24th april 2018 daily global regional local rice e newsletter by DAILY RICE NEWS LETTER

Rice News Headlines…                           

Egypt's rice farmers see rough times downstream of new Nile mega-dam Iran temporally lifts ban on rice imports amid drought concern Pakistan’s export performance is correlated to cotton prices – and this is a concern DAR gives CLOAs, farm machines to Rizal Arbos Sri Lanka Maha 2018 rice production rebounds 62-pct Egypt's rice farmers see rough times downstream of new Nile mega-dam The politics of rice NFA-6: WE’RE NOT SELECTIVE No thanks to eggs: Next year's flu shot will shield only 20% against dominant strain Chinese scientists find nanomaterial could reduce lead levels in rice Tinkering with root hair may help boost crop yields Rice farmers ‘less to gain’ in Alibaba link Egypt's Rice Farmers Brace for Crisis as Ethiopia Prepares Nile Mega-dam Chinese scientists find nanomaterial could reduce lead levels in rice Isabela millers send more rice to Metro Manila NFA-Quirino targets 10,000 bags of ‘palay’ Blockchain: the future of food traceability? Training Day for Foreign Ag Service FABEX Show Features Sushi Made from U.S. Rice Up the Rice Field Aquatic Food Web Kenyatta talks trade with Uganda, Pakistan leaders DAR gives CLOAs, farm machines to Rizal Arbos Thailand’s rice production plan announced Rice prices up anew in April Khon Kaen farmers beg for water to save 1,000 rai of rice fields Pakistani Basmati Rice Rates NFA says cheap rice will be back in late May

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News Detail… Egypt's rice farmers see rough times downstream of new Nile mega-dam Eric Knecht, Maha El Dahan APRIL 23, 2018 / 9:05 PM /

KAFR ZIADA, Egypt/DUBAI (Reuters) - Rice farmers in Kafr Ziada village in the Nile River Delta have ignored planting restrictions aimed at conserving water for years, continuing to grow a medium-grain variety of the crop that is prized around the Arab world. Farmer Mohamed Abdelkhaleq speaks during an interview with Reuters in a field in the Beheira Governorate, north of Cairo, Egypt April 4, 2018. Picture taken April 4, 2018. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

A decision thousands of kilometers to the south is about to change that, however, in another example of how concern about water, one of the world‘s most valuable commodities, is forcing change in farming, laws and even international diplomacy. Far upstream, close to one of the sources of the Nile, Ethiopia is preparing to fill the reservoir behind its new $4 billion Grand Renaissance Dam, possibly as soon as this year. How fast it does so could have devastating consequences for farmers who have depended on the Nile for millennia to irrigate strategic crops for Egypt‘s 96 million people, expected to grow to 128 million by 2030. Safeguarding Egypt‘s share of the Nile, on which the country relies for industry and drinking water as well as farming, is now at the top of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi‘s agenda as he begins a second term. At the same time, authorities are finally tackling widespread illegal growing of the water-intensive rice crop, showing a sense of urgency that even climate change and rapid population growth has failed to foster.

The crackdown means Egypt will likely be a rice importer in 2019 after decades of being a major exporter, rice traders say. Cairo has decreed that 724,000 feddans (750,000 acres) of rice can be planted this year, which grain traders estimate is less than half of the 1.8 million feddans actually cultivated in 2017 – far in excess of the officially allotted 1.1 million feddans. Police have started raiding farmers‘ homes and jailing them until they pay outstanding fines from years back.―The police came to my house at three in the morning and took me to the station to pay the fine,‖ said Mohamed Abdelkhaleq, head of the farming association in Kafr Ziada, some 125 km (80 miles) north of Cairo in Beheira governorate.―Even if the fine is 1 Egyptian pound (5 U.S. cents), they‘ll come to your house.‖Three other farmers reported similar experiences and said this year they would not plant rice.Reda Abdelaziz, 50, said some people have become afraid to leave the village.―If you‘re traveling and they take your ID card and see you have a fine on you, they‘ll put you in jail,‖ he said.Abdelkhaleq took to the local mosque‘s loudspeaker last month to say the government was doubling the fine for unauthorized rice cultivation to 7,600 pounds per feddan.Mostafa al-Naggari, who heads the rice committee of Egypt‘s agricultural export council, says if the government sticks to the new approach Egypt will likely have to import as much as 1 million tonnes of rice next year.―The dam has opened the door for there to be more of an awareness of water scarcity issues, but Egypt has for a long time needed to review its water allocation policy,‖ he said.

Sudan and Egypt are the biggest users of the river for irrigation and dams. Egypt wants to be assured that the dam will not affect the river‘s flow, estimated at about 84 billion cubic meters on average per year. Ethiopia aims to use the dam to become Africa‘s biggest power generator and exporter, linking tens of millions to electricity for the first time. The two countries have not been able to agree on a comprehensive water-sharing arrangement despite years of negotiations. Ethiopia was not party to and does not recognize a 1959 agreement between Egypt and Sudan that gave Cairo the rights to the lion‘s share of the river. For its part, Egypt refuses to sign on to a 2010 regional water-sharing initiative that takes away its power to veto projects that would alter allocations. Ethiopia says that its dam won‘t affect the Nile‘s flow once its 79 billion cubic meter reservoir is filled. The issue is over how fast that happens. Ethiopia wants to do it in as little as three years; Egypt is aiming for seven to ten, sources close to the matter said. There‘s no doubt the flow of the Nile will be affected during those years. What‘s not known is how dramatically, and there is little data available to answer that question. Farmer Reda Abdelaziz speaks during an interview with Reuters in a field in the Beheira Governorate, north of Cairo, Egypt April 4, 2018. Picture taken April 4, 2018. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

Sources at Egypt‘s irrigation ministry have estimated the loss of 1 billion cubic meters of water would affect 1 million people and lead to the loss of 200,000 acres of farmland. On that basis, ―if (the dam is) filled in 3 years it might destroy 51 percent of Egypt‘s farmland, if in 6 years it will destroy 17 percent,‖ said Ashraf el Attal, CEO of Dubaibased commodities trader Fortuna and an expert on Egypt‘s grain trade.

BE READY TO ADAPT The U.N.‘s Food and Agriculture Organisation has said Egypt requires an ―urgent and massive‖ response to maintain food security in coming years for a number of reasons, including water scarcity, urbanization and the effects of climate change. Talks among Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia on the dam in early April stalled over what Sudan‘s foreign minister called ―technical issues‖. No date has been set for the next round. ―The filling of the GERD is just the most critical issue for the three countries to decide upon, and now, ahead of the first filling,‖ said Ana Cascão, an independent researcher on Nile hydropolitics. ―A fair and equitable filling strategy must take into account different scenarios on climate and rainfall variability – if it will be one of drought, then the three countries are ready to agree on a slower filling,‖ said Cascão. Rice farmers, who typically begin planting at the end of April, said they may now leave their lands fallow given the difficulty of quickly switching to other summer crops like cotton and corn that require different machinery and techniques. Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdel Aty told Reuters the situation posed a big threat to crops, livelihoods and even political stability if efforts to coordinate fail.―Imagine to what extent these people will become vulnerable,‖ he said. (GRAPHIC: The Nile's troubled waters - tmsnrt.rs/2qq8XGc) Editing by Sonya Hepinstall Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-rice-insight/egypts-rice-farmers-see-rough-times-downstreamof-new-nile-mega-dam-idUSKBN1HU1O0

Iran temporally lifts ban on rice imports amid drought concern 5

23 April 2018 19:37 (UTC+04:00)

Baku, Azerbaijan, April 22

By Farhad Daneshvar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Trend: Iran, a rice growing country, has reportedly permitted merchants to import the strategic product as the ongoing water crisis has triggered concerns in the country. "Following a decision by the senior government officials, from today on, importing rice from all crossings is legal and the importers only need to observe the regulations set by the standards organization as well as Health Ministry," an official with the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s agriculture ministry told ISNA news agency on April 22.Under the new directive, the merchants are allowed to import rice until July 22 and there will be no changes in the customs tariffs on the imports of the product.

Iran normally allows imports of rice in late September when the local farmers have concluded cultivating the cereal grain and again limits the imports in late July.The Islamic Republic imported worth of $1.2 billion of rice over the last fiscal year which ended on March 21. Rice producer turns into importer Over the past several years Iran has turned into a large importer of rice as India and Pakistan have secured a strong position for their rice in the Iranian market. In 2010, Iran imported $916 million worth of rice, out of which $369 million were from India, giving it a 40 percent share in the Iranian market. By 2014, the Indian share in Iran‘s rice market had gone up to 89.51 percent ($1.28 billion in rice imports from India out of the total Iranian imports of $1.43 billion), Financial Tribune reported. The share of Indian rice in Iran rose further to 92 percent in 2015 ($729.71 million). In 2016, the Indian share came down to 72.82 percent ($503.02 million).By contrast, Pakistan‘s export of rice to Iran fell from $124.76 million in 2010 to $15.64 million in 2014 and further to $3.47 million in 2015 before rising to $8.48 million in 2016. Thus between 2010 and 2016, the share of Pakistan‘s rice in Iranian market went down from 13.62 percent to 1.22 percent.Being a water-scarce country, Iran is set to limit rice production, which will create a significant opportunity for rice exporting countries, including Pakistan. Water crisis The Islamic Republic of Iran Meteorological Organization earlier announced that about 97 percent of the country is experiencing drought to some degree.Addressing the nation on the occasion of the beginning of the new Iranian year President Hassan Rouhani and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned drought as a problem that needs to be addressed. Iran's total annual water consumption is approximately 93 billion cubic meters, out of which about 92 percent is used in agriculture (86 billion cubic meters), 6.6 percent in municipality (6.18 billion cubic meters), and 1.2 percent in industry (1.12 billion cubic meters), according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. According to the country‘s officials, up to 70 percent of water used in the agriculture sector is being wasted. Over the past months, Iran has seen several protests in different cities due to the drought. https://en.trend.az/business/economy/2892267.html

Pakistan‘s export performance is correlated to cotton prices – and this is a concern By Hussain Zaidi

Published: April 23, 2018

This is why there is a need for value addition and diversification PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: Over the years, Pakistanâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s export performance has been shaped

more than any other factor by international commodity prices. When international commodity prices, particularly those of cotton, go up, exports also increase. A fall in the prices drives down exports. Due to volatility of world commodity prices, the export growth has remained inconsistent. Pakistanâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s exports registered the most impressive growth in 2010-11 when they went up by 26.13% to $24.81 billion from $19.67 billion in 2009-2010. In 2010 and 2011, average world cotton prices were high, around $1.05 per

pound and $1.55 per pound, respectively, compared with $0.63 per pound in 2009. Due to high cotton prices, exports of textiles and clothing went up from $10.35 billion in 2009-10 to $13.92 billion in 2010-11, up 34.49%. In 2011-12, total and textiles and clothing export receipts fell to $23.62 billion and $12.45 billion, respectively. In 2012, world average cotton prices came down to $0.89 per pound before marginally rising to $0.90 in 2013. In 2012-13, total exports increased to $24.46 billion by 3.56%, while textiles and clothing exports registered 5.62% growth to reach $13.15 billion. In 2017, however, cotton prices surged to $0.86 per pound, which mainly accounts for the 7.70% growth in textiles and clothing exports and 10.8% increase in overall exports in the first half of 2017-18 (July-December 2017). In December 2017, the rupee was also devalued by 5%; however, it had little to do with the export increase from July-December 2017. In the first three months of 2018, exports have continued to increase as there has been an upward movement of world cotton prices. To give further credence to the correlation between world cotton prices and Pakistan‘s export performance, it‘s important to compare their movements on a calendar year basis. Pakistan‘s total exports registered robust increase of 21.99% and 18.36% pc in 2010 and 2011, respectively. During those years, textiles and clothing exports also increased substantially by 20.19% (2010) and 16.97% (2011). In 2010 and 2011, world cotton prices shot up 66.67% and 48.57%, respectively. In recent years, Pakistan‘s total and textiles and clothing exports registered the steepest decline of 10.68% and 6.17% respectively in 2015, when world cotton prices fell by 15.66%. After registering negative growth in 9

