel Parvez
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Paddy output is likely to rise 4 percent year-on-year to 5.36 crore tonnes during the current calendar year, because of higher plantings by growers and favourable weather, said the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently. The overall production of the staple food would be higher than the five-year annual average of 5.17 crore tonnes (equivalent of around 3.53 crore tonnes of rice) between 2013 and 2017. The forecast comes as farmers are harvesting the aman paddy crop, the second biggest crop after boro, in various parts of the country and ample supply pushes down the prices of rice in the market. The United Nations agency said data involving aman paddy, which accounts for about 40 percent of the annual production, would be finalised in January. ―Production prospects are favourable reflecting an above average area planted, supported by remunerative producer prices at planting time and expectations of bumper yields following beneficial weather conditions,‖ it said. The FAO referred to harvest of boro and aus earlier this year, saying that official estimates indicate record outputs reflecting the high level of plantings due to strong domestic prices and bumper yields facilitated by favourable weather conditions.
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The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) estimated that boro rice production rose 8.67 percent year-on-year to 1.95 crore tonnes in 2018 from that a year ago. An estimate for aus rice production is yet to be released by the BBS. But the Department of Agricultu-ral Extension (DAE) puts the aus rice production figure at 29 lakh tonnes, up 7 percent from that a year ago. The FAO said, because of ample supply from record output, Bangladesh's rice imports may decline to 8.50 lakh tonnes in fiscal 2018-19. Total rice import hit a record at 38.92 lakh tonnes the previous year. During the current fiscal year, one lakh tonnes of rice were imported between July 1 and December 12, according to food ministry data. However, wheat import requirements are estimated at a record level of 60 lakh tonnes in the current fiscal year, said the FAO. ―The strong demand for wheat reflects a shift in consumers' diet preferences as well as the increased use as a substitute for more expensive rice,‖ it said, adding that maize imports were expected to increase to 17 lakh tonnes due to sustained demand for feed. Overall, cereal import requirement in the July-June period of 2018-19 is estimated at 86 lakh tonnes, almost 30 percent above the five-year average and 22 percent less than the previous year's unusual high, FAO said. Apart from increased imports, maize production also rose 6 percent year-on-year to 32 lakh tonnes in 2018, reflecting increased plantings to meet rising demand. The FAO also forecasts that wheat production may drop to 13 lakh tonnes, slightly below the five-year average, due to a contraction in plantings as farmers preferred to shift to more remunerative crops such as paddy. https://www.thedailystar.net/business/news/paddy-output-rise-fao-1675123
Rice tariff bill not expected to significantly raise imports — USDA December 17, 2018 | 12:06 am A worker is seen at an NFA warehouse in Quezon City. -- PHILSTAR/MICHAEL VARCAS
THE US Department of Agriculture does not expect significant growth in the volume of rice imports in Markey Year (MY) 2018-2019 even with the passage of the rice tariffication bill.
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The USDA said sufficient overseas orders have been made, though the law would favor imports from ASEAN countries.
The USDA said that potential imports over the long term will depend mainly on the Philippines‘ domestic production. The USDA said the law, which lberalizes the rice importation process, will bring down rice prices by P2 to P7 per kilo, helping contain inflation. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that palay production for the three months to December may decline 1.3% to 7.22 million metric tons (MT), due to a decline in the area planted to rice. The yield per hectare may also fall 0.51% to 3.91 MT. The PSA added that the average farmgate price of palay fell 0.20% from a week earlier to P20.01 per kg in the first week of December. The average wholesale and retail prices of well-milled rice also fell, according to PSA. The average wholesale price of well-milled rice fell 0.26% from a week earlier to P42.43 per kg in the first week of December. The average retail price of well-milled rice fell 0.26% to P45.93 per kg.
