30th october,2017 daily global regional local rice e newsletter

Daily Global Rice

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October 30,2017 Vol 9 Issue X

Rice News Headlines...                               

China develops rice that grows in salt water to feed 200 million people Rice worth $320.242m exported in first quarter Save it for a grainy day: Brown rice pilaf with beets, feta & spring onion 4 OTHERS ALSO IN FOCUS; DOF keeps eye on rice smuggling China helps develop hybrid rice varieties Samples to be tested after ‘plastic rice’ scare erupts in Dehradun Farmers in Mansa let down at rural procurement centres, forced to travel to cities to sell produce Paddy procurement; Kerala government recommends relaxation of mandatory clause Why there is no positive impact of rice import Suspected rice smuggler Davidson Bangayan urges DOJ to dismiss raps 'Super rice' in sight Craving for carbs linked to ‘7th taste’ Mix rice husk ash with soil to make bricks, PPCB tells kilns owners Global Brown Rice Market Research Report, Business Opportunities, Current Trends, Market Challenges & Global Industry Analysis By 2022 PPCB to promote brick production with rice-ash Rice Seed Market Globally – Mahyco, Kaveri, Bayer, Dupont Pioneer and Nuziveedu Seeds Pakistan rice exports surge by 28 pct during July-Sept Rice worth $320.24 million exported in first quarter About the MATCO Rice Company Chiefs To Get Rice For Bringing Voters Rice prices increase on low local output, expensive imports Punjab and Haryana procure over 173 lakh tonnes of paddy so far, expect bumper crop NGOs honour SP (Detective) OC, BIR ordered to zero in on smuggling of rice, fuel, food items China to provide solar equipment to BISP beneficiaries Division of Ag researchers studying impact of shifting artic geese migration into Arkansas REAP team apprises governor about exporters’ issues Govt to introduce growing of funded commercial rice Giant plant would boost rice harvests Maize a alternative to kuruvai paddy: TNAU Giant plant boost rice harvests China

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News Detail...

China develops rice that grows in salt water to feed 200 million people

BY STAFF WRITER ON 2017-10-29 Scientists in China have developed a variety of rice that can be grown in salt water, which they say could create enough food for around 200 million people.The idea is not new but until now researchers have been unable to create a product that is commercially viable.This particular variety was grown in a field close to the Yellow Sea city of Qingdao in Chinaâ€&#x;s Shandong province. The team planted 200 different varieties to examine which, if any, could adapt to the salty conditions.

Fresh seawater was pumped to the fields, diluted with fresh water and then channelled into the rice paddies.The scientists were hoping to produce 4.5 tonnes of rice per hectare (6.25 rai) but the crops exceeded expectations, with one case producing 9.3 tonnes per hectare.“The test results

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greatly exceeded our expectations,” Liu Shiping, a professor of agriculture at Yangzhou University.

Salinity is a big problem in China, with one million square kilometres being unable to sustain crops due to high salt levels. It is hoped that this new development will mean that some of this land can now be used to grow rice.The new type of rice was developed by a team led by 87-year old Yuan Longping. He, along with the Chinese government have been experimenting with growing rice in salty conditions since the 1970‟s.

Mr Yuan said: “If a farmer tries to grow some types of saline-tolerant rice now, they most likely will get 1,500 kilogrammes per hectare. That is just not profitable and not even worth the effort.“Farmers will have an incentive to grow the rice if we can double the yield.”

Salt water rice currently costs around six times as much as ordinary rice although this is expected to fall substantially in the future. The new rice has been praised for its flavour and texture as well as having a number of health benefits including being high in calciumhttps://tech.thaivisa.com/25271-2/25271/ http://www.hindustantimes.com/dehradun/samples-to-be-tested-after-plastic-rice-scare-erupts-indehradun/story-7WppHcTX5EIbKukXpiBj2I.html

Rice worth $320.242m exported in first quarter Islamabad Rice exports from the country during first three months of the current financial year grew by 31.91 percent as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year.

During the period from July-September, 2017-18 around 621,094 metric tons rice exported as compared the exports of 482,445 metric tons of the same period last year, according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. During the period under review, rice worth US$ 320.242 million exported as compared the exports of US$ 242.694 million of same period last year.

