23rd august ,2017 daily global regional & local rice e newsletter by riceplus magazine

Daily Global Rice Rice News Headlines....

E-Newsletter

1

August 23,2017 Vol 8 Issue VIII

 Basmati rice overtakes buffalo meat to become India's top export  Despite floods, rice output forecasts unchanged  U.S. Rice Finds a Home in Locally Made Saké  Drones to be "the next best thing" for Louisiana farmers  Pakistan has a strong cultural 'taste', here's proof  The value and challenges of a pop-up installation  Rice crop faces further setback  Rice Imports at 760,000 Tons Last Year  South Asia faces flood fury  Rice crop faces further setback  Textile exports up 3pc to $1.006 billion in July  FAO advocates efficient rice farming practice  Global Brown Rice Market 2017- Asia Golden, T.K. Mills, Shiva Shellac & Chemicals, Daawat  Global Brown Rice Market 2017 Research, Analysis, Demand, Trend Analysis by 2022  Farmers in Borno expect bountiful harvest  Sri Lanka expects Yala rice harvest to be down 35-pct  July imports rise 37pc

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...

Basmati rice overtakes buffalo meat to become India's top export The basmati exports increased from Rs 6,196 crore of last years AprilJune quarter to Rs 8168 crore in the same quarter this year

Moneycontrol News Basmati rice has regained its position as the top commodity export from India. The famed rice variety replaced buffalo meat to become the top most export for the April-June quarter.

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

3

Basmati rice had been countries key export commodity for years. But since 2014-15 financial year, buffalo meat had surpassed the former, thus becoming the top export commodity.

A report in the Business Standard says, this happened after Iran, which consumes over a quarter of India's Basmati exports to the world had suspended all new orders earlier.

Iran usually suspends import orders during its harvesting season. As per reports, this year the traders in Iran have continued importing Basmati even during the harvesting season.

As per the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) estimates, the Basmati exports increased from Rs 6,196 crore from last year's April-June quarter to Rs 8168 crore in the same quarter this year.

source: Insight 18 Another factor behind Basmati grabbing the top spot in exports is the decline in the export of buffalo meat. Despite the decline in buffalo meat exports, the revenue earned from its exports increased nominally from last year‟s Rs 5445 crore to Rs 5473 crore in present year‟s April-June quarter.

While the short lived ban on the sale of cattle in mandis hit the buffalo trade adversely the recent government actions in the export market has had a contrary effect on basmati trade.

“Indian exporters used to execute orders on 'documents against acceptance', which was stopped by the government because overseas buyers re-negotiated terms after shipments reached them.

So there were corrections in export of basmati rice over the last few years. Now overseas buyers are purchasing commodities on spot cash,” said an official from Apeda http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/basmati-rice-overtakes-buffalo-meat-to-become-indias-topexport-2366347.html

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

4

Despite floods, rice output forecasts unchanged Strong baht bigger obstacle for exporters 22 Aug 2017 at 07:55 NEWSPAPER SECTION: BUSINESS | WRITER: PHUSADEE ARUNMAS

Farmers in Nakhon Sawan's Chum Saeng district have tried to harvest as much as possible of their rice in early August. (Bangkok Post file photo) Around 1 million rai of rice plantation in the Northeast was destroyed by the recent flood, but it is unlikely to have any severe effect on Thai rice production and export, with shippers and industry officials keeping rice export forecasts unchanged at 10 million tonnes.Flooding is expected to support Thai rice prices continuing to rise as global demand remains strong.

The Agriculture Ministry said that although rice plantation was hit by the flood, the annual production forecast remained unchanged at 28-30 million tonnes of paddy, or around 18 million tonnes of milled rice. This amount is sufficient for domestic consumption and abundant exports, the agency said.

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

5

Tropical depression Sonca has lashed the province of Sakon Nakhon over the past few weeks, bringing the worst floods that region has seen for two decades and briefly halting operations at Sakon Nakhon airport, inundating the city as well as agricultural areas.Chookiat Ophaswongse, honorary president of the Thai Rice Exporters Association, said the flood would cause a slightly delay in the harvesting period of the major crop, which normally starts in late October, but it was unlikely to have any major impact on production, price or export outlook.

"The flooding would affect the production of glutinous rice, grown mostly in northeastern areas, but it would not hurt rice exports," Mr Chookiat said. Glutinous rice makes up 10-20% of total Thai rice production.He said the major negative factor hurting rice exports was the strengthening baht, making Thai rice prices uncompetitive in the eyes of some buyers paying with US dollars.

But Mr Chookiat and the Thai Rice Exporters Association are keeping the Thai rice export forecast unchanged at 10 million tonnes in 2017.In addition to the stronger baht, the slight dip in supply caused by flooding in the Northeast at a time when global demand remains strong is expected to keep Thai rice prices rising, said an industry official.

The psychological effect of the recent flood has pushed the paddy price up by 5% to 7,600 baht per tonne, up from 7,200 baht previously. That has pushed the offer price of Thai common grade white rice to $390 a tonne, free on board, higher than the $340 a tonne offered by other major exporting countries such as India, Vietnam and Pakistan.

Wichai Phochanakij, deputy permanent secretary in the Commerce Ministry, said he expected the price of glutinous rice to be slightly higher because of falling supply caused by the recent flood, and that would help reduce pressure on prices during the harvesting period, when prices are typically weighed down by increasing supply. http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/news/1310707/despite-floods-rice-output-forecastsunchanged

U.S. Rice Finds a Home in Locally Made Saké

By Jennifer L. Blanck

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON -- Japan's saké-making tradition is more than 2,000 years old, but with the growing demand for premium saké combined with the current taste for craft beverages here in the U.S., there is an increase in locally-produced saké - with U.S.-grown rice leading the way.

Mistakenly called "rice wine," saké's brewing process is actually similar to beer. Rice varieties most suitable for saké production, including Calrose, Koshihikari, and Yamada Nishiki, have a pure starch component that is separate from the protein and fat, making it possible to isolate the starch for brewing.

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

6

Jeff James, owner and brewer of Cedar River Brewing Company in Seattle, uses Calrose from California that he purchases milled or "polished" to 60 percent. Recently, however, James started experimenting with Yamada Nishiki rice from Arkansas. Yamada Nishiki is considered the king of saké rice because it absorbs water easily, at a fast, predictable rate that is extremely important for the exacting science of saké brewing. It's also a sweeter variety that is structurally round and plump, making it easy to mill.