2015 and 2016, Pakistan‘s total and textiles and clothing exports went up by 9.98% and 4.03%, respectively in 2017. In that year, average world cotton prices also increased by 16.22%. The correlation between world cotton price and Pakistan‘s exports makes sense, because the country‘s export basket remains largely comprised of cotton manufactures, such as home textiles, cloth and garments. Between 2009-10 and 2016-17, the T&C sector on average accounted for 55.39 pc of Pakistan‘s total export earnings. After textiles and clothing sector, Pakistan‘s major export is another primary commodity, rice, which accounts for nearly 9% of total export receipts. Exports of rice also depend on rice prices in international market. Like textiles and clothing exports, in recent years, rice exports registered the highest increase of 23.04% in 2010-11. After registering a decline in three consecutive years (2014-15 to 2016-17), rice exports went up by 12.48% during the first half of the current financial year mainly because of the price effect. Thus one of the greatest economic weaknesses of Pakistan is that it remains primarily an exporter of primary commodities, such as rice, or commoditybased manufactures, such as textiles and clothing and leather products. High value added or technology-based products, such as electrical and mechanical goods, have a very low share in the export portfolio. The overwhelming dependence of export revenue on primary commodities entails two perils: one, the commodity prices fluctuate steeply in the international market. At times, prices change up to 50%, and even more, over a year. Two, over the long run, non-oil primary commodity prices exhibit a largely declining trend. As a result, countries like Pakistan whose export baskets consist mainly of primary commodities or manufactures derived from them experience sharp fluctuations in their export revenue from time to time. 10

Besides, such economies not only experience adverse terms of trade (the ratio of export to import prices); in the long-run, the terms of trade also deteriorates. The prices of goods imported by these countries, which mainly consist of finished capital and consumer goods, far exceed export prices. For example, in 2016-17 Pakistanâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s average terms of trade was 57.17% (index of average export price: 701.43, index of average import price 1226.92), while in 2005-06, the average terms of trade was 65.01%. When terms of trade are less than 100% more capital leaves the economy in the form of import payments than entering it in the form of export receipts. In order to counteract the declining price effect, a country needs to produce and export larger quantities of commodities. The problem, however, is that higher commodity supply in the international market, relative to the demand, depresses prices. Like other countries, Pakistanâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s export basket reflects its production base. As long as we remain largely a producer of primary commodities and their manufactures, we will continue to remain hostage to fluctuations in international commodity prices. While allocating scarce resources, the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s policies, in the form of subsidies and tax exemptions, also favour the traditional sectors. It is high time to promote value added, technology-based sectors through fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. The writer is an Islamabad-based columnist Published in The Express Tribune, April 23rd, 2018. Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1692677/2-pakistans-export-performance-correlated-cotton-prices-concern/

DAR gives CLOAs, farm machines to Rizal Arbos 11

By Jonathan L. Mayuga April 23, 2018

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said it recently awarded certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) and P9.7 million worth of farm machines to 10 different agrarian reform beneficiaries‘ organizations (Arbos) in the province of Rizal.According to the DAR, 21 farmers received their individual CLOAs, while the Arbos were given the machines during a ceremony held in Tanay town on April 20.DAR Undersecretary for Support Services Rosalina L. Bistoyong led the turnover of the farm machinery to various Arbos in the area, while Undersecretary Karlo S. Bello of Field Operations Office spearheaded the CLOA distribution. ―With these machines, our agrarian-reform beneficiaries can now till their land faster and more efficiently,‖ Bistoyong was quoted in a statement as saying. ―These [machines] will greatly help in decreasing losses in production and increase their yield and income.‖ The farm machines consisting of heavy-duty farm tractors, rice reapers, shredders and power tiller cultivators were turned over to the Arbos, where more than a thousand are ARB members. DAR Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) Regional Director Luis Bueno explained that the machines were given as ―equipment grant.‖ Bueno added the machines will be managed and operated by the farm organization as a business asset. Minimal user fees will be collected for its use for the maintenance of the farm equipment. The project is implemented under DAR‘s Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services, which aims to transform ARBs into viable entrepreneurs by providing them with support services to increase their income and farming capabilities. RECIPIENT Arbos

The agrarian reform beneficiaries‘ organizations (Arbos) given certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) and P9.7 million worth of farm machines are the following: 

Palaypalay Maunlad Farmers Association Inc.;



Pagkalinawan Nagsaca Farmeras Association Inc.



Nagkaisang Magsasaka ng Punta Inc.;



Llano Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Inc.;



Sipsipin Maunlad Farmers Association Inc.;



Niogan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative Inc. Madilaydilay Agrarian Reform Cooperative Inc.;



Sampaloc Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative Inc.



Organization of ARB Farmers of Inalsan Inc.; and



Organic Farmers of Barangay Macabud Inc.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/dar-gives-cloas-farm-machines-to-rizal-arbos/

Sri Lanka Maha 2018 rice production rebounds 62-pct 23.04.2018 | UkrAgroConsult Sri Lanka's rough rice production in the main Maha cultivation season has been upped to 2.4 million metric tonnes, rebounding 62 percent from the drought stricken season last year, though output will be 14 percent below normal. The forecast by Sri Lanka's Department of Agriculture is based on 643,161 hectares of paddy land sown up to February 2018, up from an earlier forecasts of 2.14 metric tonnes based on 601,000 hectares sown.In 2017 only 543,000 hectares were sown, and output collapsed to 1.48 million metric tonnes. After covering seed paddy needs and wastage Sri Lanka's Maha paddy production will be 2.21 million kilograms, up 66 percent from a year earlier.Based on a rice requirement of 199,021 metric tonnes a month, the Maha output will be sufficient for 7.56 months of consumption.

Sri Lanka cut import taxes on rice last year, as drought wilted rice output.Taxes have not yet been raised, but from 2015 to April 2018 the rupee has collapsed from 131 to 156 pushing up the costs of imported rice.Global rice price have also picked up.Sri Lanka's rice prices in January were lower than the unusual highs seen in 2017 and has since settled about 5 to 10 percent lower than the same levels seen in 2017 by March and April.

In the week ending April 19, the higher graded Samba rice was quoted at 97.20 rupees kilogram at the Sri Lanka's Marandagamulla wholesale market, up from 92.96 rupees a kilo, a year earlier.

White raw rice was quoted at 76.10 rupees a kilogram down from 83.16 rupees a year earlier, Raw Red was 74.50 rupees, down from 80.21 and Nadu rice was trading at 81.00 rupees down from 87.93 a kilogram a year earlier.Before the currency collapse, Samba wholesale prices were around 75-76 rupee, White Raw around 63 rupees, Red Raw around 72 and Nadu around 64 rupees at this time of the year. A permanent currency fall validates the unsound monetary policy of a soft-pegged central bank. http://www.blackseagrain.net/novosti/sri-lanka-maha-2018-rice-production-rebounds-62-pct

Egypt's rice farmers see rough times downstream of new Nile mega-dam Eric Knecht, Maha El Dahan

KAFR ZIADA, Egypt/DUBAI (Reuters) - Rice farmers in Kafr Ziada village in the Nile River Delta have ignored planting restrictions aimed at conserving water for

years, continuing to grow a medium-grain variety of the crop that is prized around the Arab world. Farmer Mohamed Abdelkhaleq speaks during an interview with Reuters in a field in the Beheira Governorate, north of Cairo, Egypt April 4, 2018. Picture taken April 4, 2018. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

A decision thousands of kilometers to the south is about to change that, however, in another example of how concern about water, one of the world‘s most valuable commodities, is forcing change in farming, laws and even international diplomacy.Far upstream, close to one of the sources of the Nile, Ethiopia is preparing to fill the reservoir behind its new $4 billion Grand Renaissance Dam, possibly as soon as this year.How fast it does so could have devastating consequences for farmers who have depended on the Nile for millennia to irrigate strategic crops for Egypt‘s 96 million people, expected to grow to 128 million by 2030. Safeguarding Egypt‘s share of the Nile, on which the country relies for industry and drinking water as well as farming, is now at the top of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi‘s agenda as he begins a second term.At the same time, authorities are finally tackling widespread illegal growing of the water-intensive rice crop, showing a sense of urgency that even climate change and rapid population growth has failed to foster.The crackdown means Egypt will likely be a rice importer in 2019 after decades of being a major exporter, rice traders say.

Cairo has decreed that 724,000 feddans (750,000 acres) of rice can be planted this year, which grain traders estimate is less than half of the 1.8 million feddans actually cultivated in 2017 – far in excess of the officially allotted 1.1 million feddans. Police have started raiding farmers‘ homes and jailing them until they pay outstanding fines from years back.―The police came to my house at three in the morning and took me to the station to pay the fine,‖ said Mohamed Abdelkhaleq, head of the farming association in Kafr Ziada, some 125 km (80 miles) north of Cairo in Beheira governorate.―Even if the fine is 1 Egyptian pound (5 U.S. cents), they‘ll come to your house.‖ Three other farmers reported similar experiences and said this year they would not plant rice.Reda Abdelaziz, 50, said some people have become afraid to leave the

village.―If you‘re traveling and they take your ID card and see you have a fine on you, they‘ll put you in jail,‖ he said. Abdelkhaleq took to the local mosque‘s loudspeaker last month to say the government was doubling the fine for unauthorized rice cultivation to 7,600 pounds per feddan. Mostafa al-Naggari, who heads the rice committee of Egypt‘s agricultural export council, says if the government sticks to the new approach Egypt will likely have to import as much as 1 million tonnes of rice next year. ―The dam has opened the door for there to be more of an awareness of water scarcity issues, but Egypt has for a long time needed to review its water allocation policy,‖ he said.

NO AGREEMENT Egypt has long considered the Nile its own, even though the river and its tributaries flow through 10 countries. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat famously said in 1979 that he was prepared to go to war over the Nile if its flow was ever threatened. But any threat from Ethiopia in the past was empty – until now. The new dam, cutting through the Blue Nile tributary just before its descent into southeastern Sudan, will offer Addis Ababa immense political leverage over its downstream neighbors. Sudan and Egypt are the biggest users of the river for irrigation and dams. Egypt wants to be assured that the dam will not affect the river‘s flow, estimated at about 84 billion cubic meters on average per year.Ethiopia aims to use the dam to become Africa‘s biggest power generator and exporter, linking tens of millions to electricity for the first time. The two countries have not been able to agree on a comprehensive water-sharing arrangement despite years of negotiations. Ethiopia was not party to and does not recognize a 1959 agreement between Egypt and Sudan that gave Cairo the rights to the lion‘s share of the river. For its part, Egypt

refuses to sign on to a 2010 regional water-sharing initiative that takes away its power to veto projects that would alter allocations. Ethiopia says that its dam won‘t affect the Nile‘s flow once its 79 billion cubic meter reservoir is filled. The issue is over how fast that happens. Ethiopia wants to do it in as little as three years; Egypt is aiming for seven to ten, sources close to the matter said. There‘s no doubt the flow of the Nile will be affected during those years. What‘s not known is how dramatically, and there is little data available to answer that question. Farmer Reda Abdelaziz speaks during an interview with Reuters in a field in the Beheira Governorate, north of Cairo, Egypt April 4, 2018. Picture taken April 4, 2018. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

―A fair and equitable filling strategy must take into account different scenarios on climate and rainfall variability – if it will be one of drought, then the three countries are ready to agree on a slower filling,‖ said Cascão. Rice farmers, who typically begin planting at the end of April, said they may now leave their lands fallow given the difficulty of quickly switching to other summer crops like cotton and corn that require different machinery and techniques. Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdel Aty told Reuters the situation posed a big threat to crops, livelihoods and even political stability if efforts to coordinate fail.―Imagine to what extent these people will become vulnerable,‖ he said. (GRAPHIC: The Nile's troubled waters - tmsnrt.rs/2qq8XGc) Editing by Sonya Hepinstall Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-pakistan-port-water/thirsty-to-thriving-parched-pakistani-port-aims-tobecome-a-new-dubai-idUSKBN1HV07K

