www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com 0321 3692874
1
News Detail‌ How rice importers are evading a yearly $21m tax at Tema port Source: graphic.com.gh A grand scheme comprising some major rice importers and their assigns are taking advantage of lousy clearance procedures at the ports
to make away with an average of more than US$21 million per a year, mainly through under-declaration and misclassification of products.
2
Documents seen by Graphic Online indicate that the importers that control between 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the grain imported into the country, together with other minor importers, are all implicated in this canker.In the case of under-declaration or under-invoicing, the importers are able to cheat the system by declaring a price lower than the actual price of the rice at source. For instance, in June last year, for a quantity of 500 kilogramme (kg) bagged fragrant rice bought by one of the importers from Vietnam at US$572 and valued at US$286,000 in total, the importer under-declared it at US$440, giving it a total value of US$220,000.This meant that the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) calculated a duty of 45.9 per cent on US$220,000 rather than on US$286,000.Thus, instead of paying a duty of US$131,000, the company shortchanged the country by paying US$100,980; thereby escaping with US$30,294 in just one consignment of 1kg bagged fragrant rice.The same situation happened with the 5kg, 4.5kg, 25kg and 50kg bags of rice in various quantities imported by the same company during June 2017 alone. This also meant that the company, whose identity has been withheld, made away with over US$711,000 from this dubious activity. Thus, should the situation remain like this throughout the year, it meant that one importer swindled the revenue authorities of more than US$8.5 million last year. Another corrupt strategy that some of the rice importers are using is misclassification. Under this practice, importers do not state the right classification of the rice in order to dodge taxes. For example, if a company brings in long-grain fragrant rice it is able to declare at Customs that the product is white rice - which attracts lower duties than the fragrant rice.The documents seen by Graphic Online shows that in April and May this year one of the largest importers brought fragrance rice into the country but declared it as white rice at the Tema Port.The effect of this is that it gives the company undue advantage of selling the rice on the local market cheaper than its competitors paying the right duties, thereby making them uncompetitive. The trend shows that the government loses on average US$21million annually from these under-declaration and misclassification practices.
3
Graphic Online is reliably informed that some of the importers who are affected by these unscrupulous acts have reported the issue to law enforcers especially the GRA, but action is yet to be taken to resolve them.
Customs aid process
Again, Graphic Online has found out that the companies are able to carry out this corrupt activity (under-declaration) by taking advantage of lapses in the clearance process at the ports. Customs has a benchmark price for some products imported into the country, of which rice is part. Under the benchmark pricing, per the documents sighted, all fragrant rice imported into the country is priced at US$440 irrespective of the bag‘s size, be it 1kg or 50kg. Meanwhile, all the various quantities are bought at different prices at source: meaning different duties should be calculated for each bag-size.Customs, however, require importers to declare the right prices goods are bought at source. For example, even though Customs has set a benchmark price of US$440 for a quantity of 500 1kg fragrant rice, importers are expected to declare the original price of US$572 they paid in Vietnam. However, this is not the case, as some of the importers are able to use their sister-companies in other countries to declare prices below the original and present invoices to that effect to Ghana Customs. Customs can address this by simply demanding from importers the original declaration forms at source, in addition to all other relevant documents, for calculation of duties. Effect on local businesses The situation presented in this story puts the local industry in danger, as efforts by government to boost their capacity will yield no results if the big players continue to make away with millions through these corrupt practices. The country‘s current rice consumption is about 1.8 million tonnes, with local rice production less than 600,000 tonnes. The Ministry of Agriculture is expecting rice production to hit about 630,000 tonnes by end of the year.
4
With the big importers cheating the system, the local industry‘s prospects for competing with them remain very dim indeed. http://www.businessghana.com/site/news/business/169056/-How-rice-importers-are-evading-ayearly-tax https://newtelegraphonline.com/2018/07/rice-rising-demand-falling-production-fuel-inflation/
Duterte to rice cartels: Stop messing with me President Rodrigo Duterte directs all intelligence agencies to address the 'economic sabotage' caused by rice cartels Ralf Rivas Published 7:00 PM, July 23, 2018 Updated 7:00 PM, July 23, 2018
RICE PRICES. President Rodrigo Duterte takes on rice cartels anew. Photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler
5
MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte warned rice hoarders and cartel protectors that the government will be aggressive in hunting them down."Stop messing with me… consider yourselves warned," Duterte said during his 3rd State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 23.The President directed all intelligence agencies to address this "economic sabotage" and bring rice cartel protectors to justice. His second year in office was hounded by the quick surge of rice prices due to the lack of cheap rice from the National Food Authority (NFA).The lack of NFA rice partly contributed to a jump in the inflation rate, which has been beyond the government's target and market expectations. Economic managers blamed the NFA's inefficiency and overpricing for the elevated rice prices. Duterte also declared the rice tariffication bill as urgent. The measure aims to lift quantitative restrictions of rice imports and slap a 35% rice tariff. Revenues from the measure would then be funneled to programs that would help farmers reduce their production costs. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia previously said the measure would cut rice prices by as much as P7 per kilo and significantly lower inflation. – Rappler.com https://www.rappler.com/business/208014-duterte-warning-rice-hoarders-cartels-sona-2018philippines
Western Cape drought erodes SA status as wheat importer Jul 22 2018 13:29
South Africa is traditionally a net importer of wheat, but the Western Cape drought, which led to a decline in domestic wheat production, resulted in an increase in wheat imports to 1.9 million tonnes – the secondhighest level on record, according to Wandile Sihlobo, head of agribusiness research at Agbiz.In the latest Agbiz newsletter, Sihlobo says a notable share of the wheat imports was in the first quarter of 2018. Although the trade impact of the severe drought in the Western Cape was muted in the first quarter, in his view, it will be felt in the coming quarters, as the 2017/2018 table grape production and major fruit production declined by double digits year-on-year (y/y).
However, he points out that at this stage it is too early to say precisely how big this impact is likely to be.Sihlobo says research from the University of Cape Town shows Western Cape rainfall last year was the lowest in more than 80 years. In contrast, in 2017 SA's agricultural exports surpassed $10bn (about R134bn) for the first time. It was boosted by growth in exports of edible fruits, beverages, spirits, vegetables, grains and other farm products. The $10bn figure represented a 15% y/y increase from $8.7bn. Africa and Europe were the largest destinations for SA's agricultural exports, collectively absorbing 67% of total exports last year in value terms.
6
Asia was also an important market, taking 24%. The Americas and the rest of the world accounted for 5% and 4%, respectively.