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The average retail and wholesale prices of regular-milled rice, also fell, the PSA said. The average wholesale price of regular-milled rice fell 0.56% from a week earlier to P39.21 per kg. The average retail price of regular-milled rice fell 0.66% to P42.17 per kg. The average farmgate price for yellow corn in grain form rose 1.35% week-on-week to P14.23 per kg, the PSA said. The average wholesale price rose 0.49% to P20.63 per kg. The average retail price was unchanged week-on-week at P25.73 per kg. The average farmgate price for white corn in grain form rose 1.11% from a week earlier to P14.55 per kg. The average wholesale price for white corn in grain form rose 0.97% week-on-week to P20.90 per kg. The average retail price rose 0.07% to P27.84 per kg. — Reicelene Joy N
https://www.bworldonline.com/rice-tariff-bill-not-expected-to-significantly-raise-imports-usda/
China may park $2 billion in Pakistan reserves this month ISLAMABAD: In a positive development, China is most likely to park $2 billion in Pakistan reserves sometime in the ongoing month of December, and, more importantly, the economic diplomacy with the UAE is also going to fetch the dividends. And in the month of January 2019, the country is most likely to attain $6 billion facility as is managed from Saudi Arabia, a senior official, privy to the development, told The News. ―UAE will also deposit $3 billion in Pakistan reserves, but in installments‘ mode, and would also extend oil facility of $3 billion on deferment payment too.‖ To a question the official said that China will deposit $2 billion not in installments but most likely in one-go. He further explained saying that apart from it, Pakistan authorities are also in process to finalise the purchase of 15 billion RMBs (Yuan) at commercial rate almost at the cost
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of over $2 billion for trade with China in local currency which will help Pakistan come out of US dollar‘s pressure too.
The expected relief from China in December and from the UAE in January next year will provide mammoth solace to the PTI government. However, he said, China wants Pakistan not to highlight its assistance for strengthening the reserves. The official said that the latest statement by Asad Umar that Pakistan is not in a hurry for the IMF bailout package indicates that impending relief from China and UAE to support the foreign reserves is on the cards. The official, while referring to Asad Umar, the Finance Minister of Pakistan, who is also on the record saying balance of payment issue is over, said that Mr Umar was in knowledge that things are moving with China and UAE in positive trajectory and now behind-the-scene talks with both the countries have got matured indicating that China and UAE are all set to come forward to bailout Pakistan from the current economic morass. Pakistan has already got $2 billion out of $3 billion promised by S Arabia to strengthen the foreign exchange reserves. Only $1 billion is left that Pakistan is yet to receive from S Arabia.
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According to State Bank of Pakistan Abid Qamar country will get remaining $1 billion from S Arabia in the month of January 2019. Apart from it, Pakistan has started availing the oil facility of $3 billion on defer payment. However, the official said that Pakistan‘s authorities are still in touch with IMF for about $6-7 billion package. Pakistan direly needs the comfort letter for the Fund for move financial ties with international financial institutions (IFIs). It is pertinent to mention here that The News, in its edition of November 7, 2018, had published the story of this scribe quoting a cabinet member that China has indicated that it will place $2 billion in Pakistan reserves to provide Pakistan‘s financial managers a sense of confidence with regard to reserves situation. The News also broke the story while quoting Federal Commerce Minister Razzak Dawood that Beijing offered Pakistan to double its exports to China from $1.2 to $2.2 billion by end of ongoing financial year 2018-19 and in case Pakistan succeeds to do that, China will also encourage Pakistan to increase it exports by one billion dollars more. In addition, Beijing also indicated to extend to Pakistan a special quota for export of sugar and rice which will also help Pakistan have a massive surge in exports to China. This will help reduce trade deficit with China which stands at over $14 billion. The official said that Pakistan can increase its exports by just $500 million by sending to Chinese market one million tons sugar and one million tones rice. He said China‘s imports stand at $2 trillion, but Pakistan entrepreneurs lack the ability to harness even one percent share in China‘s total imports. But, unfortunately, Pakistan has not required export surplus to avail the Chinese offer to triple its exports to China. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/406839-china-may-park-2-billion-in-pakistan-reserves-thismonth
Nigeria has potential to become giant in rice productionExpert 8|www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
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December 17, 2018 at 12:25 PM
Nigeria has potential to become giant in rice production-Expert Mr Babatunde Ajibola, Head, Media and Communication, Elephant Group Plc, a local rice producing company in Lagos says Nigeria has everything to become giant in rice production in Africa. Ajibola, who said this in a statement to in Lagos on Monday, expressed delight that local rice producing companies were solidly supporting the Federal Government to ensure availability of local rice for consumption and export. ‖The Group, along with major rice stakeholders, is in full support of the Federal Government plans for food security and adequate rice production for the citizens,― he said He commended the present administration for giving serious consideration to the production of local rice instead of relying mainly on oil.