The politics of rice BY MA. LOURDES TIQUIA, TMT ON APRIL 24, 2018ANALYSIS

MA. LOURDES TIQUIA RICE is staple food. It is a strategic agricultural and food commodity. It is a mainstay for the rural population and for household food security. Rice is also an important ―wage‖ commodity for workers in the cash crop or nonagricultural sectors. This duality has given rise to conflicting policy objectives, with policymakers intervening, coming to the rescue of farmers when prices fall too low, or to the defense of consumers during sudden price hikes. Farmers and consumers get riled up about rice prices. And as basic as it is, rice plays to the law of supply and demand. Then there is corruption, decades of mismanagement at the National Food Authority causing it to be bled dry. Government subsidies to the agency stand at P45 billion over a 10-year period. The NFA is consistently among the top five GOCC losers. And you can count the number of times a boat capsized with imported rice missing; the empty but ―fully stocked‖ NFA warehouses; the diversion and selling of NFA stocks to chosen private rice traders; when an NFA official acts beyond deadlines from quotas, prepaid taxes not being settled, multiple bills of lading and removing all NFA

representatives in the ports of entry of NFA, among others. Are we seeing government-sanctioned smuggling? And when you have an NFA administrator telling a congressional hearing that the remaining rice supply stocked by the NFA was just equivalent to about one-and-a-half days, how should the market react? What happened to the buffer? Who earned from it? Was there diversion of stocks? Or was the announcement premeditated to ensure a desired outcome? When you have a political operative as head of NFA, you wonder if the manipulation painted PRRD into a corner, thus making him choose publicly and exhibit weakness in the decision-making process. When PRRD said ―I trust him‖ in relation to NFA Administrator Jason Aquino, one could see that it gave more power to Aquino than the NFA Council which oversees and sets policy for the NFA. That‘s an 11-member council headed by Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco and with the BSP governor, DBP chair, LBP president, the heads of DoF, DTI, NEDA, sitting in it. And PRRD chooses Aquino over the council? Why is retired Lt. Col Jason Laureano Aquino so strong with PRRD? He is the class baron of PMA Class 1991, a Scout Ranger and affiliated with the Faeldon-Magdalo group. Aquino was for a while with the Bureau of Customs during the time of Danny Lim before securing an appointment w ith PRRD, a payback for the early support given during the pre-campaign stage. Aquino had to act now and save his neck instead of wait for the audit requested by the council. Why? In April 2017, PRRD fired Usec Halmen Valdez who oversaw rice importation for the NFA. The allegation was that she was a holdover and was associated with the then presidential assistant for food security and agricultural modernization, now Sen. Francis Pangilinan. Valdez was for importation to be done by the private sector while Aquino was for government to do the importation. It was all about importation. And exactly a year later, on April 17, 2018, PRRD removes Evasco, the chairman of the NFA Council. The removal was again over the importation issue and Aquino walks away smiling. Government-to-government (G2G) is more prone to corruption and financial stress as against government-to-private sector (G2P) importation. G2G is exempted from the Procurement Law and needs a huge outlay from LBP. A one-million-ton rice importation requires at least P24 billion. Replacing Evasco in the council with Agriculture Secretary Piñol is not responding to the problem. Worse, adopting the old formula will further bury NFA in a circle of financial disasters and market forces that have not been addressed since time immemorial: ―Once the NFA imports rice and then ‗floods‘ the market with cheaper rice, it causes high volatility in markets by causing rice prices to severely decline. Increasing the buying price is also unfair, as 2 million Filipino families depend on rice farming. Then PRRD will have to look at the 100 million rice consumers, for any hikes in prices will also affect them.‖ As NEDA has pointed out, ―any increases in the buying price will fuel inflation and increase poverty.‖ The NFA administrator is rushing to import rice because of his selfdeclared shortage and PRRD has given the go-signal to import more than what is needed. That‘s a balancing act of 2 million rice farmers in the country, or 2 million households dependent on rice farming and a total of 22 million Filipino families buying the commodity. What if the importation was riddled by anomalies and sweetheart deals?

What PRRD and the public missed was Executive Order No. 1 issued June 2016 placing 12 ―graftprone‖ agencies, the NFA included, under the Cabinet Secretary for the latter to study and evaluate. It was the first crack of the proverbial Duterte whip on corruption and poverty alleviation thereby enhancing a holistic approach. And today, Evasco is corrupt? What gives, Mr. President? When buffer stocks in Region VIII end up in San Miguel, Bulacan to a most preferred buyer, you wonder why. When a number of cooperatives from San Miguel, Bulacan are given quotas or allocation to import rice and yet they are not authorized to engage in rice importation, you ask why. Mr. President, why is Aquino clean?http://www.manilatimes.net/the-politics-of-rice-2/394573/

NFA-6: WE‟RE NOT SELECTIVE Availability of rice stocks dictates sale – director By Glenda Tayona Tuesday, April 24, 2018

National Food Authority ILOILO City – The National Food Authority (NFA) in Region 6 is not favoring any group of accredited retailers buying rice from its Iloilo warehouse, according to Director Angel Imperial. A ―simple miscommunication‖ was how he considered the complaint of Alyansa ng Industriya ng Bigas (ANIB), an association of rice retailers in Iloilo. According to ANIB, retailers from a rival group got lots of stocks from the grains agency‘s Iloilo warehouse while its own members were turned away or released only with a few bags on April 18.Imperial said the availability of stocks is what determines the volume of rice that NFA could sell to retailers. A retailer cannot get the same number of sacks of rice all the time, he stressed.

Imperial defended NFA Iloilo manager Oliver Cambas from ANIB‘s accusation of being selective.“‟Yung gusto nila na equal distribution, to me hindi. It should be equitable. ‗Equal‘ and ‗equitable‘ are two different thing,‖ said Imperial.

There are things to consider, he stressed.

―Who needs the supply the most? If

you are the provincial manager, who will you prioritize?‖ said Imperial.During calamities, for example, relief operations (rice distribution) takes precedence, he stressed.NFA is required to have a rice reserve good for at least 15 days during harvest season and at least 30 days during the lean months of July to September. These buffer stocks are maintained to ensure that the country would have rice in case of emergency situations or natural disasters.

Imperial said NFA also takes into consideration the rice requirements of government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. Another priority, he said, are the island municipalities or barangays that do not produce rice.“Ang matira, „yun na „yung pangbenta natin through accredited rice retailers,‖ said Imperial.There are 165 accredited NFA rice retailers in Iloilo province. Today, Imperial is meeting retailers. The concern of ANIB would be among the matters he would discuss.According to the NFA regional director, 250,000 metric tons of rice imports would be delivered to the country by the second half of May. Of these, 8,000 metric tons would go to Western Visayas, said Imperial.Half of the 8,000 metric tons would go to Iloilo while the other half to Bacolod City (Negros Occidental), he added. ―We will discuss with the retailers how we‘ll handle these incoming stocks,‖ said Imperial. “Ano ang magiging setup natin…ano ang inaasahan sa mga accredited retailers and what they can expect also from us para malinaw.”/PN https://www.panaynews.net/nfa-6-were-not-selective/

No thanks to eggs: Next year's flu shot will shield only 20% against dominant strain by Angus Liu | Apr 23, 2018 10:42am

Recent doubts about traditional egg-based flu shots could mean more business for vaccines manufactured in cells. (Getty/scyther5)

Protection against the dominant H3N2 flu strain offered by the coming season‘s flu vaccine will still be far from optimal—putting it mildly. And that's thanks to the widely used manufacturing process based on eggs, a new study predicts. Using a method known as pEpitope, two Rice University researchers analyzed the newly proposed flu vaccine formulation. Their conclusion? An estimated 20% efficacy against H3N2, as published in Clinical Infectious Diseases.―The vaccine has been changed for 2018-19, but unfortunately it still contains two critical mutations that arise from the egg-based vaccine production process,‖ said study author Michael Deem, Rice‘s John W. Cox Professor in biochemical and genetic engineering. ―Our study found that these same mutations halved the efficacy of flu vaccines in the past two seasons, and we expect they will lower the efficacy of the next vaccine in a similar manner.‖

FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER Like this story? Subscribe to FiercePharma! Biopharma is a fast-growing world where big ideas come along daily. Our subscribers rely on FiercePharma as their must-read source for the latest news, analysis and data on drugs and the companies that make them. Sign up today to get pharma news and updates delivered to your inbox and read on the go. Every season, scientists must predict the circulating viruses months ahead so that vaccine producers can produce millions of shots in time. Previously, the biggest worry was that the prediction wouldn't match the circulating strains, making the vaccine less useful in practice.

But recent studies have pointed to the egg-based production process, from which most flu vaccines are produced, making new and forthcoming technology more important. While manufacturers are culturing the targeted strains in eggs, those viruses undergo structural changes. These unintended mutations wind up making the vaccine strain different from the actual circulating strain, according to Deem.

A previous study by University of Pennsylvania researchers identified the same problem in the 2016-17 season. A CDC interim report, which calculated the 2017-18 season flu vaccines‘ efficacy at 25% against the nasty H3N2 strain, also noted that ―genetic changes in the vaccine virus hemagglutinin protein that arise during passage in eggs might result in a vaccine immune response that is less effective against circulating viruses.‖Deem and collaborator Melia Bonomo found the original strain used for flu shots in the past two seasons—before the egg-based culturing—was such a perfect match to the circulating strain that it would have led to 47% efficacy in the final product. As the CDC is still compiling final data for 2017-18, the Rice team pegged its real-world estimate at about 19%. A different H3N2 strain was recommended by the WHO—and adopted by an FDA advisory panel—for inclusion in the 2018-19 flu vaccine for the northern hemisphere. The WHO based its recommendation on the fact that circulating H3N2 viruses were better inhibited by ferret antibodies raised against the newly adopted A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016 strain propagated in eggs. But Deem said the ferret method has been considerably less predictive of human effects over the past 10 years than they had been in the preceding three decades, and they don‘t yet know why. In comparison, Rice‘s pEpitope method accurately predicted flu shot efficacy results for more than 40 years, according to the study.Recent doubts about traditional egg-based flu shots could mean more business for vaccines manufactured in cells. These include Sanofi‘s recombinant vaccine family Flublok, made in insect cells, and Seqirus‘ Flucelvax, which developed in mammalian cells. For the six months ended Dec. 31, Seqirus reported a 504% leap in Flucelvax sales to $308 million. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in February that cell-based flu shots appear ―to have somewhat better effectiveness in preventing influenza than the egg-based vaccine,‖ based on a preliminary analysis of data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The FDA is working with CDC and NIH to fully understand the scientific basis behind it, he added. In their study, the Rice team predicted efficacy of 47% for an experimental vaccine produced from insect cells. Deem said that reduced efficacy of vaccines seen in the previous seasons will happen again as long as they are produced in eggs. https://www.fiercepharma.com/vaccines/2018-19-season-s-flu-shot-only-20-effective-under-egg-basedproduction-study

Chinese scientists find nanomaterial could reduce lead levels in rice Source:Xinhua Published: 2018/4/23 16:38:53

Chinese scientists have discovered a nanomaterial that reduces the lead levels in rice, potentially helping improve the quality of rice, and ensuring food safety. Lead in soil can be absorbed by rice roots, seriously affecting rice quality and food safety. This calls for research on how to reduce the migration of lead from soil to rice, to minimize its threat to human health. Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) is a nanomaterial that has been used in the restoration of lead-contaminated water and soil. Researchers from the Institute of Solid State Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences used hydroponic experiments to investigate nHAP's potential for reducing the toxicity and mobility of lead in rice. They found that nHAP existing in root cells was beneficial for reducing lead levels and restraining the movement of lead from the roots to shoots. The research was published in the journal "Environmental Science: Nano." The research provides a theoretical basis for environmental nanomaterials inhibiting lead. It also provides technical support for reducing the absorption and transfer of lead in rice. http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1

Tinkering with root hair may help boost crop yields Ratneshwar Thakur | Monday 23 April 2018

Researchers are exploring mechanisms adopted by plants to survive in low phosphate soils to figure out if they can enhance survival in poor water and soil conditions

Once roots sense low availability of phosphate, the information is communicated to the plant and root hairs are stimulated to grow longer and capture phosphate. Credit: Andy Rogers/Flickr

Have you ever wondered how a plant is able to sense nutrients in the soil? The answer lies in the root design. Plants have the capability to change angle and length of their roots as well as hair-like extensions on roots for absorbing nutrients from soil.Now researchers are exploring mechanisms adopted by plants to survive in low phosphate soils and figuring out if they can develop better strategies for plants to deal with poor water availability and low soil minerals. In a collaborative study, researchers at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) here have discovered in rice plant that production and transport of a hormone, auxin, in root hair zone triggers elongation of root hair under low phosphate conditions. The results of the study have been published in journal Nature Communications.