As one of the smaller saké producers in the U.S., James only uses a single ton of rice per year, although larger artisanal producers use up to 33,000 pounds. He says using local ingredients is very important. "If I knew of a rice grower in Washington, I'd love to have that so I could say my saké is super local."

Most U.S. producers use Calrose or Yamada Nishiki, as James does, but he and other brewers are interested in trying one of the other 100+ saké rice varieties not currently available. While he would love to experiment with such varieties as Omachi, the oldest pure rice variety grown in Japan that is known to impart wild, full-bodied flavor to saké, he would need someone in the U.S. to grow it for him, so for now he is very happy with the Calrose and Yamada Nishiki he is currently using.

USA RICE

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

7

Drones to be "the next best thing" for Louisiana farmers Aug 22, 2017 8:28 AM PSTUpdated: Aug 22, 2017 8:28 AM PST

By Dannielle Garcia

Drones aren't just the cool new toy for kids, they are now also being used by farmers.It's an eye in the sky and some of the latest in farming technology.The LSU Ag Center has been researching how drones are revolutionizing the agriculture industry, especially in rice crops."It will take consulting and scouting fields to the next level," said Jimmy Flanagan, the St. Mary parish county agent with the Ag Center.Flanagan said there are two types of drones that can be helpful for Louisiana farmers. One is a larger, more expensive unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that uses infrared technology to take photos of its "mission."

"Well this one's measuring wave lengths we cannot see with the naked eye, such as infrared. So what it is when the plant gets to unhealthy conditions such as disease or fertility problems you're catching it early on and usually it would be two weeks later that you catch it with the naked eye.

Allen Lawson, a rice farmer in Crowley, said that is just what he needs.

"It's always better to catch it earlier rather than later. The thing with the drones is the infrared photography I mean that's going to come in handy when it finally gets perfected, so we can see the nutrient deficiencies way before they would show up and you can go over the top of the crop and get a bird's eye view," said Lawson.

The other type can give an aerial view that would otherwise be impossible to see.

"You can get a much better view of the field as opposed to riding along the edges of the field. It will give you a more accurate view of damages say in crops for example for insurance purposes," said Flanagan while controlling the drone from a small device.

It has taken years to develop but will soon be the next best thing for farmers and consultants.

"We're always looking or the next best thing so if that infrared technology works on the drones and we can get it to where we can use it in real time it will for sure help us out," said Lawson.

But there is still a lot of responsibility with these and the Federal Aviation Administration requires a UAV pilot's test.

"This is just the beginning of what you will see as far as robots in agriculture, this just happens to be a flying robot." http://www.katc.com/story/36185517/drones-to-be-the-next-best-thing-for-louisiana-farmers

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

8

Pakistan has a strong cultural 'taste', here's proof August 21, 2017, 10:54 pm

Muhammad Rahim Khan

Thereâ€&#x;s no true love except the love of food. When it comes to Pakistani people, the thing for which they are famous is their love for food. These people can do anything for food. Our country consists of four provinces and each of the provinces has different types of their traditional cuisines, either itâ€&#x;s their way of cooking or specifically the spices they use; they are totally different from each other. Each of the provinces has their own specialties in food due to which people love to have this food throughout Pakistan and abroad.

PUNJAB Tikka/Kebab

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

9

Now this is one of those thing without which Punjabis feel incomplete, either it is Chicken Tikka, Beef Tikka, Chicken Kebab, Mutton Kebab, Chicken Boti, Mutton Boti or Champain, Punjabis are ever ready to have one of these. Not only in Punjab but this cuisine is loved throughout Pakistan.

Batair (Quails) Now this is one of the specialties of Punjabis, you can have it any way you like it either as Pulao or as Barbeque. These are more like tiny chickens, which Punjabis like a lot.

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

10

Karahi One of the all time favourites of Punjabis is Chicken Karahi. If you donâ€&#x;t have any idea what you want to cook for the night, this option always works. Thereâ€&#x;s never a no for Chicken Karahi.

Keema Now this seems more like an all-rounder you can have it any way you like it either with Aloo, Matar or Shimla.

Shami Kebab

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

11

This one is more like a snack for most of the people and they really enjoy eating it either with ketchup or with mint chutney.

Gosht Make Aloo Gosht, Gobbi Gosht, Shaljum Gosht or take any vegetable to add with Gosht to make a mouthwatering meal.

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

12

Biryani Now this the only thing that comes to your mind whenever your mom asks what to cook today? The only answer is BIRYANI! This is one of the all time favourites and people love to have it throughout Pakistan.

Halwa Puri This is the typical nashta whiich punjabis love to have on Sundays or any other day of the week.

Puris are served along Channay, Halwa and Achaar and you can have it any day you want to.

Khichri

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

13

The only support system whenever your stomach is upset, you can have this mixture of daal and rice along dahi to feel a little better.

Sarson ka Saag The never ending combination of Sarson ka Saag and Makai ki roti along with a piece of butter. Unfortunately, it's only prepared during winter season due to availability.

Paratha/Naan/Roti There are several kinds of chapati/roti and people have come up with different variations of Naan and Paratha. Most loved flavours are: Nutella Naan, Cheese Naa

n, Zeera Naan, Kalwanji Naan, Aloo ka Paratha, Mooli ka Paratha, Balon wala Paratha, Meetha Paratha, Besan ki roti, Khameri roti, Normal roti.

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

14

Daal Chawal The best and effortless meal on this earth.

SINDH

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

15

Sai Bhaji Chawal Not many people throughout Pakistan know a lot about this dish because this is one of the specialties of Sindhis. It is comprised of a portion of white steamed rice served along spinach curry.

Seviyan (Vermicelli) You can have it either on its own or as sheer khurma, it really very sweet and is also one of the specialties of Sindhi cuisine. Many of us have it on Eid after our Eid prayers.

Mitho Lolo This is also normal flat bread but this time itâ€&#x;s a sweet one.

This is usually served with Lassi, you can enjoy it in hot summer days.