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‖Once the nation‘s potential in rice production is harnessed, smuggling of rice into the country will be a thing of the past. ‖Many farmers, through the Federal Government support, have up scaled their cultivation of paddy rice nationwide. Their harvest of paddy rice is what is processed by rice producing companies and bagged for sale in the local markets,‖ he said. Ajibola noted that many rice milling plants were being established while the moribund ones were being acquired and put to meaningful uses. He said that the Elephant Group acquired one of such mills, Elele Alimini Rice processing mill, in Rivers and had been making effective use of it to produce its own brand of local rice. According to him, the Elele Alimini rice mill has the capacity to process 201 metric tonnes of paddy rice per day. Ajibola said that local rice producers patronising of farmers for paddy rice had encouraged the local rice growers to cultivate more rice through the Out-growers Scheme of the Federal Government thereby leading to the expansion of the nation‘s agricultural value chain. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria consumers demand for rice currently stands at 5.8 million tonnes per annum. By Raheem Ayobami and Chidinma Agu https://www.primepost.ng/2018/12/17/nigeria-has-potential-to-become-giant-in-rice-production-expert/
Rice exports hit over US$ 495 million in eight months PUBLISHED 16 DECEMBER 2018 From April 1 to November 30, this year, the country earned US$ 495.577 million from exports of 1450728.850 tons of rice and broken rice, according to the figures released by the Commerce Ministry.
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During eight months, rice exports via the marine trade hit US$ 225.07 million while the border trade reached US$ 270.507 million.
The rice export sector earned US$ 551 million from exports of 1.423 million in 2012-2013 fiscal year, US$ 475 million from exports of 1.262 million in 2013-2014 FY, US$ 660 million from exports of 1.840 million in 2014-2015 FY, US$ 526 million from exports of 1.493 million in 2015-2016 FY and US$ 553 million from exports of 1.750 million in 2016-2017 FY.
The rice exports via the border trade camps exceed the marine trade. The rice exports via the border trade camps hit 60 per cent in 2012-2013, 72 per cent in 2013-2014, 77 per cent in 20142015, 81 per cent in 2015-2016, 72 per cent in 2016-2017 and 52 per cent in 2017-2018 FY.
Thanks to the market expansion in 2017-2018 FY, the total rice exports hit nearly 3.6 million tones. In 2017-2018 FY, the rice exports via sea routes accounted for 48 per cent.
During this fiscal year, the border trade accounts for 53.62 per cent and the marine trade for 46.38 per cent.
According to the main objective of the local rice sector, Myanmar is expected to fetch US$ 1.5 billion from exports of four million tons of rice in the next three years. https://elevenmyanmar.com/news/rice-exports-hit-over-us-495-million-in-eight-months
Company-to-company deal signed for rice, maize CHAN MYA HTWE 17 DEC 2018 Farmers harvesting paddy in the outskirts of Yangon. Zarni Phyo/The Myanmar Times
An agreement has been signed between two Chinese companies and the Shan State (Northern) Rice and Paddy Development Public Co Ltd to trade 15,000 tonnes of rice and 10,000 tonnes of maize, U Chan Thar Oo, managing director of the company, told The Myanmar Times.