In the same period, SA agricultural imports increased by 5% y/y, reaching $6.7bn, particularly driven by wheat and rice. According to Sihlobo, the first quarter of 2018 started on a positive footing, with agricultural exports amounting to $2.3bn, up 8% from the corresponding period in 2017, according to data from Trade Map. This was boosted by increased sales of edible fruits, beverages and spirits, vegetables, wool, sugar and cereals. Agricultural imports in the first quarter of 2018 were worth $1.8bn, up 2% from the corresponding period in 2017. This was driven by a notable uptick in grain imports, particularly wheat and rice."Perhaps good production in other fruit-producing provinces such as Limpopo could slightly offset the losses and keep the SA agricultural trade balance in positive territory in the coming quarters," adds Sihlobo. * Sign up to Fin24's top news in your inbox: SUBSCRIBE TO FIN24 NEWSLETTER Follow Fin24 on Twitter and Facebook. 24.com encourages commentary submitted via MyNews24. Contributions of 200 words or more will be considered for publication. https://www.fin24.com/Economy/western-cape-drought-erodes-sa-status-as-wheat-importer20180722
Salt Rice Springs From Chinese Hands in Dubai’s Sands
LIU JING & TANG SHIHUA DATE: MON, 07/23/2018 - 20:33 / SOURCE:YICAI Salt Rice Springs From Chinese Hands in Dubai’s Sands
7
(Yicai Global) July 23 -- Scientists with East China's Qingdao Seawater Rice Research and Development Center, led by Yuan Longping, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering known in China as the ‗Father of Hybrid Rice,‘ have achieved initial success with experiments to grow highly salt-tolerant ‗seawater rice‘ in Dubai. They will introduce the technology to more places in the city, which is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and other parts of the Middle East and North Africa, the state People‘s Daily media reported. The Qingdao R&D center and the UAE government plan to set up a 100-hectare seawater rice experiment farm next year under a framework agreement styled ‗Green Dubai‘ signed by the center and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE‘s vice president and prime minister and Ruler of Dubai. The project will go into commercial operation with the introduction of external investors, including China‘s Belt and Road sovereign funds. Sheikh Mohammed‘s vision is that from 2020 onward the salt rice acreage will extend to cover over 10 percent of Dubai‘s total area, boosting food supplies for local residents as well as improving the ecosystem in the desert country. The parties will also set up a local research center to introduce the grain strain to the entire Arab world while improving its ecosystem. Sheikh Mohammed learned of the successful trial production of the salty rice in China in November, and his private office contacted Yuan‘s team shortly thereafter and invited them to experiment with the technology in the emirate‘s desert. The group started their trials on Jan. 8, and had more than 80 rice varieties -including the saltwater rice -- mature between May and this month. Five varieties delivered higher yields than the global average (4.539 tons per hectare), as production tests conducted by a joint international expert team on the first mature crop on May 26 demonstrated. https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/salt-rice-springs-chinese-hands-dubai‘s-sands
8
Dubai plans to expand Chinese saltwater rice into Arab
world, Africa By Liu Caiyu Source:Global Times Published: 2018/7/23 22:53:39 Last Updated: 2018/7/24 0:56:24 Workers reap rice in Dubai. Photo: Courtesy of Qingdao Saltwater Rice Research and Development Center Dubai aims to create an oasis that covers more than 10 percent of its land with saltwater rice developed by Chinese researchers and then expand out to the rest of the Middle East and North Africa.The Qingdao Saltwater Rice Research and Development Center, led by China's "father of hybrid rice" Yuan Longping, is trying to breed saline-tolerant rice varieties adapted to Dubai's climate, together with a plant protection system that uses sensors and big data technologies. The surface temperature of Dubai can reach 54 C between June and July, the temperature in one day can swing over 30 C, and there is salt water with a salinity of 1.6 percent seven to right meters under the desert. "We are choosing the most suitable breeds for Dubai from more than 80 varieties," Zhang Guodong, deputy director of the center, told the Global Times. The saltwater rice varieties that the center has developed can grow with 0.6 percent saline water. Seawater is saline up to 3.5 percent, Zhang said. The first batch of mature rice yielded in Dubai in May has a maximum yield of 7.8 tons per hectare. The agricultural cooperative project of growing saltwater rice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is promising, as the country mulls shifting its oil-based economy to other industries, Yin Gang, a researcher at the Institute of West Asian and African Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.
9
If the UAE project is successful, the technology could feed the entire Arab world, Yin said. UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, personally named a saltwater rice souvenir "Al Marmoom," to commemorate the successful test of the first batch of rice. It will be presented to distinguished guests as a future "national gift," according to the center's statement. A 100-hectare saltwater rice experimental farm is going to be launched in the Dubai desert in 2019. The farm will be funded by commercial investment, including capital from China's Belt and Road initiative.The UAE also agreed with the center to establish the Yuan Longping Middle East and North Africa Salt Water Hybrid Rice Research and Promotion Center, which will promote rice growing technology in the Middle East and North Africa. http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1112046.shtml
‘Rice sector suffers brunt of typhoons’ Farmers and fishermen incurred losses amounting to P463.13 million as of Sunday due to Tropical Storm Henry and severe Tropical Storm Inday, with the rice sector suffering the majority of production losses, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA). The DA‘s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operations Center said production losses in the rice sector reached P326.97 million. A total of 12,309 farmers tilling at least 25,680 hectares in Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, and 6 were affected. The rice output loss was estimated at 308 metric tons. Damages to the fisheries sector in Regions 2, 3, 4A and the Cordillera Administrative Region amounted to P136.16 million, according to DA data. https://businessmirror.com.ph/rice-sector-suffers-brunt-of-typhoons/
Low use of pesticides can boost basmati exports: Experts To boost the popularity and export of basmati rice in the international market, agricultural experts conducted a meeting with pesticides dealers in the border belt, famous for the best quality basmati.Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture Secretary Kahan Singh Pannu said the objective was to improve the quality of basmati rice by reducing the use of pesticides, so that it could fetch a better price in the international market. The pesticides dealers from Amritsar and Tarn Taran attended the meeting.In the international market, the grain with more pesticide residue are not sold or get a lower price. He asked the dealers not to sell and recommend the use of pesticides to farmers for their commission as it might create trouble for the already distressed farmers.―Basmati rice worth Rs 50,000 crore is
10
exported every year. The failure to improve the quality may destroy the prospects of the local farmers. Chemicals should not be used on crop unless recommended by PAU experts,‖ he said. He said it had been observed that farmers paid more attention to the suggestions given by pesticide dealers and ignore recommendations of agriculture experts. Pannu asked dealers to not to sell certain chemical salts, which are often bound in grains as a residue.Arvinderpal Singh, president, Punjab Rice Export Association, said basmati rice with nearly zero pesticide residue gets a good price in the international market. He announced that traders would offer Rs 500 extra to such farmers whose crop is free of pesticide residue.Director (Agriculture) Jasbir Singh Bains said around five lakh hectares of area was under basmati crop this year. Around 40 lakh tonne of basmati is expected to be exported. In Amritsar alone, the crop has been sown on 80,000 hectares, he added. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/low-use-of-pesticides-can-boost-basmati-exportsexperts/624978.html
Sri Lanka introduces new variety of rice to help prevent diabetes Mon, Jul 23, 2018, 11:02 am SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka. July 23, Colombo: As diabetes has become a major health problem, Sri Lanka is focusing attention on ways to prevent the disease and the latest in these efforts is the research into new varieties of rice, the staple food of Sri Lankans.The Ambalantota Rice Research Institute has introduced a rice variety named as 'Nirogi' that would help prevention of diabetes.The Low glycemic indexed, red Basmati type rice variety has a low carbohydrate content resulting in low blood sugar levels, according to the officials. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera on Saturday (21) visited the rice research at the Ambalantota Rice Research Station to observe the cultivation of the new variety. Officials from the Ambalantota Rice Research Institute explained to the Minister that high rice consumption by the people in Sri Lanka would increase the percentage of sugar in the body. As a remedy, the research carried out by the Rice Research Institute to introduce new varieties of rice has been highly successful and the 'Ambalantota Nirogi' variety has a low glycemic index and is effective in preventing diabetes. The Minister examined the paddy fields that were cultivated with the Nirogi rice and instructed the officials to take steps to cultivate the rice variety in commercial scale for local consumption and even for exports. The Department of Agriculture is already carrying out a number of research projects to introduce a range of this type of crops that benefits human health to the Agriculture sector. The
11
Department has already released a new high yielding bitter gourd hybrid variety having high medicinal values. Secretary to the Agriculture Ministry, B. Wijeratne, Director General of Department of Agriculture. M. M. Weerakoon and several other officials accompanied the Minister. http://www.colombopage.com/archive_18B/Jul23_1532323931CH.php
Southern Vietnam produces more summer-autumn rice Source: Xinhua 2018-07-23 19:14:51
HO CHI MINH CITY, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's southern region grew nearly 1.7 million hectares of summer-autumn rice which are estimated to churn out more than 9.5 million tons in the ongoing crop, up 279,700 tons from the previous crop.Specifically, the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's rice hub, grew nearly 1.6 million hectares of summer-autumn rice, down 12,600 hectares from the previous crop, but its combined output is estimated to increase 251,700 tons to 9 million tons, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The southern region plans to grow 987,000 hectares of autumn-winter crop, expecting a total output of 5.1 million tons of rice.The Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute is intensifying production of high-quality rice varieties to supply them to seven Mekong Delta provinces.Vietnam exported nearly 3.6 million tons of rice worth over 1.8 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of this year, up 12.5 percent in volume, and up 42 percent in value against the same period last year, said the ministry. Vietnam, which shipped abroad roughly 5.9 million tons of rice worth nearly 2.7 billion U.S. dollars last year, mainly to China and the Philippines, plans to export 6.5 million tons of rice, including higher volumes of such highgrade rice as Japonica, fragrant rice and sticky rice, this year. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-07/23/c_137343253.htm
Southern localities report bumper summer-autumn crop VNA MONDAY, JULY 23, 2018 - 10:40:00
The summer-autumn rice crop in southern localities has yielded a good harvest. (Photo: VNA) Tay Ninh (VNA) – The summer-autumn rice crop in southern localities has yielded a good harvest, heard a conference held in the Mekong Delta province of Tay Ninh on July 20.Reports from Departments of
12
Agriculture and Rural Development in the south showed that the region planted 1.69 million hectares of rice, and expected an average yield of 5.63 tonnes per hectare. Total output was estimated at 9.51 million tonnes, up 279,700 tonnes from the same time last year.The Mekong Delta, the country‘s rice granary, grew 1.59 million hectares, down 12,600 hectares from last year‘s crop while total yield was reckoned at 9.03 million tonnes, 251,700 tonnes higher than the previous summer-autumn crop.