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

16

Sindhi Biryani Again this is the first opinion of everyone when we discuss about what we shall have for food today, now in this case thereâ€&#x;s a slight change this sindhi biryani has a lot of aloos in it which sindhis love to eat. All day everyday thereâ€&#x;s never a NO to Biryani.

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

17

Pallo Machi Pallo Machi is the Hilsha fish cooked in Sindhi style, this is considered as a delicacy throughout Sindh. These Sindhi people usually garnish it with their traditional spices and deep fry it.

Whereas in different areas of Sindh people cook it in various ways such as barbeque or cook it with onions and potates etc.

Taryal Patata If you like potatoes, then this is your thing this is the sindhi version of aloo ki bhujia. These are thin sliced potatoes which are cooked in the traditional spices and are enjoyed with roti.

Koki Koki is a form of flat bread made in Sindh. People usually like to have it as a paratha with a lil dip of some sort here and there or just on itâ€&#x;s on.

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

18

Thadal Now this is white sweet drink made up of almonds and khashkhaash, typical sindhi mother usually offer this to their kids in summers.

BALOCHISTAN

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

19

Sajji Sajji is the native and most famous dish of Balochistan.It is made up of a whole chicken in skewers (fat and meat intact), marinated only in salt, then roasted over coals. The roasting time takes many hours but itâ€&#x;s worth the wait as it comes out along with that special rice which people would love to have.

Khaadi Kebab

In regard of this cuisine the whole lamb or goat is barbecued, not only this but thereâ€&#x;s a treat for people inside it; the stomach of the goat is filled with rice and the whole lamb or goat is cooked in its own fats.

Dumpukht

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

20

This dish usually takes a lot of preparation time as the meat is cooked in its own fats slowly in an oven; the meat is enclosed to give it a DUM so that it is completely cooked.

Kaak These are round bangle shaped bread covered in sesame seed, which you can enjoy having with tea or kahwa.

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

21

Lahandi Itâ€&#x;s our own type of bacon, in Balochistan the meat of sheeps is specially flattened and dried so that this meat can be consumed in winters. After all of this hard work now this meat is suitable to make lahandi.

KPK Chapli Kebab

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

22

These Chapli Kebabs are made from beef or chicken mince, onions, tomatoes, green chilies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, etc. These are a type of patty for those people who donâ€&#x;t know about these and are almost the size of your hand. These tempting chapli kebabs are the speciality of Peshawar.

Kabuli Pulao This Pulao is a Specialty of the Peshawari people which they would always offer you whenever you visit Peshawar. This Pulao is usually made with lamb and consists of steamed rice but because itâ€&#x;s mixed with raisins and carrots giving it a sugary taste it might not crave everyone.

Kahwa

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

23

This is a traditional type of green tea, which most of the people like to enjoy in summers along with gur, dates, dry fruit etc.

Dumba/ Lamb Karahi The people of KPK love to have this lamb Karahi, this is mostly made up of salts and is one of the delicacies of KPK.

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

24

Mantu/ Mamtu These are small meatballs covered with yoghurt like white sauce, these meatball usually melt in your mouth.

Naan (Doday) Doday is the name for Naans in Pahto, these pakhtun people usually have these type of naans which are different from the typical ones. These are mostly ovals and they come in different shapes and sizes consisting of differen designs.

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

25

Bonjan

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

26

This is a tangy eggplant curry, cooked in tomatoes and onions with oil. This is totally different from the way they are cooked in Punjab Dumba/ Lamb Tikka Now again for the sake of love of lamb, the people of KPK put on meat of lamb on skewers to make juicy and tender tikkas and kebabs of it.

http://nation.com.pk/snippets/21-Aug-2017/pakistan-has-a-strong-cultural-taste-here-s-proof

The value and challenges of a pop-up installation Martin Fullard 2 days ago 0 Comments

By Moya Maxwell, head of venues at RIBA

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

27

Who doesn‟t love the summer months? The sun is shining (some of the time), pub gardens we had forgotten existed are unearthed and, everywhere you look, brands conjure up fun and attention-grabbing pop-ups.These experiential pop-ups aim to capture the eye of the consumer.

In the hospitality world, temporary structures can enhance a summer event, providing guests with a unique and stand-out experience as part of their conference, meeting, summer party, dinner or reception.

This year, we have launched our own summer hospitality pop-up situated on our fourth floor terrace at RIBA‟s headquarters, 66 Portland Place. Available for exclusive use for up to 40 people our brightly coloured pop-up, the Befriending Project, will serve as a unique outdoor space for clients to entertain their teams on a summers evening, either as a standalone event or as a part of a meeting or conference.

Setting up a seasonal pop-up can present certain challenges to venues. However, working hard to overcome these initial trials, the RIBA team has found that this type of project is ultimately a valuable way to enhance delegates‟ experience of the spaces we have to offer.

Here are few of the challenges we‟ve needed to consider before launching our pop-up: How will the pop-up fit in with your venue?

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

28

The Befriending Project pop up, was designed by Merrett Houmøller Architects Peter Merrett and Robert Houmøller and was selected from entries to the RIBA Architecture Open 2017, which was driven by the theme „Beyond Borders‟. The initiative behind the Befriending Project is to encourage individuals to gather together to cook and eat a meal, with the aim of promoting a sense of togetherness, while breaking down boundaries.

What type of experience will satisfy wide ranging audiences?

RIBA receives enquiries from many different business sectors including fashion, media, technology and corporate. Therefore, it was important for us to offer a pop-up that would suit the ideals of all types of companies. The theme of social dining is something we considered apt as a summer experience for all delegates.

What food fits with the concept?

Bearing this message in mind, it was important to create a food offering that encouraged sharing and aimed to open up discussion and break down barriers to conversation. Event caterer Harbour & Jones have designed a menu that embraces the theme of social dining. The food stations feature dishes from around the world and offer an interactive and original take on popular street food. Guests can choose from a range of options, including light and fresh summer rolls filled with rice noodles and pickled vegetables, topped with hot freshly cooked chicken or Japanese omelette, on trend tacos and burritos with peppers, guacamole, cheese and sour cream, beef or black beans, or steamed buns and dim sum with chicken, mushrooms, noodles and traditional broth.

What to do when the pop-up is taken down?