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He said the agreement signed on December 14 allows the Chinese companies to buy the maximum stipulated amounts allowed by China‘s government.
―China‘s government has quotas for rice and maize imports. We would like to sign deals for 100,000 or one million tonnes, however, we signed deals for the amount that our Chinese partners can officially obtain import licences for. It is first step. If it is successful, other deals may come,‖ he said. Shan State (Northern) Rice and Paddy Development‘s rice mills are among mills approved by China‘s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People‘s Republic of China. Myanmar‘s is still negotiating with the Chinese government on quotas for rice exports.
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The signing of the contract earlier this month was on a business-to-business basis, but the Myanmar Trade Promotion Organisation is negotiating with Chinese government for broader arrangements in terms of rice exports. https://www.mmtimes.com/news/company-company-deal-signed-rice-maize.html
Revenge of the antique rice grain A group rallies against hybrid seeds to save the heirloom varieties By Moumita Chaudhuri
Published 16.12.18, 2:21 AM
Updated 16.12.18, 3:03 AM
SEED SCIENCE: Abhra Chakraborty has preserved nearly 440 varieties of paddy Image: The Telegraph As Chinmoy Das tells it, it all began in September 2007. Several districts of West Bengal were flooded. Walking through one such limpid countryside along the banks of the Kulik river in North Dinajpur, Das, a Geography teacher, was surprised to see some paddy crops still standing erect, undamaged. That left Das and his two friends — Sudipta Mukherjee, an officer with the fire services department in Calcutta, and Rupak Kumar Paul, a college teacher — intrigued. Das says, ―That is the first time we learnt about paddy that is flood-resistant.‖ Thereafter, the three decided to follow up the revelation with some serious research. In due course, they came to know about paddy varieties that are drought-resistant and others that can grow in brackish water. They also learnt that these indigenous or folk varieties with names such as Kalli, Changa, Kochi, Malsera, Kakri, Bahurupi had ceded place to high-yielding hybrid rice, a hot market favourite. Five years later, Das and his friends launched the Forum for Indigenous Agricultural Movement or Fiam, a platform to rejuvenate lost varieties of rice.The first step was finding as many varieties of seeds as possible. One stop was the Agriculture Training Centre at Phulia; it had over 400 varieties of heirloom seeds. The other thing to do was identify individuals with collections. https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/people/revenge-of-the-antique-ricegrain/cid/1678937?_ga=2.204148624.1461264120.1545126440-683921327.1545126437
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Nutritionists have called a kind of rice that protect against weight gain By paradox 18.12.2018
Black rice slows the growth of fat tissue. Journal of Medicinal Food published a report on the study of South Korean scientists from Seoul University and Sejong University, have studied the properties of black rice. As a result of scientific experts came to the conclusion that the addition of germinated black rice in the diet protects against obesity against eating foods high in fat.Biologists from South Korea have been exploring the mechanisms of development of obesity, and also are searching most effective methods of protection against this violation. The experts have conducted a number of laboratory studies, allowing to understand, whether sprouted black rice have a tangible impact on the appearance of excess weight. The interest of scientists to this product is not accidental. Black rice is known for the large amount of protein. In addition, it includes vitamins b, E, folic acid, significant amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and manganese. In addition, black risk is a source of anthocyanins antioxidants – substances that help people deal with diseases of the heart and brain, cancer and other serious illnesses. Also, experts indicate that the black rice compared to the usual half the sodium that contribute to the development of heart failure.