Phosphate is an important nutrient for plant growth and development. Researchers sayonce roots

sense low availability of phosphate in the soil, the information is communicated to the plant which then signals back use of auxin to roots, in order to stimulate root hairs to grow longer and capture phosphate. The study explains how auxin serves as an important signal for phosphate status in the root. A specific gene, OsAUX1, mobilizes auxinin the region of root where it signals hair elongation when roots encounter low soil phosphate. Root hairs help to absorb phosphate and water from soil. The root hairs elongate to increase surface area to capture scarce nutrients such as phosphate under low soilphosphate conditions. â&#x20AC;&#x2022;Green revolution helped almost triple yields of major crops like rice and wheat. However, it was highly dependent on chemical fertilizers like phosphate and urea. India imports almost 90 percent of raw material for producing phosphate fertilizers. This inspired us to engineer plant roots for better nutrient acquisition,â&#x20AC;&#x2013; Jitender Giri told India Science Wire. Bipin K Pandey, a member of the team, explained that the study had revealed big role of tiny cellular extensions - root hairs- in nutrient acquisition from poor soils. In another study published in the same journal, the research group has used Arabidopsis, a model plant, to further explore the phenomenon.It has been seen that when auxin synthesis or its transport to root tissues is disrupted, plant shows poor root hair elongation in response to low external phosphate conditions. This research teams included members from NIPGR (India),University of Nottingham (UK), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, (China), CIRAD (France), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Sweden), University of Aberdeen (UK), JIRCAS (Japan), James Hutton Institute (UK), Rothamsted Research (UK), The Pennsylvania State University, (USA) and University of Adelaide (Australia). The research work at NIPGR was funded by the Department of Biotechnology. @ratnesh_thakur (India Science Wire) Move from news to views and get in-depth reports on issues that matter to you, every fortnight. http://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/tinkering-with-root-hair-may-help-boost-crop-yields-60280

Rice farmers ‗less to gain‘ in Alibaba link Economy April 24, 2018 01:00 By WICHIT CHAITRONG THE NATION

ALIBABA'S ONLINE market may help Thai fruit farmers increase their incomes but rice farmers may not have much to gain due to oversupply in the global market, an economist said. Experts have urged the government, businesses and farmers to embrace information and technologies to revive the sector suffering from low productivity and declining prices for most of the products. Thai consumers have paid higher prices for local fruits , including durian, in recent years, said Nipon Poapongsakorn, a veteran economist at Thailand Development Research Institute at the forum on ―Driving farm sector with technology.‖ It is partly because Chinese consumers are buying more fruits from Thailand, he added. "There are many Chinese traders buying durian and other exotic fruits for sales in their market and many of them use Alibaba market place as a key platform," said Nipon.At the same time, Thai consumers are buying more apple and other imported fruits due to cheaper prices, he noted in reference to the positive impact of free trade. Nipon said, however, Thai rice farmers would not enjoy higher prices due to glut of supply in the global market."There are about 200 million rice farmers worldwide, so it is impossible for our farmers or government raise the prices, said Nipon.He suggested the government improve its forecasts of annual farm production and if a forecast is close to the actual volumn, it will help both traders and farmers to prepare for the ups and downs of the market.He said should the government use technology smartly it would succeed. He raised the example of the US government forecasts of the country‘s annual farm production which have been 90 per cent accurate to the actual output.The government could employ weather forecast Technology, satellites images and field survey as well. State officials in Thailand have failed to support farmers as they spend most of their times formulating agricultural policy, Nipon said. The government should instruct them to work closely with the farmers, instead of assigning them to formulate agricultural policies, he said.Researchers at the Bank of Thailand use big data to analyse the agriculture sector on which the livelihoods of 5.8-5.9 million people depend. They found a growing population of aging farmers (over 50 years old), in line with an aging society while the number of younger farmers (under 40 years old), has decreased. The truth is that the number of farm labourers has been dwindling , while the bright side is that younger farmers could access new technology much easier. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Economy/30343791

Egypt's Rice Farmers Brace for Crisis as Ethiopia Prepares Nile Mega-dam Egypt will likely be a rice importer in 2019 after decades of being a major exporter, rice traders say, as Ethiopia moves to fill reservoir Reuters Apr 23, 2018 8:55 PM Farmer Mohamed Abdelkhaleq speaks during an interview with Reuters in a field in the Beheira Governorate, north of Cairo, Egypt April 4, 2018. \ MOHAMED ABD EL GHANY/ REUTERS

Rice farmers in Kafr Ziada village in the Nile River Delta have ignored planting restrictions aimed at conserving water for years, continuing to grow a medium-grain variety of the crop that is prized around the Arab world.A decision thousands of kilometers to the south is about to change that, however, in another example of how concern about water, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s most valuable commodities, is forcing change in farming, laws and even international diplomacy. Far upstream, close to one of the sources of the Nile, Ethiopia is preparing to fill the reservoir behind its new $4 billion Grand Renaissance Dam, possibly as soon as this year.How fast it does so could have devastating consequences for farmers who have depended on the Nile for millennia to irrigate strategic crops for Egyptâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s 96 million people, expected to grow to 128 million by 2030.

Safeguarding Egypt‘s share of the Nile, on which the country relies for industry and drinking water as well as farming, is now at the top of President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi‘s agenda as he begins a second term. At the same time, authorities are finally tackling widespread illegal growing of the waterintensive rice crop, showing a sense of urgency that even climate change and rapid population growth has failed to foster.The crackdown means Egypt will likely be a rice importer in 2019 after decades of being a major exporter, rice traders say. Cairo has decreed that 724,000 feddans (750,000 acres) of rice can be planted this year, which grain traders estimate is less than half of the 1.8 million feddans actually cultivated in 2017 – far in excess of the officially allotted 1.1 million feddans. Police have started raiding farmers‘ homes and jailing them until they pay outstanding fines from years back.―The police came to my house at three in the morning and took me to the station to pay the fine,‖ said Mohamed Abdelkhaleq, head of the farming association in Kafr Ziada, some 125 km (80 miles) north of Cairo in Beheira governorate. ―Even if the fine is 1 Egyptian pound (5 U.S. cents), they‘ll come to your house.‖ Three other farmers reported similar experiences and said this year they would not plant rice.Reda Abdelaziz, 50, said some people have become afraid to leave the village.

Farmer Reda Abdelaziz speaks during an interview with Reuters in a field in the Beheira Governorate, north of Cairo, Egypt April 4, 2018. \ MOHAMED ABD EL GHANY/ REUTERS

―If you‘re traveling and they take your ID card and see you have a fine on you, they‘ll put you in jail,‖ he said.Abdelkhaleq took to the local mosque‘s loudspeaker last month to say the government was doubling the fine for unauthorized rice cultivation to 7,600 pounds per feddan.Mostafa al-Naggari, who heads the rice committee of Egypt‘s agricultural export council, says if the government sticks to the new approach Egypt will likely have to import as much as 1 million tonnes of rice next year. ―The dam has opened the door for there to be more of an awareness of water scarcity issues, but Egypt has for a long time needed to review its water allocation policy,‖ he said. No agreement Egypt has long considered the Nile its own, even though the river and its tributaries flow through 10 countries. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat famously said in 1979 that he was prepared to go to war over the Nile if its flow was ever threatened. But any threat from Ethiopia in the past was empty – until now. The new dam, cutting through the Blue Nile tributary just before its descent into southeastern Sudan, will offer Addis Ababa immense political leverage over its downstream neighbors. Sudan and Egypt are the biggest users of the river for irrigation and dams. Egypt wants to be assured that the dam will not affect the river‘s flow, estimated at about 84 billion cubic meters on average per year.Ethiopia aims to use the dam to become Africa‘s biggest power generator and exporter, linking tens of millions to electricity for the first time. The two countries have not been able to agree on a comprehensive water-sharing arrangement despite years of negotiations.Ethiopia was not party to and does not recognize a 1959 agreement between Egypt and Sudan that gave Cairo the rights to the lion‘s share of the river. For its part, Egypt refuses to sign on to a 2010 regional water-sharing initiative that takes away its power to veto projects that would alter allocations. Ethiopia says that its dam won‘t affect the Nile‘s flow once its 79 billion cubic meter reservoir is filled. The issue is over how fast that happens. Ethiopia wants to do it in as little as three years; Egypt is aiming for seven to ten, sources close to the matter said.There‘s no doubt the flow of the Nile will be affected during those years. What‘s not known is how dramatically, and there is little data available to answer that question. Sources at Egypt‘s irrigation ministry have estimated the loss of 1 billion cubic meters of water would affect 1 million people and lead to the loss of 200,000 acres of farmland.On that basis, ―if (the dam is) filled in 3 years it might destroy 51 percent of Egypt‘s farmland, if in 6 years it will destroy 17 percent,‖ said Ashraf el Attal, CEO of Dubai-based commodities trader Fortuna and an expert on Egypt‘s grain trade. Be ready to adapt

The U.N.‘s Food and Agriculture Organisation has said Egypt requires an ―urgent and massive‖ response to maintain food security in coming years for a number of reasons, including water scarcity, urbanization and the effects of climate change. Talks among Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia on the dam in early April stalled over what Sudan‘s foreign minister called ―technical issues‖. No date has been set for the next round.―The filling of the GERD is just the most critical issue for the three countries to decide upon, and now, ahead of the first filling,‖ said Ana Cascão, an independent researcher on Nile hydropolitics.―A fair and equitable filling strategy must take into account different scenarios on climate and rainfall variability – if it will be one of drought, then the three countries are ready to agree on a slower filling,‖ said Cascão. Rice farmers, who typically begin planting at the end of April, said they may now leave their lands fallow given the difficulty of quickly switching to other summer crops like cotton and corn that require different machinery and techniques.Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdel Aty told Reuters the situation posed a big threat to crops, livelihoods and even political stability if efforts to coordinate fail.―Imagine to what extent these people will become vulnerable,‖ he said. https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/asia-and-australia/egypt-s-rice-farmers-brace-for-crisis-asethiopia-prepares-mega-dam-1.6026667

Chinese scientists find nanomaterial could reduce lead levels in rice Source:Xinhua Published: 2018/4/23 16:38:53 Chinese scientists have discovered a nanomaterial that reduces the lead levels in rice, potentially helping improve the quality of rice, and ensuring food safety. Lead in soil can be absorbed by rice roots, seriously affecting rice quality and food safety. This calls for research on how to reduce the migration of lead from soil to rice, to minimize its threat to human health. Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) is a nanomaterial that has been used in the restoration of lead-contaminated water and soil. Researchers from the Institute of Solid State Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences used hydroponic experiments to investigate nHAP's potential for reducing the toxicity and mobility of lead in rice. They found that nHAP existing in root cells was beneficial for reducing lead levels and restraining the movement of lead from the roots to shoots. The research was published in the journal "Environmental Science: Nano." The research provides a theoretical basis for environmental nanomaterials inhibiting lead. It also provides technical support for reducing the absorption and transfer of lead in rice.

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1099247.shtml

Isabela millers send more rice to Metro Manila 05:18 AM April 24, 2018

SANTIAGO CITY—Isabela rice millers sent 14,000 bags of commercial rice to Metro Manila on Monday, part of their commitment for 100,000 bags to stabilize prices of the staple.The Isabela Rice Millers Association would absorb the cost of selling the stocks at P39 a kilogram. It valued the initial deliveries at P27.3 million. The group joined millers of Nueva Ecija and Bulacan provinces who earlier sent cheaper rice to Metro Manila after heeding President Rodrigo Duterte‘s request for the poor to have access to affordable rice. Imported rice Prices shot up when the National Food Authority (NFA) stopped distributing rice sold for less than P40 a kilo. NFA buffer stocks suffered a sharp drop as the agency awaited 250,000 metric tons of rice imported from Vietnam and Thailand at the end of May. ―The stocks would further be boosted as we have been buying now more rice from farmers and cooperatives,‖ said Malou Luluquisen, information officer of NFA in Cagayan Valley. Mel Coronel, president of the Nueva Ecija Rice Millers Association, said 30,000 bags of rice had been delivered by their members since April 16. —Reports from Villamor Visaya Jr. and Anselmo Roque

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/984687/isabela-millers-send-more-rice-to-metro-manila

NFA-Quirino targets 10,000 bags of „palay‟ BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO, TMT ON APRIL 24, 2018REGIONS

CABARROGUIS, Quirino: The National Food Authority (NFA) expressed concern over its difficulty in buying palay (unmilled rice) direct from farmers as the agency targets 10,000 bags to ensure supply during the lean months.Antonio Macato, NFA provincial manager, said they have been exerting all efforts to ensure the availability of quality cheap rice in the market during the coming months when supply becomes low but have difficulty because of lower buying price the agency could offer farmers. Commercial traders buy dry palay at P22 per kilo while NFA offers P17 per kilo.In Quirino, the NFA has a procurement target of 10,000 bags of palay this cropping season, Macato said adding that they need the support of the provincial government of Quirino to increase their buying price.―We have already requested the provincial government to support the agency‘s Palay Marketing Assistance for Legislators and Local Government Units program to be able to increase the NFA‘s buying price,‖ he added. While waiting for the provincial government‘s response, they have been meeting with farmers and even sought the support of the Provincial Farmers‘ Action Council (PFAC) that pledged to deliver one bag of palay each from the members.On top of the commitments made by the NFA employees and their relatives in Quirino province, we are expecting at least 2,000 bags from the council,‖ Macato said. Meanwhile, the Isabela Rice Millers group from Region 2 has committed to deliver 14,000 bags of rice to be distributed in Metro Manila to supply the markets with alternative affordable commercial rice in the absence of the cheaper NFA rice. On Monday, the first batch of deliveries was made with 20 trailer trucks carrying 700 bags of rice each converging at the NFA regional office in Isabela.The rice will be delivered to various wholesalers and retailers in Tondo, Malabon, Caloocan, Marikina, Batasan Hills and Parkway Village in Quezon City, Parañaque, and in Tanza, Cavite.The rice from Isabela will be sold at P39 per kilo, similar to the previous delivery of Nueva Ecija traders, who committed a total of 10,000 bags of rice.

http://www.manilatimes.net/nfa-quirino-targets-10000-bags-of-palay/394408/

Blockchain: the future of food traceability? Training Day for Foreign Ag Service By Asiha Grigsby

WASHINGTON, DC -- Last week, USA Rice participated in a "Meet the Cooperators" seminar series led by the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC) to provide training to approximately 30 new foreign service personnel and other staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These annual seminars provide opportunities for local trade associations to educate USDA staff about our organizations and how we work together to increase exports of rice. In addition to explaining the structure of USA Rice and who we represent, Sarah Moran, USA Rice vice president international who attended the training, stressed the value of the partnership we have with USDA and the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). "Four of our top six export markets were opened through trade agreements," said Moran. "Rice is consumed in nearly every culture yet only about 10 percent of the world's rice is traded. Since it's so thinly traded, it is a heavily protected commodity hence the necessity of trade agreements and then promotion to gain access."