Meanwhile, rice output in southeastern provinces was approximated at 480,000 tonnes, up 28,000 tonnes from the same crop last year.The results were spurred by cooperation among the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development‘s Department of Crop Production and Department of Irrigation, and provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development in guiding local farmers to cultivate rice crops at proper times and to prevent damage caused by abnormal weather.High-quality varieties were chosen for plantation, of which fragrant rice accounted for 22.41 percent. Local exporters won a line-up of contracts, freeing farmers from worrying about rice consumption. Each kilogramme of rice was sold at an average 5,500-5,700 VND. As farmers have just harvested a third of the crop, they should pay due attention to protecting their crops from diseases, experts advised.
13
In the autumn-winter crop, the southern provinces plan to cultivate 978,000 hectares of rice and expects a yield of 5.1 million tonnes of the grain.Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh said Mekong Delta provinces should consider proper time for rice cultivation as an early flood season has been forecast. Fragrant rice should be prioritised to bring high productivity, he added.On the occasion, the Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute inked cooperation deals with agricultural cooperatives in seven Mekong Delta provinces, under which they will join hands to produce high-quality rice varieties.-VNA https://en.vietnamplus.vn/southern-localities-report-bumper-summerautumn-crop/135122.vnp
Rice worth $2.073bn exported in last year
APP 2:19 PM | July 23, 2018
ISLAMABAD: About 4.106 million tons of rice worth US$ 2.073 billion were exported during 12 months of last financial year as compared the exports of 3.523 million tons valuing US$ 1.606 billion of the corresponding period of last years.
14
The exports of the above-mentioned commodity had registered 26.78 per cent growth during the period under review, according to the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. During the period from July-June, 2017-18, about 520,759 metric tons of basmati rice worth US$ 540.231 million were exported as against 496,263 metric tons valuing US$ 453.441 million of the same period of last year. The exports of basmati rice witnessed 19.14 per cent growth when the quantity was compared with the same period of last year, the data revealed. Meanwhile, the country earned US$ 1.496 billion by exporting rice other than basmati as about 3.585 million tons of other rice exported as against the exports of 3.053 million tons worth US$ 1.153 billion of the same period last year. It may be recalled that food group exports from the country recorded about 29.28 per cent growth as country earned US$ 4.797 billion exporting different food commodities, which were recorded at US$ 3.711 billion in the same period of last year. The other commodities which recorded positive growth in their exports during the period under review included fish and fish products by 14.57 per cent, fruits and vegetables by 5.8 per cent and 30.56 per cent respectively. During the period under review fish and fish products worth US$ 451.026 million, fruit and vegetables US$ 400.237 million and 241.426 million respectively were exported. On the other hand, the country spent US$ 6.185 billion on the import of food during last financial year, which was recorded at US$ 6.143 billion during the same period of last year, showing an increase of 0.68 per cent, the data added. During last year country consumed about 183,321 metric tons of tea costing US$ 551.881 million as compared the 194.833 metric tons and US$ 523.790 million of the same period of last year https://nation.com.pk/23-Jul-2018/rice-worth-2-073-bln-exported-in-last-yearhttps://nation.com.pk/23Jul-2018/rice-worth-2-073-bln-exported-in-last-year
15
Visiting Korean leader donates 33,000MT of rice for refugees July 22, 2018 (2 days ago) 10:46 am The donation will enable the agency to provide food assistance to more than 1.5 million people, mostly refugees, living in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda/COURTESY
By CORRESPONDENT, NAIROBI, Kenya, July 22 – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Friday received a donation of 33,000 metric tons of rice from the Government of the Republic of Korea. The donation will enable the agency to provide food assistance to more than 1.5 million people, mostly refugees, living in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda.The 33,000 metric tons donation is the first-ever rice donation received from Korea‘s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The donation was handed over to the global food agency by visiting Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon at a warehouse in Nairobi. ―The rice provided by the Government of the Republic of Korea may not be enough to solve the entire hunger issue, but I hope that it can help to ease refugee hunger,‖ said Nak-yon. ―I hope that even one sack of rice can help to ease the minds of these refugees.‖ In Kenya, 13,000 metric tons of rice will allow WFP to continue providing in-kind food assistance to the 400,000 refugees living in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps for at least four months starting in August. ―We are here today to recognise the generosity of the Government, the farmers and the people of the Republic of Korea,‖ said Erika Joergensen, WFP‘s Regional Director.―I truly hope and believe this is the beginning of a strong partnership between WFP and the Republic of Korea.‖ 15,000 metric tons of rice has already been dispatched to Ethiopia while another 5,000 metric tons will benefit refugees in Uganda.Cereals comprise about 75 percent of the refugees‘ food basket.Every month, refugees receive cereals, pulses, vegetable oil, a nutrient-enriched flour made from soya and maize, and a cash transfer from WFP to meet their basic food needs. https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/news/2018/07/visiting-korean-leader-donates-33000mt-of-rice-for-refugees/