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The authors of the new project experimented with mice. Animals were divided into four groups. The first group received normal feed, the second feed with a high fat content, the third and fourth groups of fatty food, in which was added sprouted black rice. In the diet of rodents from the third group black figure was 2.5% of the daily food ration of mice from the fourth group – 5%. As a result, scientists were able to ascertain that the inclusion of black rice in saturated fats diet effectively protects against the growth of fat tissue. The effect of black rice experts connect with a high content of protein and dietary fiber. When the assimilation is a slowdown in the metabolism of sugar. Black rice in this regard can be very useful for diabetics. ―The results of the eight-week experiment showed that adding black rice in the diet significantly reduced the lipid accumulation in liver and adipose tissue,‖ – said experts. http://micetimes.asia/nutritionists-have-called-a-kind-of-rice-that-protect-against-weight-gain/
‘Polished’ PDS rice racket busted SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT ANANTAPUR, DECEMBER 18, 2018 00:19 IST
Vigilance and Enforcement officials on Monday here seized 283.35 quintals of public distribution system (PDS) rice that was allegedly to be polished with palm oil and sold in Karnataka. Sale in Karnataka Regional Enforcement Officer G. Ramanjaneyulu said following a tip-off from officials in Kadapa that a gang was bringing the rice from there to Anantapur to polish it behind a temple at a godown belonging to Mudra Venugopal and Anjaneyulu, officials seized an autorickshaw- APD4 TU 8879 - and the rice. Mehboob Basha used to buy PDS rice from beneficiaries at ₹10 per kg and sell at ₹13 a kg to Anjaneyulu, who, with his partner, allegedly repackaged it under brand names: India Gate, Helicopter,
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Krishnaveni, Mother Gold, Apple, Gemini and Saroj Agro and sold it in Kadiri in the district and in Karnataka. Cases have been registered under section 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and 6A (confiscation of essential commodities) of the Essential Commodities Act.
Official: Expect Lake Rice in Lagos markets soon ByNews Agency of Nigeria December 17, 2018
The Lagos State Government says its indigenous rice called ―Lake Rice‖ would be available in markets before the year ends at the rate of N12,000 per bag.
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Mr Okanlawon Sanni, the Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwumi Ambode on Food Security, made the assertion while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos. Sanni told NAN that though the commodity was not available in the markets now, efforts were being made to ensure its availability to buyers during the Yuletide. ―The Lake Rice is not in the market for now but any moment from now, it will arrive from Kebbi and Lagosians will have enough of it during the festive period for N12, 000. ―The rice will be available at all local government areas across Lagos and in designated centres, retail markets and super stores,‖ he said. ―The state government had taken stocks of the equipment for the up calling of the Imota rice mill and that the installation will commence soon. ―One of the areas we are looking at to ensure all year round availability of the commodity is to build our mill. ―The equipment have arrived and installation will commence in earnest because that is the only way we can address the hiccups experienced in the supply chain of the commodity,‖ Sanni said. NAN reports that the Lagos State Government had said it subsidized LAKE Rice to the tune of N1.049 billion from December 2016 till date, as part of efforts aimed at sustaining food sufficiency and food security. During his annual Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the third anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode‘s administration, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Oluwatoyin Suarau, said that LAKE Rice, which was being sold at a highly subsidised rate of N12,000 per bag of 50kg, had helped to crash the skyrocketing price of rice in the country.―The government has subsidized LAKE Rice under this review period with over N1 billion. This is targeted toward ensuring food sustainability and food security in the state and as an end result, making Lake Rice a national brand,‘‘ he said.
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Suarau explained that the subsidy included cost of transportation, bagging and difference in cost price of the rice from other brands. He added that 150 marketers and other ancillary service providers had been empowered through the sale of LAKE Rice. LAKE Rice is being produce from the partnership venture between Lagos State and Kebbi governments whereby, Kebbi produces the paddy and Lagos mills the rice. NAN also reports that it is estimated that the partnership, which began in March 2016, will facilitate the creation of 274,000 jobs across the agriculture value chain. ―It will also bring about the cultivation of 32,000 hectares of farm land to produce rice paddy, equating to an estimated 130 million kilogrammes of processed rice per year which is an equivalent of 2.6 million 50kg bags of rice,‘‘ he said. https://www.today.ng/news/nigeria/official-expect-lake-rice-lagos-markets-180227
Seven arrested for allegedly mislabeling rice for sale Date: 18 December 2018 By Wendy Amarteifio Category: general news Seven arrested for allegedly mislabeling rice for sale
Seven have been arrested and in police custody over alleged mislabeling of rice for sale. Two owners of a warehouse and their five employees have been arrested in a joint operation by the police and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for allegedly mislabeling low quality and low cost rice as popular and high cost brands and selling them to the unsuspecting public.