Moran discussed the U.S. - Colombia Trade Promotion agreement in detail, including the tariff rate quotas (TRQ) which have created a top market for U.S. rice. Additionally, the establishment of an export trading company to manage the TRQs has led to over $60 million in research funds going to the six U.S. rice research institutions since 2012. Attendees were engaged, asking questions about USA Rice activities in food aid, trade with Iraq, Farm Bill discussions, and gluten free trends.23 April 2018 ―The Blockchain, can change…well everything.‖ That was the prediction of Goldman Sachs in 2015. There has been a lot of talk in the media recently about Blockchain, particularly around Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, but just as the investment bank giant predicted, the technology is starting to have more wide-reaching impacts on other sectors. Here, Shan Zhan,

global business manager at ABBâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s food and beverage business, looks at how blockchain can be used to enhance food traceability. A report from research consultancy Kairos Future describes blockchain as a founding block for the digitaliza-tion of society. With multinationals such as IBM and Walmart driving a pilot project using blockchain technol-ogy for traceability, the food and beverage industry needs to look at the need for the protection of tracea-bility data. The United Nations recognizes food security as a key priority, especially in developing countries. While most countries must abide by strict traceability regulations, which are particularly strong in the EU, other regions may not have the same standards or the data may be at risk of fraud. Food fraud is described by the Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) as the act of purposely altering, misrepre-senting, mislabeling, substituting or tampering with any food product at any point along the farm-to-table food supply chain. Since the thirteenth century, laws have existed to protect consumers against harm from this. The first instance recorded of these laws was during the reign of English monarch King John, when England introduced laws against diluting wine with water or packing flour with chalk. The crime still exists to this day. While malicious contamination intended to damage public health is a signif-icant concern, a bigger problem is the mislabeling of food for financial gain. The biggest areas of risk are bulk commodities such as coffee and tea, composite meat products and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) labelled fish. For example, lower-cost types of rice such as long-grain are sometimes mixed with a small amount of higher-priced basmati rice and sold as the latter. By using blockchain technology in their tracea-bility records, food manufacturers can prevent this from happening. Blockchain is a type of distributed ledger technology that keeps a digital record of all transactions. The rec-ords are broadcasted to a peer-to-peer (P2P) network consisting of computers known as nodes. Once a new transaction is verified, it is added as a new block to the blockchain and cannot be altered. And as the authors of Blockchain Revolution explain, â&#x20AC;&#x2022;the blockchain is an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions that can be programmed to record not just financial transactions but virtually everything of valueâ&#x20AC;&#x2013;.

When records of suppliers and customers are collected manually, to ensure the end manufacturer can trace the entire process, this does not protect the confidential data of suppliers. Blockchain technology anonymizes the data but it is still sufficient to ensure that the supply chain is up to standard. In the case of mislabeled basmati rice, blockchain technology would prevent food fraud as the amount of each ingredient going into the supply chain cannot be lower than the volume going out. This would flag the product as a fraudulent product. Not only can it help to monitor food ingredients, it can also monitor the conditions at the production facility. These are often very difficult to verify and, even if records are taken, they can be falsified. A photo or digi-tal file can be taken to record the situation, such as a fish being caught, to show that it complies with the MSCâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s regulations on sustainably caught seafood. The blockchain will then create a secure digital fingerprint for this image that is recorded in the blockchain, known as a hash. The time and location of the photograph will be encrypted as part of this hash, so it cannot be manipulated. The next supplier in the blockchain will then have a key to this hash and will be able to see that their product has met the regulations. Food and beverage manufacturers can also use blockchain to ensure that conditions at their production facil-ities are being met, or any other data that needs to be securely transferred along the production line. While we are not yet advanced enough with this technology to implement across all food and beverage supply chains, increased digitalization and being at the forefront of investment into these technologies will help plant managers to prepare their supply chain against the food fraud threat. For more information, please contact: ABB Strombergintie 1 Helsinki FI-00380

Tel: +358 10 2224260 Email: vilma.lindell@fi.abb.com

FABEX Show Features Sushi Made from U.S. Rice By Sarah Moran TOKYO, JAPAN -- USA Rice participated in FABEX 2018, one of the major trade shows targeting foodservice and deli/take-out operators held at the Tokyo Big Site earlier this month. The USA Rice booth featured various new style sushi menus to introduce innovative usages of U.S medium grain to the more than 78,000 visitors, including hand-shaped sushi rice prepared using a special sushi roll making machine. "Our taste tests convinced booth visitors that U.S. medium grain works perfectly for traditional sushi as well as "new style" sushi menus," said Jim Guinn, USA Rice director of USA Rice Asia Promotion Programs. "We believe that identifying the use of U.S. medium grain in sushi will provide a new opportunity to promote rice menus at restaurants and delis. In fact, our booth garnered attention not only from restaurants that are looking for new menu ideas but also from food manufacturers who are looking for a high quality and versatile rice."

The "new style" sushi menus use vinegars that differ from the usual sushi vinegar, including sherry vinegar, wine vinegar, and tomato-flavored vinegar. This prompted interest from dressing and sauce companies working closely with supermarkets, and could afford the U.S. industry another avenue to develop additional collaborative business relationships. Guinn concluded, "Australia recently introduced a reasonably priced short grain rice to this market so, for U.S. rice to remain competitive, we must continue to communicate with traders and end users about the quality and versatility of U.S rice in new usages, especially through menus such as sushi."

US Rice Daily

Up the Rice Field Aquatic Food Web By Ken W. â&#x20AC;&#x2022;Creekmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2013; Davis

As we work up the microscopic aquatic food web in winter-flooded rice fields, most species end up on the menu for water fleas. Of course, water fleas and similar animals are food for young salmon in the Nigiri Project and migrating waterfowl. Water fleas come in a variety of sizes

like the two in this image. They are both adults, the larger one has resting eggs under her carapace (shell), the smaller species has two regular eggs under her shell. Both at 40 x magnification The Video: Larger protozoa in a feeding frenzy due to copious amounts of bacteria as the rice straw decomposition continues.Ken W. “Creekman” Davis is an aquatic biologist and wildlife photojournalist with more than 30-years experience. His images have been published in more than 4000 different periodicals, newsletters, brochures, encyclopedias and websites. http://calrice.org/up-the-rice-field-aquatic-food-web/

Kenyatta talks trade with Uganda, Pakistan leaders Published on 22.04.2018 à 14h21 by APA News

President Kenyatta departed from London on Sunday, after holding bilateral meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and President Yoweri Museveni both focused on trade and security.The President held talks with Abbasi following concerns that trade between two countries has not been promising over the past years.Pakistan is currently the leading importer of Kenyan products and more than 80 per cent of the rice imported into Kenya comes from Pakistan.Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that in 2016, Kenya‘s total exports to Pakistan dropped to $178.19 million from $186.87 million in 2015.

The total imports from Pakistan increased from $359.03 million in 2015 to $394.65 million in 2016.The total volume of trade between the two countries stood at $572.84 million in 2016, in favour of Pakistan.―Trade with Pakistan has dropped below historical highs, and the President engaged the Pakistani PM on getting trade back on an upward trajectory. Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr Monica Juma will be following this matter up fairly quickly,‖ Manoah Esipisu, the State House spokesperson said on Sunday.―The bilateral talks with President Museveni also focused on trade and security. Uganda is a major partner and the leaders have to review fairly regularly the state of trade and investment between the two countries,‖ Esipisu said before departing from London. Neighbouring Uganda, which for many years has been the largest buyer of Kenyan goods, was overtaken this year by Pakistan. Uganda has in the past years been the driver of Kenya‘s exports, while Tanzania was once the second largest buyer of goods from Nairobi, before narrowing its orders.Kenyatta who attended the Commonwealth Summit in London also chose to market Kenya by going on two hugely popular and robust platforms, the policy think-tank Chatham House, and broadcaster CNN. Kenya emerged from the summit with an endorsement across the board for its new role as a champion for blue economic development. Canada has already offered to co-host the November Blue Economy Conference in Nairobi.The high-profile blue economy summit will be a massive conference similar to the WTO meetings and the UNCTAD summit.

https://www.journalducameroun.com/en/kenyatta-talks-trade-with-uganda-pakistan-leaders/

DAR gives CLOAs, farm machines to Rizal Arbos By Jonathan L. Mayuga April 23, 2018

[machines] will greatly help in decreasing losses in production and increase their yield and income.‖ The farm machines consisting of heavy-duty farm tractors, rice reapers, shredders and power tiller cultivators were turned over to the Arbos, where more than a thousand are ARB members. DAR Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) Regional Director Luis Bueno explained that the machines were given as ―equipment grant.‖ Bueno added the machines will be managed and operated by the farm organization as a business asset. Minimal user fees will be collected for its use for the maintenance of the farm equipment. The project is implemented under DAR‘s Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services, which aims to transform ARBs into viable entrepreneurs by providing them with support services to increase their income and farming capabilities. https://businessmirror.com.ph/dar-gives-cloas-farm-machines-to-rizal-arbos/

Thailand‟s rice production plan announced VNA MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2018 - 17:53:00

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Lak Wachananawat. (Source: VNA)

Bangkok (NNT/VNA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has announced a rice production plan for the 2018/2019 production year. Under the plan, more than 33 million tonnes of rice will be produced from 70 million rice fields nationwide to keep up with demand. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Lak Wachananawat said the first round of rice production in the 2018/2019 production year includes 58 million Rai which are expected to yield more than 25 million tonns of rice. Eight million tonnes will be produced from 12.2 million Rai of rice fields in the second round. The global rice trade has a tendency to improve due to continuous demand from many countries particularly those in Africa and the Middle East, said the deputy minister.Furthermore, rice production in important rice importers such as Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines is not sufficient for domestic consumption. This is a good opportunity for Thailand to export more rice, said the deputy minister-VNA In its regular update on palay, rice and corn prices, PSA said the average price of palay went up to P20.55 per kilogram from P18.78 per kg last year. Week-on-week, prices were less than one percent lower.

https://en.vietnamplus.vn/thailands-rice-production-plan-announced/129978.vnp

Rice prices up anew in April Louise Maureen Simeon (The Philippine Star) - April 22, 2018 - 12:00am MANILA, Philippines â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Farm gate price of paddy rice continued its upward trend, rising by nine percent at the start of April, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.In its regular update on palay, rice and corn prices, PSA said the average price of palay went up to P20.55 per kilogram from P18.78 per kg last year. Week-on-week, prices were less than one percent lower.The average wholesale price of well-milled rice went up seven percent to P40.85 per kg year-on-year. Week-on-week, prices continued to increase by a minimal 0.27 percent. On the other hand, the average retail price of well-milled rice increased by five percent to P43.70 per kg.The wholesale price of regular-milled rice climbed by eight percent to P37.31 per kg. Its average retail price also increased eight percent to P39.91 per kg.Rice prices have been increasing since the start of the year due to the lack of supply of the cheaper rice from state-run National Food Authority (NFA) which serves as stabilizer in the market to avoid jacking up of the prices of commercial rice. As NFA waits for its stock replenishment via importation, rice millers from Isabela committed to deliver 14,000 bags of rice to be distributed in Metro Manila markets starting next week. This is in line with the Tulong sa Bayan caravan to supply the market with alternative affordable commercial rice in the absence of the cheaper NFA rice.The rice from Isabela will also be sold at P39 per kg, similar to the previous delivery of Nueva Ecija traders last week.The rice will be delivered to various wholesalers and retailers in Tondo, Malabon, Caloocan, Marikina, Batasan Hills and Parkway Village in Quezon City, ParaĂąaque, and in Tanza, Cavite.