Rice Prices as on : 23-07-2018 12:01:47 PM Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market. Arrivals
Price
16
Current
% change
Season cumulative
Modal
Prev. Modal
Prev.Yr %change
Rice Memari(WB)
63.00
-7.35
439.00
2450
2350
19.51
Hapur(UP)
50.00
25
1950.00
2700
2700
18.42
Karimganj(ASM)
40.00
-50
930.00
2400
2400
2.13
Fatehpur(UP)
24.00
-37.66
1348.60
2275
2270
3.41
Cachar(ASM)
20.00
NC
2700.00
2400
2400
9.09
Barhaj(UP)
12.00
-20
319.00
2160
2155
-
Alappuzha(Ker)
10.00
NC
120.00
6750
6750
50.84
Khurja(UP)
8.00
NC
718.00
2610
2600
-
Dibrugarh(ASM)
6.80
1.49
543.20
2920
2920
29.78
Chhibramau(Kannuj)(UP)
5.00
25
357.50
2310
2230
3.13
Mirzapur(UP)
3.50
NC
664.50
2210
2210
-
Balarampur(WB)
1.81
NC
63.10
2640
2650
12.34
Kalimpong(WB)
1.80
-28
20.60
4800
4600
84.62
Khairagarh(UP)
0.80
-27.27
92.50
2560
2550
1.59
Published on July 23, 2018 https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/rice-prices/article24493354.ece
17
Rice Prices as on : 24-07-2018 12:33:03 PM Arrivals in tonnes;prices in Rs/quintal in domestic market. Arrivals Current
Price % change
Season cumulative
Modal
Prev. Modal
Prev.Yr %change
Rice Sainthia(WB)
130.00
-1.52
928.00
2520
2470
14.03
Cachar(ASM)
100.00
400
2800.00
2400
2400
9.09
Indus(Bankura Sadar)(WB)
60.00
NC
2815.00
2750
2750
7.84
Kopaganj(UP)
55.00
5.77
2296.00
2150
2155
-0.46
Howly(ASM)
45.00
-41.56
3274.50
1400
1400
-22.22
Gauripur(ASM)
40.00
-20
2013.60
4500
4500
NC
Bazpur(Utr)
40.00
196.3
2064.10
2450
2525
NC
Karimpur(WB)
35.00
-12.5
465.00
3700
3700
17.46
Jayas(UP)
31.00
14.81
1679.50
2100
2100
7.69
Lakhimpur(UP)
30.00
-6.25
312.00
2280
2270
5.07
Sirsaganj(UP)
30.00
25
919.00
2725
2725
15.96
18
Bindki(UP)
30.00
87.5
25116.00
2250
2250
-
Maharajganj(UP)
30.00
-14.29
165.00
2140
2150
-
Badayoun(UP)
20.00
66.67
541.00
2380
2420
-
Saharanpur(UP)
20.00
66.67
1079.00
2680
2690
13.32
Kaliaganj(WB)
20.00
100
320.00
3150
2850
18.87
Falakata(WB)
20.00
NC
136.00
2800
2800
30.23
Alipurduar(WB)
20.00
NC
720.00
2800
2800
21.74
Fatehpur(UP)
18.50
-22.92
1367.10
2280
2275
3.64
Muzzafarnagar(UP)
18.50
-5.13
1504.00
2685
2695
-
Kayamganj(UP)
15.00
7.14
590.00
2280
2280
NC
Bharthna(UP)
15.00
-50
6461.00
2440
2425
-
Madhoganj(UP)
10.50
-16
38.50
2230
2220
-
Alappuzha(Ker)
10.00
NC
130.00
6750
6750
50.84
Khurja(UP)
10.00
25
728.00
2600
2610
-
Vilthararoad(UP)
10.00
NC
600.00
2090
2090
-2.79
Dadri(UP)
10.00
-50
794.00
2670
2670
12.42
8.20
57.69
16.40
2400
2320
-
Fatehabad(UP)
19
Deogarh(Ori)
8.00
-11.11
456.00
2500
2500
NC
Farukhabad(UP)
8.00
60
232.40
2440
2460
10.41
Haathras(UP)
7.00
16.67
60.50
2490
2450
-
Dibrugarh(ASM)
5.50
-19.12
548.70
2920
2920
29.78
Bijnaur(UP)
5.00
-16.67
119.00
2460
2440
-
Buland Shahr(UP)
4.00
-20
139.50
2650
2600
13.25
Jahangirabad(UP)
3.50
-41.67
134.00
2550
2530
8.51
Kasganj(UP)
3.00
NC
64.00
2820
2820
-
Mirzapur(UP)
3.00
-14.29
667.50
2215
2210
-
Khair(UP)
2.00
NC
1169.00
2575
2580
0.98
Shahganj(UP)
1.50
-78.57
86.00
4210
2110
100.48
Kalimpong(WB)
1.50
-16.67
22.10
4800
4800
84.62
Bangarmau(UP)
1.40
16.67
39.30
2200
2150
7.32
Chandoli(UP)
1.20
-20
232.30
2245
2235
-
Tundla(UP)
1.20
NC
129.60
2640
2650
-
Ujhani(UP)
0.90
50
6.00
2440
2440
-
Bilsi(UP)
0.80
14.29
2.50
2300
2300
-
Published on July 24, 2018
20
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/riceprices/article24501769.ece
How rice importers are evading a yearly $21m tax at Tema port Date: Jul 22 , 2018 , 22:35 BY: Maclean Kwofi
A grand scheme comprising some major rice importers and their assigns are taking advantage of lousy clearance procedures at the ports to make away with an average of more than US$21 million per a year, mainly through under-declaration and misclassification of products. Documents seen by Graphic Online indicate that the importers that control between 60 per cent to 70 per cent of the grain imported into the country, together with other minor importers, are all implicated in this canker.
21
In the case of under-declaration or under-invoicing, the importers are able to cheat the system by declaring a price lower than the actual price of the rice at source. For instance, in June last year, for a quantity of 500 kilogramme (kg) bagged fragrant rice bought by one of the importers from Vietnam at US$572 and valued at US$286,000 in total, the importer under-declared it at US$440, giving it a total value of US$220,000. This meant that the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) calculated a duty of 45.9 per cent on US$220,000 rather than on US$286,000. Thus, instead of paying a duty of US$131,000, the company shortchanged the country by paying US$100,980; thereby escaping with US$30,294 in just one consignment of 1kg bagged fragrant rice. The same situation happened with the 5kg, 4.5kg, 25kg and 50kg bags of rice in various quantities imported by the same company during June 2017 alone. This also meant that the company, whose identity has been withheld, made away with over US$711,000 from this dubious activity. Thus, should the situation remain like this throughout the year, it meant that one importer swindled the revenue authorities of more than US$8.5 million last year. Another corrupt strategy that some of the rice importers are using is misclassification. Under this practice, importers do not state the right classification of the rice in order to dodge taxes. For example, if a company brings in long-grain fragrant rice it is able to declare at Customs that the product is white rice - which attracts lower duties than the fragrant rice. The documents seen by Graphic Online shows that in April and May this year one of the largest importers brought fragrance rice into the country but declared it as white rice at the Tema Port. The effect of this is that it gives the company undue advantage of selling the rice on the local market cheaper than its competitors paying the right duties, thereby making them uncompetitive.