The names of the owners of the warehouse have been given by the police as Alhassan Fuseni, 40, and Sumaila Sudique, 50.
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The names of their five employees have been withheld by the police.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the FDA, Mr. James Lartey said some officers of the Accra Regional Police Command and the FDA received information that some traders were re-packaging rice of low-cost brands and selling them as high cost brands at the Okaishie Market in Accra. On December 12, 2018 a joint team from the Ghana Police Service and FDA went to the said venue and found the suspected traders, believed to be the owners of the warehouse, busily re-packaging the rice from unknown brands to some other bands which were popular and high priced in the market. The names of the different brands of the high quality and high priced rice have been withheld by the police to protect consumers, while investigations continue. However, the names of the low quality and low priced rice were given as Dio and Aroma rice. Mr. Lartey said during initial investigations, the joint team found about 2,000 bags of assorted low priced rice in the warehouse, which were going to be re-packaged as high quality brand for sale to the public. The team, he said, arrested the seven persons for interrogation, while officials of the FDA took samples of the rice for testing and locked up the warehouse.
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The illegal activity, according to the FDA, was known as misbranding of food, a practice which contravenes the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851 section 103). The FDA warned all persons economically motivated to adulterate food to put a stop to it because it was an offence under the Public Health Act, 2012 ( Act 851)."Offenders will face the full rigours of the law when apprehended," it stated https://www.primenewsghana.com/general-news/seven-arrested-for-allegedly-mislabeling-rice-forsale.html
Rice prices still high By: Karl R. Ocampo - @inquirerdotnet Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:05 AM December 18, 2018 Although rice prices have continued to decline, a member of the country‘s monetary board said it was difficult to say whether prices will go back to year-ago levels. Monetary board member and former International Rice Research Institute executive director Bruce Tolentino said there were many variables that need to be considered. ―One answer is to apply the anticipated inflation rates for 2019 and 2020 to the price of rice moving forward from now. That should provide a fair approximation of the range,‖ he said. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects the country‘s inflation rate in 2019 and 2020 to hit 3.18 percent and 3.04 percent, respectively. As of the first week of December, the average price of regular-milled and well-milled rice declined to P42.17 and P45.73 a kilo, respectively, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed. However, compared to prices a year ago at P38.06 and P42.24 a kilo, respectively, these are still higher by 10.80 percent and 8.74 percent.Prices are also still higher than the suggested retail prices of P39 and P44 a kilo for local regular-milled and well-milled rice
https://business.inquirer.net/262359/rice-prices-still-high-2
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Presidency claims Buhari has created at least 12 million new jobs SAMSON TOROMADE Yesterday at 11:53 AM
President Muhammadu Buhari The presidency has claimed that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has created at least 12 million new jobs since inauguration in 2015. The claim was made by President Buhari's Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, while he was speaking during an interview on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily on Monday, December 17, 2018. When quizzed on the administration's abysmal job creation numbers based on the data of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Shehu said the report that quoted millions of job losses had been unfair to the government. Shehu said the Director-General of the NBS, Dr Yemi Kale, has admitted to the federal government that the previously-published data had only focused on white-collar jobs.