The Tulong sa Bayan caravan is a joint project of the NFA, Office of the President, the Confederation of

Grains Retailers Association of the Philippines Inc., and the Philippine Confederation of Grains Associations. PSA earlier said the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s rice inventory remained low this year, declining by 22 percent to 1.7 million metric tons (MT) last month. Total rice inventory as of the end of March was lower than the 2.2 million MT recorded last year.Meanwhile, farm gate prices of white corn grain grew 34 percent to P17.48 per kg. Week-on-week, prices were down one percent. Prices of yellow corn grain likewise picked up by 26 percent to P14.39 per kg and increased by one percent on a weekly basis. The average wholesale price of yellow corn grain increased 12 percent to P20.07 per kg.Retail price of yellow corn grain went up six percent while wholesale and retail prices of white corn grain expanded by 34 percent and two percent to P20.70 per kg and P30.02 per kg, respectively.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/04/22/1808146/rice-prices-anew-april

Khon Kaen farmers beg for water to save 1,000 rai of rice fields Breaking News April 23, 2018 11:02 By The Natiohn Hundreds of farmers in two villages in Khon Kaen's Muang district called on Monday for irrigation officials to urgently supply water to save 1,000 rai of rice fields. The residents of Ban Bueng I-thao and Ban Tha Kae villages in Tambon Sila said their rice plants had fully grown and would soon be ready to harvest but their fields had dried out because the provincial irrigation office was refusing to release water via an irrigation canal. They said their rice plants could die in two weeks if they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;t get water. The villagers said they could not grow rice as usual in the rainy season as their fields are always flooded at that time of year. They therefore had to grow the rice during the dry season but then depended upon water from the irrigation canal â&#x20AC;Śand this year officials had stopped releasing water earlier than usual. One of them, Samarn Paodee, 47, said during the rainy season, their land is under two-metrehigh water for more than a month so all their crops are damaged. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30343747

Pakistani Basmati Rice Rates 48

Tuesday 24th, April 2018 ‫شہر‬

Price (Rs) /40kg

Up/Down Price (Rs)

Up/Down Ratio

Arif Wala

3760 - 3840

+40

+1%

‫عارف واال‬

Bahawal Pur

3440 - 3640

+120

+3%

‫بہاولپور‬

Bhakhar

4400 - 4800

‫بھکر‬

Chakwal

2800 - 3000

‫چکوال‬

Chichawatni

4400 - 4600

‫چیچہ وطنی‬

D G KHAN

3600 - 4000

‫ڈیرہ غازی خان‬

Faisalabad

4000 - 4200

‫فیصل آباد‬

Gujar Khan

3940 - 4000

‫گوجر خان‬

Gujranwala

3880 - 3920

‫گوجرانوالہ‬

Hasanabdal

4040 - 4440

‫حسن ابدال‬

Hazro

4040 - 4440

‫حضرو‬

Jalal Pur Jattan

3480 - 3560

Jauharabad

4000 - 4000

‫جوہر آباد‬

Jhelum

3520 - 3600

‫جہلم‬

Kalurkot

4600 - 4800

‫کلور کوٹ‬

Khanewal

4000 - 4000

‫خانیوال‬

City

-120

-3%

‫جاللپور جٹاں‬

‫الہور‬

Lahore

3800 - 4800

Lala Musa

3560 - 3640

Layyah

4200 - 4400

Lodhran

3800 - 3860

Mandi Bahaudin

4000 - 4200

‫منڈی بہاؤالدین‬

Mian Channu

3800 - 4000

‫میاں چنوں‬

Mianwali

3988 - 4000

‫میانوالی‬

Multan

3600 - 3800

‫ملتان‬

Narowal

3600 - 3800

‫نارووال‬

Noshehra wirkan

3880 - 3920

‫نوشہرہ ورکاں‬

Okara

4000 - 4320

‫اوکاڑہ‬

Pak Pattan

4400 - 5600

‫پاکپتن‬

Qila Dedar Singh

3880 - 3920

‫قلعہ دیدار سنگھ‬

Rahim Yar Khan

3360 - 3420

‫رحیم یار خان‬

Raiwind

4400 - 4600

‫رائے ونڈ‬

Rajan Pur

3440 - 3520

‫راجن پور‬

Rawalpindi

4000 - 4400

‫راولپنڈی‬

Sadiq Abad

4480 - 4480

‫صادق آباد‬

Sahiwal

4200 - 4400

‫ساہیوال‬

-40

-1%

‫اللہ موسی‬ ‫لیہ‬

-140

-3%

‫لودھراں‬

‫‪51‬‬

‫ٹوبہ ٹیک سنگھ‬

‫‪4160 - 4160‬‬

‫‪T T Singh‬‬

‫وہاڑی‬

‫‪3800 - 4000‬‬

‫‪Vehari‬‬

‫وزیر آباد‬

‫‪3880 - 3920‬‬

‫‪Wazirabad‬‬

Tuesday 24th, April 2018 ‫شہر‬

Price (Rs) /40kg

Up/Down Price (Rs)

Up/Down Ratio

Arif Wala

3760 - 3840

+40

+1%

‫عارف واال‬

Bahawal Pur

3440 - 3640

+120

+3%

‫بہاولپور‬

Bhakhar

4400 - 4800

‫بھکر‬

Chakwal

2800 - 3000

‫چکوال‬

Chichawatni

4400 - 4600

‫چیچہ وطنی‬

D G KHAN

3600 - 4000

‫ڈیرہ غازی خان‬

Faisalabad

4000 - 4200

‫فیصل آباد‬

Gujar Khan

3940 - 4000

‫گوجر خان‬

Gujranwala

3880 - 3920

‫گوجرانوالہ‬

Hasanabdal

4040 - 4440

‫حسن ابدال‬

Hazro

4040 - 4440

‫حضرو‬

Jalal Pur Jattan

3480 - 3560

Jauharabad

4000 - 4000

‫جوہر آباد‬

Jhelum

3520 - 3600

‫جہلم‬

Kalurkot

4600 - 4800

‫کلور کوٹ‬

Khanewal

4000 - 4000

‫خانیوال‬

City

-120

-3%

‫جاللپور جٹاں‬

‫الہور‬

Lahore

3800 - 4800

Lala Musa

3560 - 3640

Layyah

4200 - 4400

Lodhran

3800 - 3860

Mandi Bahaudin

4000 - 4200

‫منڈی بہاؤالدین‬

Mian Channu

3800 - 4000

‫میاں چنوں‬

Mianwali

3988 - 4000

‫میانوالی‬

Multan

3600 - 3800

‫ملتان‬

Narowal

3600 - 3800

‫نارووال‬

Noshehra wirkan

3880 - 3920

‫نوشہرہ ورکاں‬

Okara

4000 - 4320

‫اوکاڑہ‬

Pak Pattan

4400 - 5600

‫پاکپتن‬

Qila Dedar Singh

3880 - 3920

‫قلعہ دیدار سنگھ‬

Rahim Yar Khan

3360 - 3420

‫رحیم یار خان‬

Raiwind

4400 - 4600

‫رائے ونڈ‬

Rajan Pur

3440 - 3520

‫راجن پور‬

Rawalpindi

4000 - 4400

‫راولپنڈی‬

Sadiq Abad

4480 - 4480

‫صادق آباد‬

Sahiwal

4200 - 4400

‫ساہیوال‬

-40

-1%

‫اللہ موسی‬ ‫لیہ‬

-140

-3%

‫لودھراں‬

T T Singh

4160 - 4160

‫ٹوبہ ٹیک سنگھ‬

Vehari

3800 - 4000

‫وہاڑی‬

Wazirabad

3880 - 3920

‫وزیر آباد‬

http://www.agriculture.pk/super-basmati-rice-price-pakistan-today/ 

NFA says cheap rice will be back in late May Agency says priority will be highly populated cities where poverty rate is high By: Karl R. Ocampo - @inquirerdotnet Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:10 AM April 23, 2018

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

Poor Filipino households can expect the low-priced subsidized rice to be back in the market by the latter part of May, according to the country‘s grains agency. The National Food Authority (NFA) said it has secured its terms of reference (TOR) for the importation of 250,000 metric tons (MT) of rice. This is expected to immediately replenish the agency‘s reserves. Upon the shipments‘ arrival, NFA said it would return the NFA rice to the market to be priced at its previous levels—P27 and P32 a kilo. According to NFA spokesperson Rex Estoperez, the cheaper variant would be the regular NFA rice while the pricier variant would be of better quality to give consumers some preference. Although private traders have come up with a cheaper commercial rice currently being sold at P39 a kilo, this was still P12 more expensive than the subsidized rice. Retail prices for regular-milled and well-milled rice are now at P39.91 and P43.70 a kilo, respectively, based on the latest price monitoring report of the Philippine Statistics Authority. Under the agency‘s chosen mode of procurement, which is the government-togovernment scheme, the agency may issue a Notice to Proceed (NTP) to its winning bidders by May 7. It will then take 10 to 15 days for the winning supplier of the bid to deliver the imports to the country. The existing rice trade agreements of the Philippines allow it to buy rice from Vietnam and Thailand. ―As soon as the stocks arrive, NFA will focus on immediate distribution. We assure [the public] that the rice will be quickly made available to areas in most need of government support, especially highly populated cities where poverty rate is high, in poor provinces, and in island municipalities across the country,‖ NFA Administrator Jason Aquino said.

He added that the NFA would be implementing strict market monitoring and enforcement to ensure that poor households would get access to affordable rice. The supply of cheap NFA rice came to a halt after the buffer stock of the agency got depleted. The NFA is mandated to keep a 15-day buffer and a 30-day stock during the lean months of July to September. https://business.inquirer.net/249683/nfa-says-cheap-rice-will-back-latemay#ixzz5Da8UUU8K

Rice Cooker Market Rising Trends and Growing Demand 2018 to 2022 April 23, 2018 - by tanmay

Global Rice Cooker Market Research Report 2018 to 2022 provides an in-depth analysis of the North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, South America appraisal market by value, by volume, by segments, by number of AMCs, appraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s tenure, etc. The report also gives an insight of the Global addressable appraisal market opportunity. The report covers forecast and analysis for the rice cooker market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2012-2016 along with a forecast from 2018 to 2022 based on both output/volume and revenue. The study then describes the drivers and restraints for the rice cooker market along with the impact they have on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes the study of opportunities available in the rice cooker market on a global level. Request a Sample copy of this report at:https://www.marketinsightsreports.com/reports/0417436595/global-rice-cooker-marketoutlook-2017-2022/inquiry The report has been prepared based on the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of information about the global rice cooker market collected from specialized sources. The competitive landscape section of the report provides a clear insight into the market share analysis of key industry players. Company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, new project

launched, recent development analysis are the parameters included in the profile. Relevantly, the report and company profiles specify the key drivers that are impacting the demand in global rice cooker market. Companies Mentioned are CUCHEN, Cuckoo, Enaiter, Joyoung, Midea, Panasonic, Supor, Toshiba, Zojirushi Demand for this market rises from the agriculture, industrial, household, and other applications. All the segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2017 to 2022. Relevantly, the report and company profiles specify the key drivers that are impacting the demand in global Rice Cooker market. This report segments the global Automotive Cabin Air Quality Sensor market on the basis of types Conventional Rice Cooker, Micom Rice Cooker, IH Rice Cooker. Essential points covered in Global Rice Cooker Market 2018 Research are:    

What will the market size be in 2022? What are the key factors driving the global Rice Cooker market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key players in the Rice Cooker market? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key players?

Browse Full Report at: https://www.marketinsightsreports.com/reports/0417436595/globalrice-cooker-market-outlook-2017-2022 15 Chapters are covered in this Report to deeply display the Global Rice Cooker Market. Chapter 1, to describe Rice Cooker Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force; Chapter 2, to analysis the top manufacturers of Rice Cooker Market, with sales, revenue, and price of Rice Cooker Market, in 2017 and 2018; Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2017 and 2018; Chapter 4, to show the Global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Rice Cooker Market, for each region, from 2013 to 2017;

Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analysis the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions; Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018; Chapter 12, Rice Cooker Market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2022; Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Rice Cooker Market sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source. However, the market also faces some challenges, which includes increase in the number of terror attacks, heavy taxes imposed on the tour operators and seasonality dependence. Digital travel, evolution of eco-tourism and rise of adventure tourism are some of the latest trends in the global Rice Cooker market. The report provides a basic overview of the Rice Cooker industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. And development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s more, the Rice Cooker industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. The research includes historic data from 2014 to 2017 and forecasts until 2022 which makes the reports an invaluable resource for industry executives, marketing, sales and product managers, consultants, analysts, and other people looking for key industry data in readily accessible documents with clearly presented tables and graphs. The report will make detailed analysis mainly on above questions and in-depth research on the development environment, market size, development trend, operation situation and future development trend of Rice Cooker on the basis of stating current situation of the industry in 2018 so as to make comprehensive organization and judgment on the competition situation and development trend of Rice Cooker Market and assist manufacturers and investment organization to better grasp the development course of Rice Cooker Market.https://theanalystfinancial.com/258906/rice-cooker-market-rising-trends-andgrowing-demand-2018-to-2022/

GM crops can check decline in farm yield‟ STAFF REPORTER TIRUPATI, APRIL 24, 2018 00:00 IST

Awareness needed on benefits: expert Genetically modified (GM) crops could go a long way in addressing the decline in agricultural productivity, opined Dr. Kumar, former Director of the Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad. Speaking to the media on sidelines of a state-level ‗Biosafety Capacity Building Workshop‘, jointly organised by Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Guntur (ANGRAU) and Biotech Consortium India Limited, New Delhi (BCIL) at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) here on Monday, Dr. Kumar said that Bt Cotton, which was introduced in 2002, had revolutionised the production of cotton in the country and several public research institutions and agricultural varsities had been conducting research on it for the past many decades. ―Except for a few varieties, GM crops were cultivated in 185 billion hectares across 28 countries in 2016 and among them, 15 were food crops. There is an immediate need to share such information to spread awareness on the benefits of GM crops,‖ Mr. Kumar said. ANGRAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. V. Damodara Naidu also spoke. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/gm-crops-can-check-decline-in-farmyield/article23652243.ece

Global Transplanting Machines Market | Trends, Share, Growth Rate, Opportunities and Market Forecast 2018-2025 ByOscar Theis April 23, 2018 0

SHARE Facebook Twitter Worldwide Transplanting Machines Market 2018 Report presents a professional and deep analysis on the present state of Transplanting Machines Market. The study of Transplanting Machines industry is very important to enhance business productivity and for the study of Transplanting Machines market forecast. Global Transplanting Machines market 2018 is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX.X% between 2018 and 2025. Transplanting Machines market report also includes a detailed analysis of Transplanting Machines market outlook, production, consumption and Transplanting Machines market share based on different geographical regions.