Rather than being put into storage, our Befriending Project pop-up will be donated to the British Red Cross who will move the mobile unit between different communities in London to bring together vulnerable young people who have crossed borders to get to the UK.

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

29

Since its July launch, the Befriending Project has already been a popular addition to our events offering. We hope to see plenty of friendly faces enjoying our pop-up for the remainder of the summer, until it is donated to the British Red Cross in September. http://www.conference-news.co.uk/2017/08/the-value-and-challenges-of-a-pop-up-installation/

Rice crop faces further setback Iftekhar Mahmood | Update: 12:57, Aug 22, 2017

Aus and Aman rice crops, as well as vegetables, have suffered a severe blow like the Boro crop in the recent floods in 40 districts of the country.The Boro rice crop was affected by the floods only in the haor regions whereas the recent floods inundated 652,654 hectares of Aus and Aman croplands in the 40 districts, revealed agovernment estimation.

The agricultural extension department (DAE) expected that rice production from each hectare of land will be around 3.5 tonnes. According to that estimation, the production of rice was expected to be at least 2.3 million tonnes from the land that went under water.

The rice production may fall by as much as one million tonnes if half of the expected amount of production is destroyed due to the floods this season.An estimate of the agricultural affairs ministry revealed that the production of rice in the Boro season fell by one million tonnes in the haor regions.

Contrary to this estimate, the food ministry says the production diminished by two million tonnes

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

30

whereas the rice mill owners claimed that the production shortage was four million tonnes.

Agricultural ministry secretary, Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah, said to Prothom Alo, “We are making a list of affected farmers. We shall provide them with seeds and other agricultural equipment as soon as the floodwater recedes.”

“We have already prepared a list of 600,000 affected farmers of the haor regions. They will receive agricultural rehabilitation assistance very soon,” he hoped.According to economists, the country will suffer from a serious shortage of rice this year. The government has already signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) and rice import agreements with four countries to tackle the situation. But the amount of rice imported so far is inadequate.

According to food ministry‟s daily food grain situation report, prepared on Monday, the government has imported 46,000 tonnes of rice while private entrepreneurs have imported 262,000 tonnes from July till now.

The report also said the stock of rice in the government warehouses at present is 295,000 tonnes.

The stock was about 700,000 tonnes in the same period last year.Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) researcher M Asaduzzamn told Prothom Alo that the production of Boro and Aman rice could be 10 per cent less [than the previous year].

“As a result the price hike might put poor people‟s food security at risk. This is why the government should buy imported rice from the businessmen and increase the stock on an emergency basis." http://en.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/news/157117/Rice-crop-faces-further-setback

Rice Imports at 760,000 Tons Last Year

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Around 760,000 tons of rice were imported into Iran during the last fiscal year that ended on March 20, 2017, a deputy minister of agriculture said.“This is a remarkable achievement, as four years ago when President Hassan Rouhani took office, rice imports stood at 2 million tons [per year],” Yazdan Seif was also quoted as saying by Mehr News Agency.

Iranians consume about 3.2 million tons of rice every year.

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

31

The government periodically places a ban on imports during the harvest season to support local farmers

https://financialtribune.com/articles/economy-domestic-economy/70861/rice-imports-at760000-tons-last-year

South Asia faces flood fury August 21, 2017 Farid Ahmed Inter Press Service Aid agencies warn of a serious unfolding humanitarian crisis as floodwaters continue to inundate new areas of three South Asian countries, forcing millions of people to flee their homes for shelters.The death toll from drowning, snakebite, house collapse and landslide triggered by monsoon rains and floods rose to over 600 people, officials said on Aug. 19.

More than 16 million have been affected by monsoon floods in Nepal, Bangladesh and India, with many of them either displaced or marooned without food or electricity.In many areas, although the floodwater has started receding, rivers are still swelling.

A large number of displaced have taken refuge in squalid makeshift camps and are staying in extremely unhygienic conditions, according to aid agencies.

Road and rail communications in the affected areas have been also severely disrupted.

Thousands of educational institutions have been forced to close, while submerged hospitals are unable to assist flood victims even as water-borne diseases are spreading.

“This is fast becoming one of the most serious humanitarian crises this region has seen in many years and urgent action is needed to meet the growing needs of millions of people affected by these devastating floods,” said Martin Faller, Deputy Regional Director for Asia Pacific, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

“Millions of people across Nepal, Bangladesh and India face severe food shortages and disease caused by polluted flood waters,” Faller said in a statement. The aid agency Oxfam said there was urgent need for supplies like drinking water, food, shelter, blankets, hygiene kits and solar lights.

Bangladesh authorities said more than a third of the country was submerged, and water levels in major rivers were still rising, inundating new areas every day.In Bangladesh, flooding by major rivers has surpassed the levels set in 1988, the deadliest floods the country had seen to date.

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

32

According to the disaster management department control room of the Bangladesh government, at least 98 people died in August.The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief estimated that more than half a million people in Bangladesh were affected by flooding.

In Bangladesh, farmers are bearing the brunt of the ongoing flooding as the country‟s agriculture department estimated rice and other crops cultivated in half a million hectares of land in 34 districts were washed away.

Abdul Hamid, a farmer in Rangpur district, said he had cultivated rice in 10 bighas of land, but it was completely ruined by floods. “I don‟t know how to recover the loss,” he said, adding that his house was also destroyed.

In India, over 11 million people have been affected by floods in four states across the north of the country. India‟s meteorological department is forecasting more heavy rain for the region in the coming days.

The flood situation in parts of India‟s northern West Bengal remained grim until August 18, with many rivers still flowing well above the extreme danger level despite improvement in the overall situation in the region, Rajib Banerjee, West Bengal‟s minister for irrigation and waterways, told IPS on Aug. 19.

“The situation in Malda still looks grim and remains as a matter of concern as the water of the River Mahananda continues to rise,” he said.

The situation in villages in the Indian state of Assam is very serious, as embankments of rivers in many areas have been breached, forcing hundreds of families to flee their houses. Poor people, mostly farmers, were the chief victims and many took refuge on roadsides and embankments.

Thousands of people in northern Uttar Pradesh in India, where the authorities sought military help, were also badly affected and many of them still remained marooned.

Bihar, the worst-hit district in India, also estimated over 150 dead and half a million displaced in the past couple of weeks.