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According to him, a claim by the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) that 12 million jobs had been created in the agricultural sector has not been disputed by anyone. He went on to declare that the current government has created millions of jobs in the sector, noting that Dr Kale would soon make the new information public. He said, "The NBS chief addressed the federal cabinet and made the admission himself that they had concentrated analysis over time on white collar jobs and not take cognizance of job creation in areas of agriculture. "Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) made the open claim, and nobody has challenged them, that they had created 12 million new jobs. "When he finished addressing the federal cabinet last week, the government asked the DG of the NBS, 'Go out there and tell the Nigerian public. You're just saying to us now that Jigawa, Kebbi and Ebonyi are reporting the lowest unemployment rates in the country on account of agriculture'. "The point is that I think that it is the data collected on the basis of which some of the judgements that have been passed that are misleading and I think that there's now a convergence. "The data had been unfair to the administration, it had ignored job creation in the areas of agriculture and now that is being being integrated and Nigerians will be impressed. "We've created at least 12 million new jobs in the area of agriculture." Although there's no public record of RIFAN declaring that the present administration has created 12 million new jobs, its National Treasurer, Sadiq Daware, noted in August that Nigeria has over 12 million rice farmers. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, claimed in November that the government created 12 million jobs through massive rice production in the last two years. "As of July this year, the number of farmers has increased by 12 million," he said. According to the association, it has over 12.2 million members who are involved in Rice farming, milling, storage and management, trading and marketing, export, research and training and allied businesses. Update: NBS DG denies presidency's figures When he was asked about the presidency's claim on his Twitter account (@sgyemikale) on Monday, Dr Kale noted that no such admission was made by him or the government-funded agency. He said, "I make it very clear that neither the statistician general nor NBS ever made any such admission at anytime to anybody and the unemployment computations does take into account all sectors, age groups and both rural and urban areas."
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Institute officials visit to learn about sector December 17, 2018The NationalBusiness
THE International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) visited Papua New Guinea recently to learn more about the nation‘s rice industry and how farmers can be assisted to increase production in an environmentally sustainable way. Dr Jean Balie, head of IRRI‘s agri-food policy platform and Dr David Johnson, IRRI representative for South-East Asia, visited PNG with support from the Australian government. During the visit, they met with the leaders including vice-Minister for Agriculture Henry Ame, Mul-Baiyer MP Koi Trappe and actingSecretary for Agriculture and Livestock Frances Daink to better understand Government priorities and objectives for growing rice across the country. Balie and Johnson also visited Trukai rice farms in Mul-Baiyer and Erap to see firsthand how rice is being grown to support livelihoods and food security. Trukai‘s Hamamas Rice is the first rice to be grown commercially in Papua New Guinea. Farmers from Trukai rice farms in Umi and Chingwam discussed with IRRI the latest techniques in growing rice more efficiently and how production can be increased sustainably. In Mul-Baiyer, the delegation visited Trukai‘s 10-hectare pilot rice project which celebrated its first harvest in October 2016.
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The International Rice Research Institute is a leading international not-for-profit agricultural research and training organisation that aims to improve livelihoods and nutrition through ricebased agri-food systems. As part of efforts to grow PN‘s economy, Australia is supporting the development of ita agriculture sector by connecting different industries with international experts. https://www.thenational.com.pg/institute-officials-visit-to-learn-about-sector/
International Rice Research Institute visits Papua New Guinea 18/12/201818/12/2018 EMTV Online 42 Views agriculture, International Rice Research Institute, png rice industry, Trukai rice
Photo: IRRI officials Dr. Balie and Dr. Johnson meet with Trukai officials at their rice farm in Erap, Morobe Province. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) visited Papua New Guinea in December to learn more about the nation‘s rice industry and how farmers can be assisted to increase production in an environmentally sustainable way. Dr. Jean Balie, head of IRRI‘s agri-food policy platform, and Dr. David Johnson, IRRI representative for South East Asia, visited Papua New Guinea between 3rd and 7th December with support from the Australian Government. During the visit, they met with Henry Ame, Goroka MP and Vice Minister for Agriculture, the Koi Trappe Member for Mul Baiyer and Frances Daink, the Acting Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, to better understand the Government of Papua New Guinea‘s priorities and objectives for growing rice across the country. Dr. Balie and Dr. Johnson also visited Trukai rice farms in Mul-Baiyer and Erap, to see firsthand, how rice is being grown to support livelihoods and food security. Trukai‘s Hamamas Rice is the first rice to be grown commercially in PNG. Farmers from Trukai rice farms in Umi and Chingwam discussed with IRRI the latest techniques in growing rice more efficiently and how production can be increased sustainably. In Mul-Baiyer, the delegation visited Trukai‘s 10-hectare pilot rice project which celebrated its first harvest in October 2016. IRRI is a leading international not-for-profit agricultural research and training organization that aims to improve livelihoods and nutrition through rice-based agri-food systems. As part of efforts to grow Papua New Guinea‘s economy, Australia is supporting the development of Papua New Guinea‘s agriculture sector by connecting different industries with international experts.