22
The trend shows that the government loses on average US$21million annually from these underdeclaration and misclassification practices. Graphic Online is reliably informed that some of the importers who are affected by these unscrupulous acts have reported the issue to law enforcers especially the GRA, but action is yet to be taken to resolve them. Customs aid process Again, Graphic Online has found out that the companies are able to carry out this corrupt activity (under-declaration) by taking advantage of lapses in the clearance process at the ports. Customs has a benchmark price for some products imported into the country, of which rice is part. Under the benchmark pricing, per the documents sighted, all fragrant rice imported into the country is priced at US$440 irrespective of the bag‘s size, be it 1kg or 50kg. Meanwhile, all the various quantities are bought at different prices at source: meaning different duties should be calculated for each bag-size. Customs, however, require importers to declare the right prices goods are bought at source. For example, even though Customs has set a benchmark price of US$440 for a quantity of 500 1kg fragrant rice, importers are expected to declare the original price of US$572 they paid in Vietnam. However, this is not the case, as some of the importers are able to use their sister-companies in other countries to declare prices below the original and present invoices to that effect to Ghana Customs. Customs can address this by simply demanding from importers the original declaration forms at source, in addition to all other relevant documents, for calculation of duties. Effect on local businesses The situation presented in this story puts the local industry in danger, as efforts by government to boost their capacity will yield no results if the big players continue to make away with millions
23
through these corrupt practices. The country‘s current rice consumption is about 1.8 million tonnes, with local rice production less than 600,000 tonnes. The Ministry of Agriculture is expecting rice production to hit about 630,000 tonnes by end of the year.With the big importers cheating the system, the local industry‘s prospects for competing with them remain very dim indeed. https://www.graphic.com.gh/business/business-news/how-rice-importers-are-evading-ayearly-21m-tax-at-tema-port.html
Guyana sees 43 per cent increase in rice exports 22 JULY 2018 4 GEORGETOWN, Guyana--General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Nizam Hassan has reported a 43 per cent increase in rice exports in the first half of the year.―When we look at the figures compared to the first half of 2017, we saw first that the total volume that has been exported is 290,000 tonnes which is 43 per cent more than the 203,000 tonnes than was exported during the first half of 2017,‖ he said on Thursday. The increase has so far earned the country GYD $23.2 billion (US $111 million) this year against the value of the export for the first half of 2017 which was GYD $16.1 billion (US $77 million). Hassan credited the increase to the determination of rice producers and millers to meet production targets and, more so, to Guyana‘s access to new markets, particularly in Latin America. ―We‘ve seen some significant increases in some of the blocks, for example, exports to Latin America jumped by 215 per cent [compared to – Ed.] the first half of 2017. We did 64,000 tonnes [in the first six months of last year – Ed.] as against 202,000-plus tonnes in the first half of 2018,‖ he said. Standing out for exports were Mexico and Cuba taking a total of 133,000 tonnes – 45,000 and 88,000, respectively. Approximately 99 per cent of the country‘s rice lands cultivated have been harvested. For the first crop of 2018, approximately 508,000 tonnes of paddy was produced, equivalent to 330,000 tonnes of rice. In preparation for the second crop for 2018, 86,660 hectares of land has been prepared with 76,500 hectares (86 per cent) sown. ~ Caribbean360 ~
24
https://www.thedailyherald.sx/regional/78838-guyana-sees-43-per-cent-increase-in-riceexports
Maize rises on increased offtake PTI | Jul 23, 2018, 14:37 IST
New Delhi, Jul 23 () In restricted activity, maize prices traded higher by Rs 10 per quintal at the wholesale grains market today due to increased offtake by consuming industries. However, other grains moved in a narrow range in limited deals and pegged at last levels. Traders said, besides increased offtake by consuming industries, fall in arrivals from producing belts mainly led to rise in maize prices. In the national capital, maize edged higher by Rs 10 to Rs 1,270-1,275 per quintal. Following are today's quotations (in Rs per quintal): Wheat MP (desi) Rs 2,240-2,340, Wheat dara (for mills) Rs 1,950-1,955, Atta Chakki atta(delivery) Rs 1,960-1,965, Atta Rajdhani (10 kg) Rs 250-280, Shakti Bhog (10 kg) Rs 275310, Roller flour mill Rs 1,040-1,060 (50 kg), Maida Rs 1,100-1,110 (50 kg) and Sooji Rs 1,1601,170 (50 kg). Basmati rice (Lal Quila) Rs 10,700, Shri Lal Mahal Rs 11,300, Super Basmati rice Rs 9,900, Basmati common new Rs 7,400-7,500, Rice Pusa (1121) Rs 6,700-6,800, Permal raw Rs 2,4252,450. Permal wand Rs 2,525-2,575, Sela Rs 3,050-3,150 and rice IR-8 Rs 2,025-2,075, Bajra Rs 1,3001,305. Jowar yellow Rs 1,750-1,800, white Rs 2,900-3,000, Maize Rs 1,270-1,275, Barley Rs 1,560-1,570. SHW ADI
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/65102295.cms?utm_source=contentofinteres t&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
25
Rice Transplanter Machines Market By To Distributers, Applications And Types 2018 By Arun Patil 23 July,2018
Rice Transplanter Machines Market analysis of an industry is a crucial thing for various stakeholders like investors, CEOs, traders, suppliers and others. The Rice Transplanter Machines industry research report is a resource, which provides current as well as upcoming technical and financial details of the industry. Rice Transplanter Machines market 2018-2025 research report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of this market. Various definitions and classification of the industry, applications of the industry and chain structure are given. Present day status of the Rice Transplanter Machines industry policies and news are analysed. Get Sample PDF of report athttps://www.absolutereports.com/enquiry/requestsample/11717587 Following are major Table of Content of Rice Transplanter Machines Industry:
Rice Transplanter Machines Market Competition by Manufacturers
Rice Transplanter Machines Production, Revenue by Region
Rice Transplanter Machines Supply, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions
Rice Transplanter Machines Production, Revenue, Price Trend by Type
Rice Transplanter Machines Market Analysis by Application
Rice Transplanter Machines Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis
Next part of the Rice Transplanter Machines Market analysis report speaks about the manufacturing process. The process is analysed thoroughly with respect three points, viz. raw material and equipment suppliers, various manufacturing associated costs and the actual process. Major Manufacturers analysed in Rice Transplanter Machines Market: Yanmar, Iseki, Kubota, TYM, Jiangsu World Agriculture Machinery, CLAAS, Shandong Fuerwo
26
Agricultural Equipment, Mitsubishi Mahindra Agricultural Machinery, Dongfeng Agricultural Machinery, Changfa Agricultural Equipment Browse Detailed TOC, Tables, Figures, Charts and Companies Mentioned in Rice Transplanter Machines Market athttps://www.absolutereports.com/11717587 Further in the report, the Rice Transplanter Machines market is examined for price, cost and gross. These three points are analysed for types, companies and regions. In continuation with this data sale price is for various types, applications and region is also included. The Rice Transplanter Machines industry consumption for major regions is given. Additionally, type wise and application wise consumption figures are also given. Rice Transplanter Machines Market Research study focus on these types: – Mechanical, Manual Rice Transplanter Machines Market Research study focus on these applications: – Commercial, Household Rice Transplanter Machines in Global market especially covers North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India focuses on top players in these regions. Purchase Rice Transplanter Machines Market Report athttps://www.absolutereports.com/purchase/11717587 To provide information on competitive landscape, this report includes detailed profiles of Rice Transplanter Machines market key players. For each player, product details, capacity, price, cost, gross consumption and revenue is provided for better understanding. In this Rice Transplanter Machines market analysis, traders and distributors analysis is given along with contact details. For material and equipment suppliers also, contact details are given. New investment feasibility analysis is included in the report. https://www.thecomicjournal.com/rice-transplanter-machines-market-by-to-distributers-applications-andtypes-2018/
27
Controversy trails whereabouts of 100 rice milling centres Olugbenga Adanikin On: July 22, 2018 In: Business
Although official records show that the Federal Government has since set up rice over 100 rice milling centres but farmers across the country hardly know where these mills are located fueling fears that these so-called are white elephants projects. Olugbenga Adanikin who toured some farm settlements across the country reports Horror stories of farmers
In the last farming season, an aged farmer who did not want his name in print got 43 bags of rice paddy. This, he said was even little compared to what farmers in the communities could get if rightly supported by the government. The Nation gathered that some of the rice farmers trek as far as 30 kilometres to nearest rice mill in Idah town, Kogi state, on the eastern bank of the Niger River in the middle belt region.