“In Nepal, government recorded 134 dead and 30 missing in flood-affected areas,” a senior journalist and director of news and current affairs of Nepal‟s ABC News TV, Dr. Suresh Achaya, told IPS. Some 14 districts out of 75, mostly located along the border with India, were badly affected, Acharya said.

In Nepal, many areas remain cut off after the most recent destructive floods and landslides on Aug. 11 and 12. Villagers and communities are stranded without food, water and electricity though the government said it had been providing the victims with foods and other support.

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

33

In the flood-hit areas, thousands of people had taken shelter in schools, temples and sides of roads and embankments.

The Nepalese ministry of agricultural development estimated that floodwaters had washed away rice and other crops worth Rs. 8.11 billion (77 million dollars) and feared the crop damage could cast a long shadow on the economy.

The Nepalese government, at a meeting with chief secretary Rajendra Kishore in the chair on Aug. 18, decided to accept foreign support and aid to meet the need.

Scientists attribute the deadly floods in South Asia to a changing climate, which they believe increased the magnitude of the current flooding many-fold.“The untimely floods being experienced in Nepal, India and Bangladesh can definitely be attributed to climate changeinduced changes in the South Asian monsoon system,� Dr Saleemul Huq, director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD), told IPS. The countries in the region have already been taking the brunt of changing climate that caused extreme weather patterns increasing the daily rainfall amount, droughts, untimely flooding and frequent tropical storms http://morungexpress.com/south-asia-faces-flood-fury/

Rice crop faces further setback

http://en.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/news/157117/Rice-crop-faces-further-setback

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

34

Aus and Aman rice crops, as well as vegetables, have suffered a severe blow like the Boro crop in the recent floods in 40 districts of the country. The Boro rice crop was affected by the floods only in the haor regions whereas the recent floods inundated 652,654 hectares of Aus and Aman croplands in the 40 districts, revealed agovernment estimation.

The agricultural extension department (DAE) expected that rice production from each hectare of land will be around 3.5 tonnes. According to that estimation, the production of rice was expected to be at least 2.3 million tonnes from the land that went under water. The rice production may fall by as much as one million tonnes if half of the expected amount of production is destroyed due to the floods this season.

An estimate of the agricultural affairs ministry revealed that the production of rice in the Boro season fell by one million tonnes in the haor regions. Contrary to this estimate, the food ministry says the production diminished by two million tonnes whereas the rice mill owners claimed that the production shortage was four million tonnes. Agricultural ministry secretary, Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah, said to Prothom Alo, “We are making a list of affected farmers. We shall provide them with seeds and other agricultural equipment as soon as the floodwater recedes.”

“We have already prepared a list of 600,000 affected farmers of the haor regions.

They will receive agricultural rehabilitation assistance very soon,” he hoped. According to economists, the country will suffer from a serious shortage of rice this year. The government has already signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) and rice import agreements with four countries to tackle the situation. But the amount of rice imported so far is inadequate. According to food ministry‟s daily food grain situation report, prepared on Monday, the government has imported 46,000 tonnes of rice while private entrepreneurs have imported 262,000 tonnes from July till now.

The report also said the stock of rice in the government warehouses at present is 295,000 tonnes.

The stock was about 700,000 tonnes in the same period last year. Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) researcher M Asaduzzamn told Prothom Alo that the production of Boro and Aman rice could be 10 per cent less [than the previous year]. “As a result the price hike might put poor people‟s food security at risk. This is why the government should buy imported rice from the businessmen and increase the stock on an emergency basis."

Textile exports up 3pc to $1.006 billion in July KARACHI: Textile exports rose around three percent year-on-year to $1.006 billion in July as the government‟s incentive package for the export sector seemed to revive the wilting foreign exchange revenue spinner.

Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) recorded textile exports of $979.414 million in the same month a year

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

35

ago.

Exports of textiles, however, fell 17.34 percent from $1.217 billion in June 2017. Readymade garment exports posted a major growth of 20.47 percent year-on-year to $212.521 million in July. Its exports, however, dropped 12.53 percent from $242.951 million in the preceding month.

Exports of bed wear remained flat at $170.443 million in July over the last year. Bed wear exports declined 18.55 percent from $209.258 million in June 2017. In July, knitwear exports decreased 5.8 percent year-on-year and 24 percent month-on-month to $193.749 million.

In January, government unveiled Rs180 billion incentive package for exporters to boost the countryâ€&#x;s exports by around three billion dollars by end June 2018. Under the package, sales tax and customs duty on import of textile machinery and cotton have been abolished. The countryâ€&#x;s total exports between 2013 and 2015 declined more than 12 percent.

PBS data further showed that exports from food sector increased 34.74 percent to $250.860 million over the same month a year ago. Food exports, however, decreased 12.3 percent from $286.035 million in the previous month.

In food sector, the major thrust stemmed from a 28.49 percent year-on-year growth in rice exports, amounting to $107.896 million in July. Rice exports, however, fell 24.82 percent in July from $143.523 million in the preceding month. Sugar exports fetched $27.584 million in revenue in July. There was zero sugar export in the same month a year earlier. Exports of sugar soared almost 10-fold from $2.520 million recorded in June 2017.

Moreover, exports of fish and fish preparations rose 12.19 percent year-on-year to $12.473 million in July. They, however, fell 57.45 percent from $29.312 million in June 2017.

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

36

In July, non-textile exports also showed uptrend. Exports of engineering goods, including electric fans, transport equipment and auto parts, increased 33.35 percent year-on-year to $19.152 million in July. Engineering goods exports also rose 19.45 percent in July from $16.034 million in the preceding month.

In July, exports of leather goods improved 2.7 percent year-on-year to $42.077 million. Leather exports, however, slid 11.78 percent from $47.695 million in June 2017.

Total exports increased 10.58 percent year-on-year to $1.631 billion in July. The exports, however, decreased 14.7 percent from $1.911 billion in the previous month.

Imports jumped 36.74 percent year-on-year and increased 6.64 percent month-on-month to $4.834 billion in July. Key imports in the month under review included machinery, oil and agriculture and other chemicals.