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IRRI officials Dr Balie and Dr Johnson meet with rice farmers from Umi and Chingwam
CRF: Kingdom‘s rice exports do not impact EU farmers Cheng Sokhorng | Publication date 18 December 2018 | 08:30 ICT Share CRF vice-president Hun Lak claims the Kingdom‘s rice exports do not impact EU farmers. Heng Chivoan
The Cambodia Rice Federation (CRF) has urged the EU to revise its Safeguard Clause as it could prove devastating to the Kingdom‘s rice industry. The EU committee has not announced its final decision. Its move comes as the Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations-General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives (Copa-Cogeca) last week urged the EU to speed up its enforcement of the safeguard clause on rice imports from Cambodia and Myanmar. The Copa-Cogeca said the Trade Promotion General Directorate submitted a proposal during a December 4 meeting to enforce the safeguard clause on rice imports from Cambodia and Myanmar for a vote at the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Committee. With no comment on the enforcement, it said the Committee intends to take action on the issue.
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―The Committee delivered a ‗no opinion‘ decision, which allows the [European] Commission to move forward with the adoption of the legal proposal." ―The safeguard investigation carried out by the Commission reached the same conclusions – the increasing imports of rice from Cambodia and Myanmar have caused serious difficulties for the entire EU rice sector,‖ said the Copa-Cogeca. However, this has been disputed by the CRF, which previously explained to the EU committee that Cambodian rice does not impact the EU rice industry, said its vice-president Hun Lak. ―It is not the first time Italy and Spain complained about the slowdown of their rice industry, but this is not caused by us. [We supply] a different type of rice and it is the consumers‘ choice of which variety they prefer,‖ he said. Impact of tariffs Customs duty will be imposed at €175 ($198) per tonne in the first year, €150 in the second year and €125 the year after, according to the first draft of the safeguard clause, issued on November. Italian rice farmers first complained about rice imports in 2014 and argued that the imports were harming EU farmers. ―Tariffs will impact the supply chain. Our infrastructure is not yet ready to save the cost of logistics. We will face heavy competition in our rice market with neighbouring countries." ―It is unfair to us . . . our farmers also try their best to produce good quality rice to make a living and we are still a developing country,‖ he said. Noting that the EU‘s safeguard clause including all types of rice was an oversight, he called on the EU members to intervene in the matter. ―They also support us and are willing to veto or choose not to be in the voting meeting. It is really a very sensitive issue for Cambodia,‖ he said. Amru Rice CEO Song Saran said more than 75 per cent of Cambodian rice exports to the EU is fragrant rice, stressing this does not impact EU farmers.―The majority of rice we export to EU countries is fragrant rice, which is not able to grow in their countries. I would like to request the European Commission not to include fragrant rice in the safeguard measure,‖ he said https://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/crf-kingdoms-rice-exports-do-not-impact-eu-farmers
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