28
In Okpakpata village of the state, Mr. Simeon Ikani, father of six children blamed government for failing to respond to their needs. To him, it‘s been promises without fulfillments. He said farmers contend with poor access to water while rice are being milled at N250 per bucket at Idah. ―After harvesting our rice from the farm, we boil and dry it. We then carry it on our head to a place in Idah where we mill the rice. If a farmer is milling 10 buckets, that equals to N2,500. ―Our road from here to Ofuloko is bad. We want government to repair it so we can easily take our farm produce to the market.‖ The villagers shared their pathetic sad stories adding that their wards could not also attend school as some of the teachers stayed away from school due to unpaid salaries. They claimed that except during political campaign, there is no government presence in the areas. But they applauded humanitarian bodies for making efforts to supporting the villagers, building their capacities. Damodu Achema, a rice farmer in Okpakpata village, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government, Kogi State has just turned 60. At this age, he still enjoys farming. He plants mostly rice and cassava. But his excitement often turns bleak during harvests. Reason: This is due to lack of access to rice milling machines to mill his paddy while bad roads to transport the goods remain yet another major challenge. ―We have a lot of problems in our community. It is sad that we don‘t have rice milling machines, so we suffer a lot before we take the paddy out to mill in town.‖
29
Achema and other rice farmers in the community usually convey their rice paddy on their heads. It takes them about nine kilometres to reach the nearest rice milling centre in Idah. Mr. Usman Haruna, another farmer has two wives and 10 children. Though in his early 40s, he feeds his family with proceeds from his harvests. His situation is not too different from Achema, who is also from the same local government but lives in Ofuloko community. As at the last farming season, he got 100 bags of rice paddy but milling was a difficult task. ―I farm rice, maize and cassava. After harvest, I dried and stored it before milling but I had to travel to Idah to do that. It‘s a real problem for us, because we don‘t have rice milling machines and the road to Idah is very bad.‖ Unfavourable operating climate for farmers It is a similar experience in Aku village, Adavi local government, Osara-Gada among others. These are the pathetic situation of the rural farmers in the country. Aside tough process involved in land cultivation, without access to farm inputs and machinery, they grapple to process their produce, especially rice, cassava, grains despite 110 milling machines reportedly procured by the Federal Government. ―As ActionAid established this rice mill for us, we are very happy. We will no longer suffer and we will easily get market for our rice and other farm produce,‖ said Achema. ―In the area of machines like the ones provided by ActionAid, we don‘t have it here until now. If you measure the kilometres before you transport your paddy from here to town, it is about nine kilometres, so it‘s a big suffering to us. And before you get to Ajaka market, it will take you nine
30
kilometres also,‖ Ikani who was able to mill about 50 bags of rice paddy through machines provided by ActionAid stated. Startling revelations Findings from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development showed that 30 states in Nigeria currently plants rice. But Kebbi, Ebonyi, Kogi and Zamfara States occupy pride of place in the scheme of things because of the massive production of rice in their respective domain. Interestingly, the government claimed to have built over 100 mills evenly distributed across the states but no one seems to know where they are located. Allocation of over N10.7 billion for 10 new rice mills, 100 additional mills Available information sourced from the ministry showed that between February and July, 2017 the Federal Government claimed to have procured 100 rice milling machines meant to be installed in different parts of the country but the exact locations remained a mystery. In 2017 approved budget, N4, 155, 019, 415 was appropriated for purchase of farm equipment from N75,072,908,439.20 total budget allocation for capital projects in the ministry. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, at a town hall meeting in Umuahia shared the exciting news to obviously expectant public saying the machines would be sold to private millers at a subsidised rate. Ogbeh described the gesture as part of intervention towards supporting the agriculture sector. But from the approved N4.15bn procurement, N1 billion was set aside to procure farm equipment for
31
inputs for the 36 states of the federation (supply of agricultural machinery, mini combined harvester, 50-75 HP tractors and small tractors with basic spare parts). These gestures were ultimately expected to boost local rice production and support rural farmers, especially rice producers in the states. Shortly in 2017, the procurement of 110 rice mills was firmly reiterated by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, in one of his press statements boasting that since October 2016, Nigeria had been feeding many parts of West, North and Central Africa as a result of the intervention. However, he never gave specific details on how the mills were distributed. Till date, no such official information was made public by the ministry. Though, rice imports is said to have reduced significantly from the commencement of the current administration but local farmers are still confronted with milling challenge, except for private sectors investing in the mill business especially in the north. In April, 2018 the Federal Government through the Federal Executive Council (FEC), almost a year after (2017), further approved the establishment of ‗very large‘ additional 10 rice milling machines at the sum of N10.7 billion. The final agreement for the procurement did not hold until three months after, while the new integrated mills are expected to be delivered in December 2019. According to the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Heineken Lokpobiri, the nation, as at that period of new approval, had only 21 rice mills, thus clearly contradicting the initial claims of the senior presidential aide and Ogbeh that 110 mills were already procured.
32
Other listed benefitting states are Kebbi, Zamfara, Benue, Bayelsa, Anambra, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, and Bauchi. The Minister listed intervention programmes rolled out by the Agric Ministry to include rice, maize, sorghum, wheat, groundnut, cowpea, soybean, millet, sesame, tomato, onion, okro, cocoyam, cassava, yam, ginger, cotton, cashew, oil palm, cocoa, fish, as well as animal and livestock. ―Under the Rice Value Chain – all rice producing states recorded an increase in rice production, with Lagos State having the highest increase of 30.5 per cent. ―Milling capacity of the functional integrated rice mills has increased from 13 to 21 mills and from less than 600,000 MT capacities to the current 1,295,000 MT,‖ said Ogbeh. However, none of the seven villages visited in the state had benefited in any form. The Anchor Borrowers Programme they noted is still a mirage as they are yet to get credit supports of any kind. Rural empowerment to reduce communal conflicts Beside provision of health supports and capacity buildings, an international organisation, ActionAid Nigeria identified most affected and secluded rural communities in the state and provided supports to improve their livelihood. The support was in form of rice milling and processing centre for women and youth, bread making machines, grains grinding machines, cassava processing machines, brick block machine among others. The nine intervention projects in the rural communities gulped N36 million.
33
Some of the beneficiaries in the tucked in localities were filled with enthusiasm to have gotten such intervention despite being neglected by governments. The support programme according to the humanitarian body was mainly targeted to empower less privileged women and youth in poor and secluded villages. On behalf of youth in Ofuloko community, Comrade Aminu Falaruna applauded ActionAid Nigeria and the implementing partner, Executive Director, Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change in Development (PIBCID), Mrs. Gift Owonipa for their ingenuity and commitment to supporting the poor. He said the support groups have been helpful to eradicating poverty among women and improving access to quality education in their communities since 2006. ActionAid Country Director, Ene Obi, in her remarks, said the projects were to improve rural livelihoods, discourage youth from being used as political thugs and radicalism. The Country Director, represented by the Programme Manager, Humanitarian and Resilience, Ipoade Omilaju said the villages were selected based on data from the Bureau of Statistics to measure level of poverty. The villages were considered as extremely poor communities, hence they got the intervention. Lamentations galore Despite these lofty promises and recent FEC approval, farmers in rural Kogi communities still lament over poor access to rice milling facilities, coupled with the pain of bad rural roads to transport their produce to market. ―We have lots of problems and we do a lot of rice farming but we don‘t know where we will mill it,‖ said 65 years old rice farmer.