In July, imports of machinery climbed 40.86 percent year-on-year and 14.91 percent month-onmonth to $1.016 billion. Power generation machinery imports held a major chunk in the total machinery imports. The country imported $286.374 million worth of power machinery in July, depicting a 59.85 percent rise in its import bill as compared to the same month a year ago. Power generation machinery import swelled 39.95 percent in July from $204.619 million in June 2017.

Infrastructure development has caught pace under the $56 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, while energy projects increased the need of power generation equipment. Imports of petroleum products, crude and liquefied gas increased 21.72 percent year-on-year to $946.958 million in July. Oil imports, however, decreased 5.91 percent in the month under review from $1.006 billion in June 2017. Agriculture machinery and chemical imports soared 25.95 percent year-on-year and 11.13 percent month-on-month to $728.243 million in July https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/225232-Textile-exports-up-3pc-to-1006-billion-in-July

FAO advocates efficient rice farming practice Source: Graphic Online African farmers require high-yielding rice varieties to increase productivity in commercial volumes to improve livelihoods and ensure sustained food security, the Assistant DirectorGeneral and Africa Regional Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Mr Bukar Tijani, has said.

“The demand for rice is growing at more than six per cent a year – faster than any other major food staple in sub-Saharan Africa – but the local production has been unable to keep pace with the demand, and the continent continues to rely on imports to meet its increasing demand for rice,” he stated.

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

37

At the opening of a five-day workshop in Elmina on knowledge exchange for the promotion of efficient rice farming practices and value chains in sub-Saharan Africa through South-South Cooperation, Mr Tijani highlighted the rice value chain as a major example of the agricultural potential for income and employment generation and a critical entry point for poverty reduction. “There has been a sharp rise in rice production in Africa in recent years, but producers in the region continue to contend with the lack of adequate and sufficient planting materials, tools, machinery for land preparation, harvesting, processing and prevention of post-harvest losses,� he added.

Participants Representatives of the government, AfricaRice, Coalition for Africa Rice Development (CARD), Rural Development Administration (RDA) of Korea, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), as well as FAO attended the workshop.

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

38

The Programmes Leader, Rice Sector Development (AfricaRice), Mr Josey Kamanda, noted that rice was a strategic and priority food security crop in Africa; the single most important source of dietary energy in West Africa and Madagascar and the third most important staple for Africa as a whole.

“As the demand-supply gap continues to widen, there is an increasing need for investments that will significantly increase local rice production to reduce the import bill. Over the past several decades, development partners have made investments in rice production. Yield gaps, however, remain high,” he stated.

Performance Growth rates went up to a high eight per cent between 2007 and 2012, but there were significant post-harvest losses of between 15 per cent and 25 per cent, AfricaRice estimates.

Top rice producing countries in Africa, namely Nigeria, Madagascar, Guinea, Côte d‟Ivoire and Tanzania have boosted their rice production through the introduction of high-yielding technologies and the application of modern rice cultivation techniques, including mechanisation.

FAO supports smallholder farmers The FAO is actively supporting AfricaRice to establish rice centres of excellence such as the Africa Korea Rice breeding laboratory launched this month in Saint-Louis, Senegal.

Also, under a $5-million regional project on Partnership for Sustainable Rice Systems Development in sub-Saharan Africa, FAO will support the sharing of technologies and innovations among beneficiary countries, strengthen capacity building, while facilitating access by smallholders, especially women and young people, to inputs and small-scale agricultural equipment.

The cooperation between FAO and AfricaRice offers a pathway out of poverty and employment opportunities for young men and women entering job markets in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). http://www.businessghana.com/site/news/General/150685/FAO-advocates-efficient-ricefarming-practice-

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

39

Global Brown Rice Market 2017- Asia Golden, T.K. Mills, Shiva Shellac & Chemicals, Daawat The Brown Rice Market 2017 report offers feasibility study and integrated research on Brown Rice. The research on Brown Rice industry is an important guide for all users to analyze market growth and market trends which help to develop profitable market strategies.

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/22/2017 -- Worldwide Brown Rice Market 2017presents a widespread and fundamental study of Brown Rice industry along with the analysis of subjective aspects which will provide key business insights to the readers. Global Brown Rice Market 2017 research report offers the analytical view of the industry by studying different factors like Brown Rice market growth, consumption volume, market trends and Brown Rice industry cost structures during the forecast period from 2017 to 2022.

Brown Rice market studies the competitive landscape view of the industry. The Brown Rice report also includes development plans and policies along with manufacturing processes. The major regions involved in Brown Rice Market are (United States, EU, China, and Japan).

For Sample Copy Of The Report Click Here: http://qyresearch.us/report/global-brown-ricemarket-2017/66831/#requestForSample Leading Manufacturers Analysis in Global Brown Rice Market 2017: 1 Asia Golden 2 T.K. Mills 3 Shiva Shellac & Chemicals 4 Daawat 5 Amira Nature Foods 6 Riviana Foods 7 Chandrika Group 8 Ebro Foods 9 Sun Food 10 Agistin Biotech Brown Rice Market: Type Segment Analysis

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

40

Long Grain Medium Grain Short Grain Brown Rice Market: Applications Segment Analysis Super/ Hyper Stores Department Stores Grocery Online Retailers The Brown Rice report does the thorough study of the key industry players to understand their business strategies, annual revenue, company profile and their contribution to the global Brown Rice market share. Diverse factors of the Brown Rice industry like the supply chain scenario, industry standards, import/export details are also mentioned in Global Brown Rice Market 2017 report.

Key Highlights of the Brown Rice Market: A Clear understanding of the Brown Rice market based on growth, constraints, opportunities, feasibility study.

Concise Brown Rice Market study based on major geographical regions.

Analysis of evolving market segments as well as a complete study of existing Brown Rice market segments.

Furthermore, distinct aspects of Brown Rice market like the technological development, economic factors, opportunities and threats to the growth of Brown Rice market are covered in depth in this report. The performance of Brown Rice market during 2017 to 2022 is being forecasted in this report.

In conclusion, Global Brown Rice market 2017 report presents the descriptive analysis of the parent market based on elite players, present, past and futuristic data which will serve as a profitable guide for all the Brown Rice industry competitors.