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Global Transplanting Machines Market: Competitive Study and Key Sellers

John Deere Great Plains Kubota Mechanical Transplanter Ackerman Holland Transplanter Kennco Manufacturing

Big John Manufacturing Whitfield Forestry Equipment Yanmar Checchi & Magli Kukje Machinery Egedal Zhongji Southern Machinery

Global Transplanting Machines Market: Type Segment Analysis

Riding Type Walking Type Tractor Mounted

Global Transplanting Machines Market: End Users/Application Segment Analysis

Rice Transplant Vegetable Transplant Tree Transplant Tobacco Transplant Fruit Transplant Global Transplanting Machines Market: Regional Scope of the Research North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East, and Africa. The global Transplanting Machines market 2018 report provides a thorough analysis of the Transplanting Machines market size as well as CAGR for the forecast period 2018-2025, assuming 2017 as the base year. The Transplanting Machines report exemplifies accurate profit initialization through various Transplanting Machines market segments. It also explains the investment structure for Transplanting Machines market. Further, the Transplanting Machines

market report involves important information related new products launched in the Transplanting Machines industry, various approvals, regional landscaping and as well the company strategies adopted in the competitive Transplanting Machines market.

Click Here to Ask Any Query: https://qyresearch.us/report/global-transplanting-machinesmarket-2018/173505/#inquiry In this research, the years considered to assess the Transplanting Machines market size are:

Transplanting Machines Market History Year: 2013-2017 Transplanting Machines Market Base Year: 2017 Transplanting Machines Market Research Estimated Year: 2018 Transplanting Machines Market Research Forecast Year: 2018-2025

Study Objectives of Global Transplanting Machines Market are:

1. To examine and revise the global Transplanting Machines market by volume, sales updates and the forecast figures(2018-2025). 2. Transplanting Machines market research report focuses on the SWOT analysis, as well as defines Transplanting Machines market synopsis, along with development plans. 3. It explains and predicts the Transplanting Machines market by product, services, and geographical regions. 4. To comprehend the regional and global Transplanting Machines market impending related to growth factor, opportunities, restraints, challenges, latest trends, and threats. 5. To study the major possibilities in the upcoming Transplanting Machines market shareholders by comparing the growth segments. 6. To analyze Transplanting Machines market by tactically with regards to their growth trend and contribution towards the Transplanting Machines industry. 7. To scrutinize the Transplanting Machines market expansion, introduction of new product, mergers, agreement, and acquisitions. Lawrence John

Sales Manager Telephone Number: +1 (857) 2390696 Website: http://qyresearch.us/ Mail Id: inquiry@market.biz

https://thenewscolumnist.com/2018/04/23/global-transplanting-machines-market-trends-sharegrowth-rate-opportunities-and-market-forecast-2018-2025/

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jasmine Rice Market Research including Growth Factors, Types and Application by regions from 2018 to 2022â&#x20AC;? April 23, 2018 - by amit.p

Jasmine Rice Market report conveys an essential review of the Jasmine Rice Market including its definition, applications and technology. Additionally, the Jasmine Rice Industry report investigates the international Major Market players in detail. Jasmine Rice Market report gives key insights and existing status of the Manufacturers and is an important Source of direction and heading for Companies and people inspired by the Industry. Jasmine Rice Market Report provides comprehensive analysis of key market segments and subsegments with evolving market trends and dynamics, changing supply and demand scenarios by quantifying market opportunities through market sizing and market forecasting, Tracking current trends, challenges, and Competitive insights. Opportunity mapping in terms of technological breakthroughs for business development. Global Jasmine Rice Market competition by top Manufacturers, with sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each Manufacturer; the top Manufacturers including Monsanto, DuPont, Syngenta, Dow AgroSciences, Bayer CropScience, Burrus Seed Farm, and Many others. The report split global into several key Regions, with sales (Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Jasmine Rice for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), covering United States, China, Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia and India. Request for Sample of Report @https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/requestsample/10433984 Jasmine Rice Market Historic Data (2013-2017):

    

Industry Trends: Global Revenue, Status and Outlook. Competitive Landscape: By Manufacturers, Development Trends. Product Revenue for Top Players: Market Share, Growth Rate, Current Market Situation Analysis. Market Segment: By Types, By Applications, By Regions/ Geography. Sales Revenue: Market Share, Growth Rate, Current Market Analysis.

Jasmine Rice Market Influencing Factors:  

Market Environment: Government Policies, Technological Changes, Market Risks. Market Drivers: Growing Demand, Reduction in Cost, Market Opportunities and Challenges.

Jasmine Rice Market Forecast (2018-2022):  

Market Size Forecast: Global Overall Size, By Type/Product Category, By Applications/End Users, By Regions/Geography. Key Data (Revenue): Market Size, Market Share, Growth Rate, Growth, Product Sales Price.

Purchase Jasmine Rice Market Research Report @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/purchase/10433984 Key questions answered in the report:      

What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What will the market size be in 2022 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?

Based on product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into   

Type 1 Type 2 Type 3

On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Jasmine Rice for each application   

Application 1 Application 2 Application 3

Inquire for further detailed information about Jasmine Rice Market @ https://www.360marketupdates.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/10433984 https://theanalystfinancial.com/265439/jasmine-rice-market-research-including-growthfactors-types-and-application-by-regions-from-2018-to-2022/

Rice Transplanter Market Expected to Grow at a CAGR of 9.4% by 2022 April 23, 2018 - by tanmay

Global Rice Transplanter Market Research Report 2018 to 2022 provides an in-depth analysis of the North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, South America appraisal market by value, by volume, by segments, by number of AMCs, appraiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s tenure, etc. The report also gives an insight of the Global addressable appraisal market opportunity. The report covers forecast and analysis for the Rice Transplanter market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2012-2016 along with a forecast from 2018 to 2022 based on both output/volume and revenue. The study then describes the drivers and restraints for the Rice Transplanter market along with the impact they have on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes the study of opportunities available in the Rice Transplanter market on a global level. Request a Sample copy of this report at:https://www.marketinsightsreports.com/reports/0417436596/global-rice-transplantermarket-outlook-2017-2022/inquiry

The Global Rice Transplanter Market will Grow at a CAGR of 9.4% by 2022 The report has been prepared based on the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of information about the global Rice Transplanter market collected from specialized sources. The competitive landscape section of the report provides a clear insight into the market share analysis of key industry players. Company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, new project launched, recent development analysis are the parameters included in the profile. Relevantly, the report and company profiles specify the key drivers that are impacting the demand in global Rice Transplanter market. Companies Mentioned are Asia Tech, ISEKI, Jiangsu World, Kubota, Mitsubishi, TYM, Yamabiko, Yanmar

Demand for this market rises from the agriculture, industrial, household, and other applications. All the segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2017 to 2022. Relevantly, the report and company profiles specify the key drivers that are impacting the demand in global Rice Transplanter market. This report segments the global Automotive Cabin Air Quality Sensor market on the basis of types Walk Behind Type, Riding Type. Essential points covered in Global Rice Transplanter Market 2018 Research are:    

What will the market size be in 2022? What are the key factors driving the global Rice Transplanter market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key players in the Rice Transplanter market? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key players?

Browse Full Report at: https://www.marketinsightsreports.com/reports/0417436596/globalrice-transplanter-market-outlook-2017-2022 15 Chapters are covered in this Report to deeply display the Global Rice Transplanter Market. Chapter 1, to describe Rice Transplanter Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force; Chapter 2, to analysis the top manufacturers of Rice Transplanter Market, with sales, revenue, and price of Rice Transplanter Market, in 2017 and 2018; Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2017 and 2018; Chapter 4, to show the Global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Rice Transplanter Market, for each region, from 2013 to 2017; Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analysis the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions; Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;

Chapter 12, Rice Transplanter Market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2022; Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Rice Transplanter Market sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source. However, the market also faces some challenges, which includes increase in the number of terror attacks, heavy taxes imposed on the tour operators and seasonality dependence. Digital travel, evolution of eco-tourism and rise of adventure tourism are some of the latest trends in the global Rice Transplanter market. The report provides a basic overview of the Rice Transplanter industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. And development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. Then, the report focuses on global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s more, the Rice Transplanter industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. The research includes historic data from 2014 to 2017 and forecasts until 2022 which makes the reports an invaluable resource for industry executives, marketing, sales and product managers, consultants, analysts, and other people looking for key industry data in readily accessible documents with clearly presented tables and graphs. The report will make detailed analysis mainly on above questions and in-depth research on the development environment, market size, development trend, operation situation and future development trend of Rice Transplanter on the basis of stating current situation of the industry in 2018 so as to make comprehensive organization and judgment on the competition situation and development trend of Rice Transplanter Market and assist manufacturers and investment organization to better grasp the development course of Rice Transplanter Market. https://theanalystfinancial.com/258988/rice-transplanter-market-expected-to-grow-at-acagr-of-9-4-by-2022/

Ready to Eat Rice Market is touching new levels â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A comprehensive study segmented by Key Players: Yamie, Tasty Bite, Tastic, Jin Luo, Vala Thai Food Co April 23, 2018 - by HTF Market Report

Latest research study from HTF MI with title China Ready to Eat Rice by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023. The Research report presents a complete

assessment of the market and contains Future trend, Current Growth Factors, attentive opinions, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry validated market data. The study is segmented by products type, application/end-users. The research study provides estimates for China Ready to Eat Rice Forecast till 2023. If you are involved in the Ready to Eat Rice industry or intend to be, then this study will provide you comprehensive outlook. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vital you keep your market knowledge up to date segmented by Applications Convenient Stores, Restaurants and Hotels & Others, Product Types such as [Indian Style, Chinese Style & Other Styles] and some major players in the industry. If you have a different set of players/manufacturers according to geography or needs regional or country segmented reports we can provide customization according to your requirement. Request Sample of China Ready to Eat Rice Market Research Report 2018 @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1108551-china-ready-to-eat-ricemarket Key Companies/players: Mars, Inc, Gu Long Foods, Gu Da Sao, Shanghai Meilin, VegaFoods, Yamie, Tasty Bite, Tastic, Jin Luo, Vala Thai Food Co., Ltd., MTR FOODS, Maiyas, Goldern Star & Kohinoor Foods Ltd. Application: Convenient Stores, Restaurants and Hotels & Others, Product Type: Indian Style, Chinese Style & Other Styles. The research covers the current & Future market size of the China Ready to Eat Rice market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data. It also covers various types of segmentation such as by geography [South China, East China, Southwest China, Northeast China, North China, Central China & Northwest China]. The market competition is constantly growing higher with the rise in technological innovation and M&A activities in the industry. Moreover, many local and regional vendors are offering specific application products for varied end-users. On the basis of attributes such as company overview, recent developments, strategies adopted by the market leaders to ensure growth, sustainability, financial overview and recent developments. Stay up-to-date with Ready to Eat Rice market research offered by HTF MI. Check how key trends and emerging drivers are shaping this industry growth as the study avails you with market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional breakdowns, competitive landscape, shares, trend and strategies for this market. In the China Ready to Eat Rice Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023, the revenue is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023. The production is estimated at XX million in 2017 and is forecasted to reach XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023.

Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1108551-china-ready-to-eat-rice-market Key questions answered in this report â&#x20AC;&#x201C; China Ready to Eat Rice Market Research Report 2018 What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate be What are the key market trends What is driving China Ready to Eat Rice Market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in Ready to Eat Rice Market space? What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the China Ready to Eat Rice Market ? What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the China Ready to Eat Rice Market? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the China Ready to Eat Rice market? Get in-depth details about factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA? Check for discount @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/request-discount/1108551-chinaready-to-eat-rice-market There are 15 Chapters to display the China Ready to Eat Rice market. Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of China Ready to Eat Rice, Applications of Ready to Eat Rice, Market Segment by Regions; Chapter 2, to analyze the Manufacturing Cost Structure, Raw Material and Suppliers, Manufacturing Process, Industry Chain Structure; Chapter 3, to display the Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of , Capacity and Commercial Production Date, Manufacturing Plants Distribution, Export & Import, R&D Status and Technology Source, Raw Materials Sources Analysis; Chapter 4, to show the Overall Market Analysis, Capacity Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Analysis (Company Segment), Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment); Chapter 5 and 6, to show the Regional Market Analysis that includes South China, East China, Southwest China, Northeast China, North China, Central China & Northwest China, Ready to Eat Rice Segment Market Analysis (by Type); Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Ready to Eat Rice Segment Market Analysis (by Application

[Convenient Stores, Restaurants and Hotels & Others]) Major Manufacturers Analysis; Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [Indian Style, Chinese Style & Other Styles], Market Trend by Application [Convenient Stores, Restaurants and Hotels & Others]; Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis; Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of China Ready to Eat Rice by region, type and application ; Chapter 12, to describe Ready to Eat Rice Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source; Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Ready to Eat Rice sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source. Buy this research report @ https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buynow?format=1&report=1108551 Reasons for Buying this Report This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth It provides a 5-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segments Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia. https://opinioninvestor.com/ready-to-eat-rice-market-is-touching-new-levels-acomprehensive-study-segmented-by-key-players-yamie-tasty-bite-tastic-jin-luo-vala-thaifood-co/389644/

Rice Milk Market -to become Leading Performer for Global Investors with increasing Business Opportunities by 2022 April 23, 2018 - by rashmi.s

The Rice Milk market report includes a comprehensive analysis of the present state of the market. The report starts with the basic Rice Milk industry overview and then goes into each and every detail. Description Global Rice Milk Market Size, Status and Forecast 2018-2023 The Research begins with the Overview of Global Rice Milk Market Analyzing Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers. The Research also Provide Information about Manufacturers, Market Competition , Cost, Market Effect Factors with Market Forecast (20182023). This enables the buyer of the report to gain a telescopic view of the competitive landscape and plan the strategies accordingly. The following Companies as the Key Players in the Global Rice Milk Market Research Report 2017: Company 1 Company 2 Company 3 Company 4 And Many More… Get a Sample of Rice Milk Market research report from https://www.marketreportsworld.com/enquiry/request-sample/10786074 Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions:    

North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Turkey etc.) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam)) South America (Brazil etc.) & Middle East and Africa (North Africa and GCC Countries)

Secondly the study, besides estimating the Rice Milk market potential till 2018-2023, analyzes on who can be the market leaders and what partnerships would help them to capture the market share. The Rice Milk Industry report gives an overview about the dynamics of the market, by discussing various aspects such as drivers, restraints, Porterâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s 5 forces, value chain, customer acceptance and investment scenario Global Rice Milk Market by Classification (2018-2023) Global Rice Milk Market Size by Type and Application (2018-2023) Global Rice Milk Market Size by Type (2018-2023) Global Rice Milk Market Size by Application (2018-2023) Potential Application of Rice Milk in Future Top Consumer/End Users of Rice Milk Enquiry for Global Rice Milk Market Report at: https://www.marketreportsworld.com/enquiry/pre-order-enquiry/10786074 Key Points Covered in Rice Milk Market Report: Global Rice Milk Market Research Report 2018 Global Rice Milk Market Competition by Manufacturers Global Rice Milk Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2018-2023) Global Rice Milk Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2018-2023) Global Rice Milk Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type Global Rice Milk Market Analysis by Application Global Rice Milk Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis Rice Milk Manufacturing Cost Analysis Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders

Market Effect Factors Analysis Global Rice Milk Market Forecast 2018-2023 The Rice Milk industry research report analyses the supply, sales, production, and market status comprehensively. Production market shares and sales market shares are analysed along with the study of capacity, production, sales, and revenue. Several other factors such as import, export, gross margin, price, cost, and consumption are also analysed under the section Analysis of Rice Milk production, supply, sales and market status. https://theanalystfinancial.com/260501/rice-milk-market-to-become-leading-performer-forglobal-investors-with-increasing-business-opportunities-by-2022/

Consuming rice bran-fortified soy milk with carb-based meals could help prevent diabetes By Gary Scattergood 23-Apr-2018 - Last updated on 23-Apr-2018 at 01:40 GMT In a previous study, the same researchers found that co-ingestion of soymilk reduced the glycaemic response of white bread by about 25%. ÂŠ iStock Consuming rice bran-fortified soy milk alongside a carbohydrate-rich meal can be a simple dietary strategy to improve glycaemic control and help in the prevention and management of diabetes, according to researchers in Singapore and Japan.

The regular consumption of soy products has long been associated with the reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes, and there has been an increasing interest in the glycaemia-reducing potential of rice bran and its components. In this study, researchers from the Clinical Nutrition Research Centre in Singapore, Health Care R&D at Sunstar Inc., and the National University of Singapore investigated whether consuming soy milk with the addition of rice bran can reduce the glycaemic response to a carbohydrateheavy meal. 2

Seventeen healthy Asian men (BMI: 18.5 to 29 kg/m ) participated in this randomised crossover trial. On four occasions, they consumed white bread (two times) and white bread with two different soy milks differing in protein and rice bran content.

Blood samples were taken to measure glucose and insulin response over three hours. Response reduction

"Taking the glycaemic index (GI) value of white bread as a reference value of 100, the GI of white bread when co-ingested with rice bran soy milk (RBS) was 83.1 (±7.7) and sugar-free soy milk (SFS) was 77.5 (±10.1), both were lower than white bread," wrote the researchers. While the insulin response of both soy milk treatments was similar to white bread, the glucose / insulin ratio of RBS and SFS were 43.1 (±6.1) and 60.0 (±17.0) and were lower (p < 0.05) than white bread (123.5 ± 21.1) during the first 30 minutes after consumption. In a previous study, the same researchers found that the co-ingestion of soy milk reduced the glycaemic response of white bread by about 25%. This present study demonstrated that consuming soy protein derived from soy milk at lower doses (rice bran soy milk: 3.4g, sugar-free soy milk: 7.8g, versus the previous study's 11.8g) is still capable of lowering the glycaemic response by about 17% for RBS and 23% for SFS. "This finding aligns with our hypothesis that co-ingestion of soy milk with a carbohydrate meal reduces the glycaemic response, and this can be a potential dietary strategy to improve glycaemic control," they concluded. The research was supported by the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR) and partially by a grant from Sunstar Group (Japan). Source: Nutrients http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu10040449 "Co-Ingestion of Rice Bran Soymilk or Plain Soymilk with White Bread: Effects on the Glycemic and Insulinemic Response" Authors: Christiani Jeyakumar Henry, et al. Dr Sumanto Halder from Singapore's Clinical Nutrition research Centre will speaking at our forthcoming Healthy Ageing APAC Summit, where he will be shedding light on the anti-diabetic properties of a raft of functional foods https://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Article/2018/04/23/Consuming-rice-bran-fortifiedsoy-milk-with-carb-based-meals-could-help-prevent-diabetes

The dismal state of education in Pakistan Unfortunately, the state of education — a basic human development indicator — remains pathetic Murtaza Talpur APRIL 24, 2018

Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave. (Hadith) Badin is about 220 kms to east from Karachi — a business, trade and industrial hub. It has remained midpoint of Pakistan People‘s Party (PPP) since last four decades. Badin has largest oil and gas fields. It is a swampy, fertile, and suitable for growing rice and sugarcane. It has the largest tomato producing districts in Pakistan. Despite that according to human development index district is under lowest in HDI rank. During the last two decades, unprecedented floods and heavy rains have wreaked havoc on already impoverished people. The majority of people‘s source of income is either agriculture or rearing livestock. But since the last couple of years, agricultural fields have been devastated by floods and heavy rains or shortage of water. Though, people of Badin are simple and modest. Literacy ratio of the district is lowest in Pakistan as illiteracy is the foremost obstacle to development for poor people of Badin. If the education system is improved, development and prosperity of district is long-established. Education is a key indicator of progress and prosperity. It heals poor from poverty and hunger, makes masses and society ethically and morally enriched. Throughout the history, it has been considered an instrumental for long-run development. Unfortunately, our very basic human development indicator — education is in a pathetic state of affairs. Instead of going upward education graph is dwindling. Owing to the miserable education system, it has resulted in poor quality of life, socio-economic disparities, gender discrimination, and increasing social evils etc.Here, I would like to share a real-life story of an alarming education state in one of the schools of Badin. It is a government primary school Haji Ali Bux Chandio located some 8 kilometers to Badin-Karachi road, union council Kadi Kazia Tehsil and district Badin. When early in the morning at the school time, I observed the students coming from various villages from different directions with stitched dresses, torn shoes, innocent faces, some have hoary schools bags and others have held the books in their hands. They have slates, and pens are hanging in their hands. They look all the way away from worldly torments and suffering. However, they are innocent do not have experience of the cruel world that how in future without quality education they are going to be treated. Education helps the unfortunate escape poverty and hunger, and enriches society morally. It has been considered a tool for long-term development throughout history

Though, no one pays much heed to children‘s education, especially in Sindh province. This is what is happening with government primary school Haji Ali Bux Chandio. The school has only one teacher Mr Younis Chandio, who teaches 100 students all boys in the school. On inquiring from him why only boys in the school, he said that ‗due to unavailability of basic facilities parents do not allow their girls to go to school.‘ I was terribly shocked when I saw that school does not even have basic facilities. It is a challenging task for Mr Younis who teaches over hundred students from first to fifth grades. Each grade has seven subjects, how can only one teacher manage to teach 35 subjects in six hours a day. It is more than impossible and a point to ponder for those who claim that education has improved. Here the future of our children is at the stake. The teacher said that ‗lots of girls of the area are interested to get the education but due to the unavailability of sitting arrangements, no girl has been enrolled in the school.‘ Further, Mr Younis said that ‗I have been working since 2008 in this school, have requested higher authorities for the building but so far no stone is turned. Innocent children are compelled to study in such undesirable environment.‘ He

said that ‗students are very intelligent but it becomes very challenging to give them a quality education.‘ It is requested from concerned departments, ministry and Sindh government to take the matter seriously. Besides, the intellectuals, educationists, and policymakers are also requested to work on improving our education system.

The writer is associated with Indus Consortium as Research Officer https://dailytimes.com.pk/231629/the-dismal-state-of-education-in-pakistan/

Rice Exports Increases 27.67% In 9 Months Faizan Hashmi 2 hours ago Tue 24th April 2018 | 03:25 PM

Rice exports from the country during first 9 months of current financial year increased by 27.67 percent as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2018 ) :Rice exports from the country during first 9 months of current financial year increased by 27.67 percent as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year. During the period from July-March, 2017-18, about 3,132,997 metric tons of rice worth US$ 1.494 billion exported as compared the exports of 2,681,253 metric tons valuing of US$ 1.170 billion of same period last year. According the latest data released by the pakistan Bureau of Statistics, basmati rice exports from the country also grew by

19.13 percent as 332,179 metric tons of basmati rice costing US$ 348.558 million exported during last 9 months as against the exports of 302,339 metric tons valuing US$ 290.897 million of same period last year. During the period under review, about 2,800,818 metric tons of rice others then basmati were exported and earned US$ 1.148 billion as compared the exports of 2,378,914 metric tons valuing of US$ 897.804 million of same period last year, showing an increase of 30.49 percent, it said. Meanwhile, the country earned US$ 315.497 million by exporting about 130,148 metric tons of fish and fish preparations, which was recorded at 105,039 metric tons valuing of US$ 275.807 million in same period last year, it added. During last 9 months of current financial year food group exports from the country grew by 28.06 percent as different food commodities worth US$ 3.431 billion were exported as against the exports of US$ 2.679 billion of the same period last year, it reveled. On month on month basis, food group exports also registered and increase of 70.73 percent during the month of March as compared the exports of the corresponding month of last year, it added. In March, 2018 food commodities worth US$ 589.122 million were exported as against the exports of US$ 345.051 million of same month last year, the data reveled. https://www.urdupoint.com/en/business/rice-exports-increases-2767-in-9-months-324746.html