34
Rebuttal Reacting to this story, at an agreement signing between the Ministry and a local firm MV Agro Engineers, alongside its international partner, the Agric Minister clearly showed ignorance to the project cost of the 10 rice mills. He was quick to ask his colleague, the Minister of State before affirming the project after the partnership agreement with the contractors. The minister said the N10.7 billion integrated rice milling machines will be delivered in December, 2019. He explained that the benefiting states would have to indicate interest as off-takers, make 10 percent down payment and express technical capacity to own and operate the mill while Bank of Agriculture (BoA) is expected to take over the loan repayment in the next 10 years. ―As these people arrive, they will install these mills and the BoA will take over the loans repayment over a period of 10 years,‖ Ogbeh said. Asked if the 18 months deadline could be reviewed upward for benefit of the farmers, the minister noted that, ―building machines is not cheap. It‘s a scientific thing. These people say they may do it faster but we give them 18 months, so there won‘t be issues for delays.‖ Meanwhile, there are concerns on the actual status of the 100 rice mill and if by the data provided by the federal government, the rice mills in the country should have increased beyond 110 and more accessible. ―We are buying smaller mills and giving them out because the smaller mills produce more rice than the big mills added-up but they are scattered all over the country. Virtually every state has
35
small rice mills somewhere, Niger, Bayelsa, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Katsina and Jigawa,‖ the minister stated. On Kogi State poor access to rice mills, the minister advised the rural farmers to formally write and request for the mills. Ogbeh said there are plenty of mills in the ‗store‘ but not accessed. ―Did they apply?‖ the Minister asked the reporter ―We advised. Let them apply, we don‘t discriminate wherever there is rice. I have been talking about rice mills for Igbaji, and asking people to apply. It is a swamp area. They can grow rice all year round. We have them in the store. Let them come, write a letter and we approve. We want everybody to grow rice everywhere,‖ Ogbeh added. Sadly, majority of the rural farmers are uneducated and the ministry has very low extension workers who could interfere and support the community farmers not only in this area but also on farm inputs. The Minister has repeatedly complained on the ratio of farm extension workers to existing 13 million farmers scattered across the country. The State Government, in its reaction through Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Hon. Edward Onoja attested to sufferings of the rural dwellers and the bad road access. He admitted to the water shortage, poor health care delivery as well as inadequate farm inputs to the rural communities. However, he said 500-kilometre rural roads would be constructed to assist farmers in evacuating their farm produce through the World Bank Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP). While commending ActionAid and PIBCID for their sincerity of purpose to supporting the rural
36
dwellers, he promised to make provision for 12 cottage industries in nine local government areas to boost the economy of rural communities. Villagers depend daily on stream water for survival Residents in these villages trek two miles to the river to fetch water for domestic use. 2017 World Bank report stated that the country provided clean water to fewer than 10 percent of its city dwellers in 2015, this is lower from 29 per cent in 25 years. The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) pegged the data to 70 million people from a population of 170 million. It stated that the 70 million lacked access to safe water while over 110 million lacked access to improved sanitation in 2013. But the Federal Government through the Minister of Water Resources, Mr. Suleiman Adamu said only 57 per cent of the nation‘s population have access to potable water. He attributed this to population upsurge and climate change. The community usually visits the river named ‗Aji Okpeji‘ and the smaller one ‗Okpakpata River‘ for all their needs. ―We don‘t have pure water here. The borehole water we are managing is bad so we only rely on stream water. That‘s what we use to cook, bath and for all our domestic use,‖ said Usman while he tried to justify the purity saying ―the stream water flows, it is not stagnant.‖ http://thenationonlineng.net/controversy-trails-whereabouts-of-100-rice-milling-centres/
Global Transplanting Machines Market | Analysis, Industry Overview & Business Forecast 2018-2025 37
Carl Sanford July 23, 2018
The Transplanting Machines market research report analyzes the Global Transplanting Machines Market 2018 economy standing and prediction categorizes the Transplanting Machines market size by vital players, varieties of types, application and Transplanting Machines market distribution by top vital regions. The Transplanting Machines research study stipulates a clear overview of the current Transplanting Machines market including the past and the projected future of Transplanting Machines market size concerning volume, technological advances, and economic elements in the Transplanting Machines industry. The Transplanting Machines report also provides an extensive analysis of different sections and sub-segments which offers profound insights toward the historic Transplanting Machines market scenarios along with the future growth and prospects. The Transplanting Machines worldwide industry is appreciated at xx million US$ in 2017 and can hit xx million US$ at the end of 2025, developing at a CAGR of XX% throughout 2018-2025. The leading manufacturers of Transplanting Machines market are characterized on the basis of their product portfolios, Transplanting Machines marketing strategy, and latest advancements. The Transplanting Machines report also provides Transplanting Machines business overview and monetary data of each of these manufacturers. Request A Free Sample PDF Report@: http://questforesight.com/global-transplanting-machinesmarket-2018/#request-sample Key Vendors in Global Transplanting Machines Market: Holland Transplanter, John Deere, Checchi & Magli, Big John Manufacturing, Great Plains, Yanmar, Kubota, Zhongji Southern Machinery, Kukje Machinery, Kennco Manufacturing, Whitfield Forestry Equipment, Mechanical Transplanter, Ackerman and Egedal Segmentation Analysis of Transplanting Machines Market Type: Riding Type, Walking Type, Tractor Mounted Segmentation Analysis of Transplanting Machines Market Application: Rice Transplant, Vegetable Transplant, Tree Transplant, Tobacco Transplant, Fruit Transplant
38
Geographically, Transplanting Machines research studies the essential regions, target product sales, Transplanting Machines market share, value, and Significance of Transplanting Machines industry in these regions, covering Asia-Pacific: China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Rest of Asia-Pacific Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Rest of Middle East & Africa Central & South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America Europe: Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, Rest of Europe North America: United States, Canada, Mexico Before Purchasing, Ask for Discount & customization of Report@:http://questforesight.com/global-transplanting-machines-market-2018/#inquiry The primary goal of the Transplanting Machines research report would be to simply help an individual know Transplanting Machines industry regarding its definition, segmentation, market possible, dominant tendencies, and also the obstacles which the Transplanting Machines market is confronting. Investigation and in-depth researches are achieved throughout this Transplanting Machines report‘s planning. The Transplanting Machines market information is collected from dependable resources like internet sites, annual reviews of those businesses, company journals, along with many others and so were assessed and supported by pros. The data and facts of Transplanting Machines industry all are represented by diagrams, pie charts, graphs, and figures. Global Transplanting Machines Market 2018 Research Objectives: 1. To examine and analyze the global Transplanting Machines market outlook, Dynamics, risk factors, and development plans. 2. To study global Transplanting Machines market by leading players, top countries, product type, and application. 3. To investigate and provide Transplanting Machines market share, growth rate, sales volume, and Transplanting Machines market trends for the forecast period 2018-2025. 4. To recognize the critical aspects of Transplanting Machines market such as production volume, capacity, cost structure, supply chain analysis represented in the form of charts, tables, figures, and graphs that makes Transplanting Machines report easy to understand. 5. To analyze Transplanting Machines industrial chain structure, Transplanting Machines
39
manufacturing cost structure by upstream, downstream raw materials and suppliers. 6. The Transplanting Machines report focuses on providing SWOT and PESTEL analysis of each Transplanting Machines manufacturers along with the Transplanting Machines market competitive landscape. 7. To investigate the worldwide Transplanting Machines market Advantages, Opportunity, prospects, Potential, and challenges in the Transplanting Machines market. 8. To analyze Transplanting Machines market expansion, technological developments, Transplanting Machines market acquisitions, partnership agreement, new product launches and, Transplanting Machines research programs. Browse Full TOC with Companies Mentioned in Transplanting Machines Market 2018@:http://questforesight.com/global-transplanting-machines-market-2018/#toc https://thefairreporter.com/global-transplanting-machines-market-analysis-industry-overview-businessforecast-2018-2025/
Saline soil rice experiment a success in Dubai Source: Xinhua| 2018-07-23 17:44:27|Editor: ZX QINGDAO, July 23 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese research team announced Monday that a saline-alkali tolerant rice experiment has achieved a success in desert areas of Dubai. Yield tests showed that the highest output of saline-alkali tolerant rice in Dubai surpassed 7.8 tonnes per hectare, much higher than the world's average rice yield of 4.539, according to the saline-alkali tolerant rice research and development center in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. The research team from the center launched the project in Dubai in January, and more than 80 varieties of rice including saline-alkali tolerant rice were planted in experimental fields. With this success, the research team and its Dubai partner plan to set up a 100-hectare experimental farm in Dubai in 2019, to further test the cultivation techniques of the saline-alkali tolerant rice. From 2020, the planting area of saline-alkali tolerant rice will be expanded to cover more than 10 percent of Dubai's land area. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-07/23/c_137343193.htm
40
Southern Vietnam produces more summer-autumn rice Source: Xinhua 2018-07-23 19:14:51
HO CHI MINH CITY, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's southern region grew nearly 1.7 million hectares of summer-autumn rice which are estimated to churn out more than 9.5 million tons in the ongoing crop, up 279,700 tons from the previous crop. Specifically, the Mekong Delta, Vietnam's rice hub, grew nearly 1.6 million hectares of summerautumn rice, down 12,600 hectares from the previous crop, but its combined output is estimated to increase 251,700 tons to 9 million tons, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The southern region plans to grow 987,000 hectares of autumn-winter crop, expecting a total output of 5.1 million tons of rice. The Mekong Delta Rice Research Institute is intensifying production of high-quality rice varieties to supply them to seven Mekong Delta provinces. Vietnam exported nearly 3.6 million tons of rice worth over 1.8 billion U.S. dollars in the first half of this year, up 12.5 percent in volume, and up 42 percent in value against the same period last year, said the ministry. Vietnam, which shipped abroad roughly 5.9 million tons of rice worth nearly 2.7 billion U.S. dollars last year, mainly to China and the Philippines, plans to export 6.5 million tons of rice, including higher volumes of such high-grade rice as Japonica, fragrant rice and sticky rice, this year. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-07/23/c_137343253.htm ad Robb
New LSU rice breeding strategies include genetic markers Dr. Adam Famoso provides insight into what growers are learning about Provisia Rice System during its first year of commercial availability.