For Any Query Related To Report Click Here News Referral: askthereporter24.com For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/globalbrown-rice-market-2017-asia-golden-tk-mills-shiva-shellac-chemicals-daawat-851814.htm

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

41

Media Relations Contact Stefen Marwa Telephone: 857-239-0696 Email: Click to Email Stefen Marwa Web: http://qyresearch.us/report/global-brown-rice-market-2017/66831/

http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/3458643

Global Brown Rice Market 2017 Research, Analysis, Demand, Trend Analysis by 2022 AUGUST 23, 2017

The report covers the Current scenario and the future growth prospects of the ” Brown Rice market” for 2017-2022. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.

Brown Rice Market Report provides an analytical assessment of the prime challenges faced by this Market currently and in the coming years, which helps Market participants in understanding the problems they may face while operating in this Market over a longer period of time.

In this report, the global Brown Rice market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022 Various policies and news are also included in the Brown Rice Market report. Various costs involved in the production of Brown Rice are discussed further. This includes labour cost, depreciation cost, raw material cost and other costs.

Get a Sample of Brown Rice Market research report from – https://www.marketreportsworld.com/enquiry/request-sample/10501189 The production process is analysed with respect to various aspects like, manufacturing plant distribution, capacity, commercial production, R&D status, raw material source and technology source. This provides the basic information about the Brown Rice industry.

Further in the Brown Rice Market research reports, following points are included along with in-depth study of each point:

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

42

Production Analysis – Production of the Brown Rice is analysed with respect to different regions, types and applications. Here, price analysis of various Brown Rice Market key players is also covered.

Sales and Revenue Analysis – Both, sales and revenue are studied for the different regions of the Brown Rice Market. Another major aspect, price, which plays important part in the revenue generation, is also assessed in this section for the various regions.

Supply and Consumption – In continuation with sales, this section studies supply and consumption for the Brown Rice Market. This part also sheds light on the gap between supple and consumption. Import and export figures are also given in this part.

Competitors – In this section, various Brown Rice industry leading players are studied with respect to their company profile, product portfolio, capacity, price, cost and revenue.

Other analyses – Apart from the aforementioned information, trade and distribution analysis for the Brown Rice Market, contact information of major manufacturers, suppliers and key consumers is also given. Also, SWOT analysis for new projects and feasibility analysis for new investment are included.

For Enquiry for Brown Rice Market Report at: https://www.marketreportsworld.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/10501189 The following firms are included in the Brown Rice Market report: Asia Golden T.K. Mills Shiva Shellac & Chemicals Daawat Amira Nature Foods Riviana Foods Chandrika Group Ebro Foods Sun Food Agistin Biotech Price of Report (single User Licence): $ 2900 Purchase the Brown Rice Market Report at: https://www.marketreportsworld.com/purchase/10501189 The Brown Rice Market has been segmented as below:

By Product Analysis:

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

43   

90% Brown Rice 95% Brown Rice Other Purity

By Regional Analysis:      

North America Europe China Japan Southeast Asia India

By End Users/Applications Analysis:  

Chemical Industry Other Application

The Brown Rice Market report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years, the Report also brief deals with the product life cycle, comparing it to the relevant products from across industries that had already been commercialized details the potential for various applications, discussing about recent product innovations and gives an overview on potential regional market shares http://dailynewsks.com/2017/08/global-brown-rice-market-2017-research-analysis-demand-trend-analysis2022/

Farmers in Borno expect bountiful harvest Aug 21 2017 - 7:55pm

Some farmers in Maiduguri say they expect bumper harvest this cropping season, in spite of the Boko Haram insurgents‟ attacks. They also expressed joy over abundant rainfall recorded so far in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that thousands of farmers have cultivated their farmlands in Maiduguri and other liberated communities in the state. However, the insurgents had recently killed two tractor drivers, three farmers and abducted another, while working on their farms on the outskirts of Maiduguri.A cross section of the farmers told NAN in separate interviews in Maiduguri and Konduga that

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

44

they were happy to return to their farms in spite of the incessant attacks by the insurgents.Buba Idris said he was anticipating bumper harvest this planting season in view of the volume of rainfall and favourable weather condition in the area. Idris said that he had cultivated rice at the Konduga rice plantation and expressed hope for a bumper harvest.“I am happy now that I have returned to my farm after I abandoned it for many years due to the insurgency.“We recorded appreciable level of rainfall and no pests‟ infestation. The only problem is the insurgents who attack farmers,” he said.Miss Halima Kachalla, a beans grower, said that she planted beans andpeanut on her farm at Dalori village in Konduga Local Government Area.

Kachalla said she engaged labourers to manage the plantation,adding that she often visited the farm in defiance of the insurgents‟ threat.“The crops are doing well and we are hoping to get high yields at harvest”.Another farmer, Modu Audu, said that he was preparing to harvest hiscrops at a farm in Jekete village of Konduga local government area.

Audu, who is still taking shelter at an Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) camp in Konduga, added that he usually visited the farm duringthe day.My village is deserted and I get bored of staying idle.“Farmers can only work on the farms during the day for fear of the insurgents.“I planted millet and sorghum, and in few weeks to come I will be harvesting my crops,” he said.However, Yusuf Makinta expressed concern over high cost offertilisers, seeds and other inputs.Makinta said that most farmers could not return to the farm due to exorbitant prices of the inputs. He said that a bag of fertiliser was sold for between N8, 500 and N10, 000, while a measure of bean seeds sold at N1, 200.“A lot of people wanted to return to the farms but they are constraints due high cost of fertilisers,” he said.The state Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources , Alhaji Muhammad Dilli, disclosed that the state government had spent over N700 million on procurement and distribution of fertilisers, seeds and chemicals for displaced farmers.Dilli also said that the government had procured 15,000 tones of fertilisers and improved seeds such as maize, rice and cowpea for distribution to farmers.“We also procured 84 units of sprinkler rice engagement plant and one million cashew seeds to encourage cash crops Production.

“The state government has so far distributed 95 large tractors to farmers at subsidised rate, in addition to the construction of 17 earth dams in liberated Communities.“The government also procured modern farm implements such as plough, Harrow, cultivators, harvesters and other inputs,” he said. Dilli noted that the gesture was to assist displaced farmers and encourage them to go back to the farms.

Similarly, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it had distributedfertilisers, seeds and inputs to 5, 000, rice farmers in the state.Mr Mahmud Nyako, the CBN‟s Development Financial Officer, said theapex bank had earmarked N10.4 billion for agriculture development andfarmer support services in Borno.Nyako said that the amounts were provided under the Anchor Borrowerprogramme initiated by the Federal Government.