Brad Robb | Jul 23, 2018
41
The LSU AgCenter has a long history of rice breeding success. At its recent field day at the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station in Rayne, La., area rice farmers heard the latest performance data on the Clearfield Rice Production System, the Provisia Rice System, and what growers can expect from both systems and their impact on the future U.S. rice production. Dr. Adam Famoso, talks to rice growers about the latest breeding efforts from the scientists and researchers at the LSU AgCenter in Rayne, La., during its recent rice field day.
One presentation was given by Dr. Adam Famoso, who joined the staff of the H. Rouse Caffey Rice Research Station in May 2015. Famoso is not only developing breeding strategies for the
station, he is also carrying the breeding program into the next generation of breeding technology, including the use of genetic markers. He has begun incorporating DNA marker-based selection by genotyping the rice varieties of the future through DNA analysis prior to the standard field testing. ―We are working to build upon the strong breeding foundation in place at the LSU AgCenter by integrating molecular tools to accelerate the release of the best varietal lines for our growers,‖ says Famoso.
42
Breeding Traits Famoso provided some insight into what growers are learning about Provisia Rice System — the first herbicide-tolerant system released since the Clearfield Production System was released 15 years ago — during its first year of commercial availability. ―It always takes a few steps in the breeding process to increase the performance of the new herbicide-resistant varieties when the technology is being incorporated from unadapted material, as we work to get them to the point where our adapted varieties are today,‖ says Famoso. ―We have to look for specific traits in thousands of lines and select for things such as maturity, height, and grain quality to increase a variety‘s commercial value to a producer. That‘s what had to be done with PVL01.‖ Despite being a little lower yielding than the varieties released under the Clearfield designation, PVL01 is exhibiting some excellent qualities like low chalk and a nice long grain. ―Similar to the Clearfield varieties when they were first released, we expected a little yield drag,‖ adds Famoso. ―After 10 years of breeding though, the Clearfield varieties are the highestyielding on the market today.‖ Another Provisia Famoso and the rest of the scientists have been analyzing data from another Provisia line, PVL108. It has improved characteristics over PVL01 like better milling and yield. ―In addition to having very low chalk, PVL108 has shown a 10 percent yield advantage over PVL01 in three years of statewide testing,‖ says Famoso. ―That is pretty significant.‖
43
PVL108 is maturing a week earlier than PVL01 — a trait which Louisiana rice producers prefer, especially now that hurricane season has begun. ―The earlier we can get a rice variety to mature, the less risk our growers will have to assume toward the end of the year,‖ says Famoso. Although longer-maturing varieties typically yield more, in the balance of all things, farmers in the line of fire from hurricanes know earlier is better. While PVL108 has some yield and earliness advantages, it is 2 inches taller than PVL01. Shorter plant height is preferred to reduce the risk of lodging. PVL108 also has a shorter grain than PVL01. ―One positive aspect of PVL01 is its long grain, although PVL108 is classified as a long grain variety, its grain length is slightly shorter than PVL01,‖ explains Famoso. Seed increase In the interests of time, efforts are under way to begin the necessary seed increase and purification for PVL108. ―We started with a seed increase in Puerto Rico over the winter. We brought back 50 pounds of seed and planted it on 5 acres at 10 pounds an acre here at the research station,‖ explains Famoso. ―If we decide to move forward with this variety, we should have a good bit of seed available for seed production next year, and in producers‘ fields for the 2020 growing season.‖ Famoso knows the disease resistance in PVL108 is not as active as it is in CL153, but there are some materials currently in early-stage testing that are showing not only an improvement in yield, but also a much-improved resistance to blast.
44
―It‘s our intention to release a new variety every two to three years that will chip away at some of the limitations we are seeing in these current Provisia varieties,‖ adds Famoso. ―I‘d like to see them perform up to the levels of the Clearfield varieties as quickly as possible.‖ https://www.deltafarmpress.com/rice/new-lsu-rice-breeding-strategies-include-genetic-markers
Dubai plans to expand Chinese saltwater rice into Arab world, Africa 2018-07-24 08:56:39Global TimesEditor : Li Yan
Workers reap rice in Dubai. (Photo/Courtesy of Qingdao Saltwater Rice Research and Development Center)
Special: Xi Visits Five Arab and African Countries, Attends BRICS Summit
Dubai aims to create an oasis that covers more than 10 percent of its land with saltwater rice developed by Chinese researchers and then expand out to the rest of the Middle East and North Africa.
45
The Qingdao Saltwater Rice Research and Development Center, led by China's "father of hybrid rice" Yuan Longping, is trying to breed saline-tolerant rice varieties adapted to Dubai's climate, together with a plant protection system that uses sensors and big data technologies. The surface temperature of Dubai can reach 54 C between June and July, the temperature in one day can swing over 30 C, and there is salt water with a salinity of 1.6 percent seven to right meters under the desert. "We are choosing the most suitable breeds for Dubai from more than 80 varieties," Zhang Guodong, deputy director of the center, told the Global Times. The saltwater rice varieties that the center has developed can grow with 0.6 percent saline water. Seawater is saline up to 3.5 percent, Zhang said. The first batch of mature rice yielded in Dubai in May has a maximum yield of 7.8 tons per hectare. The agricultural cooperative project of growing saltwater rice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is promising, as the country mulls shifting its oil-based economy to other industries, Yin Gang, a researcher at the Institute of West Asian and African Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times. If the UAE project is successful, the technology could feed the entire Arab world, Yin said. UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, personally named a saltwater rice souvenir "Al Marmoom," to commemorate the successful test of the first batch of rice. It will be presented to distinguished guests as a future "national gift," according to the center's statement. A 100-hectare saltwater rice experimental farm is going to be launched in the Dubai desert in 2019. The farm will be funded by commercial investment, including capital from China's Belt and Road initiative. The UAE also agreed with the center to establish the Yuan Longping Middle East and North Africa Salt Water Hybrid Rice Research and Promotion Center, which will promote rice growing technology in the Middle East and North Africa. http://www.ecns.cn/news/sci-tech/2018-07-24/detail-ifywhfmh2718710.shtml
46