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

45

He said the bank targeted about 40,000 farmers who wereexpected to cultivate rice and other cash crops.He explained that about 20, 000 farmers had so far registered, while5, 000 of them had been screened to participate under the first phaseof the programme.“The programme will be run in two phases, some 20, 000 farmers will be supported under the first phase, while 20, 000, others or more wouldbe captured under the second phase.

“It is a soft a loan revolving scheme, the bank has worked outeffective modalities to ensure its sustainability,” he said.Nyako said farmers were provided with fertilisers; seeds,chemicals, water pumps, knapsack sprayers and money to settle labouractivities such as ploughing, harrowing, packaging and transportation.The United Nations (UN) said it had so fardistributed fertilisers and seeds to 1.2 million displaced farmers in the North-East region.Mr Edward Kallon, the Country Coordinator, UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), disclosed that about 140, 000 households benefited from the exercise.Kallon noted that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FOA) wasworking to assist farmers in liberated communities to return to thefarm http://thenewsnigeria.com.ng/2017/08/farmers-in-borno-expect-bountiful-harvest/

Sri Lanka expects Yala rice harvest to be down 35-pct

ECONOMYNEXT - Sri Lanka expects to harvest 988,000 metric tonnes of paddy (rough rice) during the ongoing drought stricken Yala minor cultivation season, down 35 percent from a year earlier, the lowest in a decade, data from the state agriculture agency showed.

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

46

The latest forecast based on cultivation progress up to June, has been upped from 789,000 tonnes based on May data.Farmers had already been advised to use water sparingly and plant less water intensive crops than rice this season due to a drought. Though Sri Lanka's wet zone had received rains and floods from rains, the rest of the country is still dry until the North East monsoon in September and many irrigation tanks are dry or low in water as a result of last year's drought.

The Department of Irrigation said up to June, 254,967 hectares out of a target of 400,020 had been sown.

In 2016, also a drought year, 386,000 hectares were sown. Floods and droughts had fully or partially damaged 5,539 hectares of rice which will result in 16,122 metric tonnes of crop losses, leaving an estimated 988,329 metric tonnes to be harvested. After adjusting for wastage and seed paddy, about 870,000 metric tonnes are expected to be available for milling which will result in 590,000 metric tonnes of milled rice from the 2017 Yala season. Sri Lanka's main Maha season was estimated to have produced a harvest of 1.48 million tonnes of rough rice, generating 920,000 metric tonnes of milled rice.

The estimated deficit based on usual consumption patterns is 851,000 metric tonnes for 2017.

However accurate estimates of stock held by large millers is not available according industry estimates. Rice prices have already moved up, and some consumers will shift a part of their consumption to substitutes like wheat flour, reducing total demand. The government has cut import taxes to make it easier to import rice and is also expected to stop enforcing price controls, which distorts the market. (Colombo/Aug23/2017) http://www.economynext.com/Sri_Lanka_expects_Yala_rice_harvest_to_be_down_35_pct-3-8575.html

July imports rise 37pc Rice imports up by 229pc

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

47 Siddique Islam

An 229 per cent rise in rice imports enhanced country's overall import growth by over 37 per cent or US$1.22 billion in July, officials said.They said the country had to count such higher trade bills at the outset (first month) of the current fiscal year on account of substantial amount of rice import for crop losses caused by flood onslaughts.Higher back-to-back imports for readymade garment (RMG) products and capital machinery also contributed to the rise in national imports. Settlement of letters of credit (LCs), generally known as actual imports, rose to US$4.50 billion in July from $3.27 billion a month before. It was $3.64 billion in July 2016.The opening of fresh LCs, generally known as import orders, increased by over 26 per cent or $1.05 billion to $5.06 billion in July from more than $ 4.00 billion last June. It was $3.89 billion in July last year."The overall imports increased significantly during the period under review mainly due to higher import of rice, back-to-back imports for readymade garment (RMG) products and capital machinery," a senior official of the Bangladesh Bank (BB) told the FE Monday.

The rising trend in import of food-grains, practically rice imports, may continue in the coming months to keep the prices of the staple stable in the local markets through boosting its supply, the central banker explained.

Both the government and the central bank have already taken different measures to encourage the importers to import more rice to meet the growing demand for the essential item amid a slowing local supply.Earlier on July 20 last, the BB relaxed its foreign-exchange-transaction rules for opening LCs against rice import to ensure sufficient supply of the staple food on the domestic market.

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

48

Under the relaxed rules, the banks have been allowed till December 31, 2017 to open LCs against deferred or usance bills or under buyer's credit up to a 90-day term.The central bank had also allowed the banks to open LCs for importing rice with zero-margin on the basis of bank-client relationship.

Besides, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) brought import duty on rice down further to 2.0 per cent on August 17 from the previously pared-down rate of 10 per cent.

Earlier on June 20 this year, the government slashed the import duty on rice to 10 per cent from 28 per cent in the wake of price spirals.The government as well as the central bank had taken the latest moves against the backdrop of damage to the output of the single-biggest crop, Boro, in May due to flashfloods particularly in haor areas (marshlands) of Bangladesh."We're encouraging importers to import rice for ensuring country's food security despite flashfloods," a senior executive of a leading state-owned commercial bank told the FE. Echoing the BB official's view, he also said the upward trend in rice import may continue until the next Aman harvest.The overall rice imports in terms of value surged by nearly 229 per cent to $69.63 million in last July against $ 21.17 million in the previous month.Of the total, rice imports through private sector stood at $39.47 million while the bill was $30.16 million for import through public sector in July, the BB data showed.

However, the back-to-back import of RMG accessories rose by more than 100 per cent to $924.70 million in the month of July from $461.55 million in June last following an increased demand for the largest export-oriented industry.Export earnings from garments, covering both knitwear and woven apparel, jumped by more than 17 per cent to $2.48 billion in July from $2.12 billion in the same period of last year.On the other hand, import of capital machinery-industrial equipment used for production-was up by 50.13 per cent to $347.93 million during the period under review as against $231.75 million in June 2017. http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2017/08/23/80482/July-imports-rise-37pc

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