Meanwhile, exports of “Basmati “rice grew by 2.43 percent and reached at 86,672 tons valuing of US$ 90.31 million in last three months as against 92,321 metric tons worth US$ 88.772 million tons of same period last year, it added.

In first quarter of current financial year, about 534,442 metric tons of rice other then basmati worth US$ 299.321 million exported as against the exports of 390,124 metric tons valuing US$ 153,922 million of same period last year, During the period under review, seafood exports from the country registered an increase of 17.64

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percent as about 28,488 metric tons of fish and fish products valuing US$ 75.370 million exported as compared the exports of 21,959 metric tons worth of US$ 64.06 million of same period last year.

However, the exports of fruit, vegetable reduced by 24.37 percent and 0.99 percent respectively during the period under review, where as no quantity of pulses exported in first quarter of current financial year, the data reveled.

It may be recalled that food group exports from the country during first quarter of current financial year increased by 17.52 percent as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year.

Food commodities worth US$ 742.391 million were exported during the period from JulySeptember, 2017-18 as compared the exports US$ 631.731 million of same period of last year.

Wheat exports grew by 100 percent and about 1088 metric tons of wheat valuing US$ 344,000 exported, where as 91,916 metric tons of sugar worth of US$ 41.99 million exported which was also up by 100 percent as compared the exports of same period last year, it added.

During the period under review, all other food commodities worth US$ 140.299 million exported as against the exports of US$ 132.216 million of same period last year, hence showing an increase of 16.11 percent.—APP

Rice worth $320.242m exported in first quarter Islamabad Rice exports from the country during first three months of the current financial year grew by 31.91 percent as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year.

During the period from July-September, 2017-18 around 621,094 metric tons rice exported as compared the exports of 482,445 metric tons of the same period last year, according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. During the period under review, rice worth US$ 320.242 million exported as compared the exports of US$ 242.694 million of same period last year.

Meanwhile, exports of “Basmati “rice grew by 2.43 percent and reached at 86,672 tons valuing of US$ 90.31 million in last three months as against 92,321 metric tons worth US$ 88.772 million tons of same period last year, it added.

In first quarter of current financial year, about 534,442 metric tons of rice other then basmati worth US$ 299.321 million exported as against the exports of 390,124 metric tons valuing US$ 153,922 million of same period last year, During the period under review, seafood exports from the country registered an increase of 17.64

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percent as about 28,488 metric tons of fish and fish products valuing US$ 75.370 million exported as compared the exports of 21,959 metric tons worth of US$ 64.06 million of same period last year.

However, the exports of fruit, vegetable reduced by 24.37 percent and 0.99 percent respectively during the period under review, where as no quantity of pulses exported in first quarter of current financial year, the data reveled.

It may be recalled that food group exports from the country during first quarter of current financial year increased by 17.52 percent as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year.

Food commodities worth US$ 742.391 million were exported during the period from JulySeptember, 2017-18 as compared the exports US$ 631.731 million of same period of last year.

Wheat exports grew by 100 percent and about 1088 metric tons of wheat valuing US$ 344,000 exported, where as 91,916 metric tons of sugar worth of US$ 41.99 million exported which was also up by 100 percent as compared the exports of same period last year, it added.

During the period under review, all other food commodities worth US$ 140.299 million exported as against the exports of US$ 132.216 million of same period last year, hence showing an increase of 16.11 percent.—APP https://pakobserver.net/rice-worth-320-242m-exported-first-quarter/

Save it for a grainy day: Brown rice pilaf with beets, feta & spring onion

By Annie Bell 01:02 GMT, 29 October 2017 | UPDATED: 01:02 GMT, 29 October 2017

+1SERVES 4

125g brown rice or wholegrain basmati 1 red onion 300g tomatoes 200g beetroot about 3 tbsp good olive oil 1 tsp finely chopped medium-hot red chilli 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

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300ml chicken or vegetable stock sea salt and black pepper 1 x 200g block of feta cheese drained on kitchen paper TO SERVE a handful of snipped dill 3 spring onions trimmed and thinly sliced dressed crisp green salad of your choice â—? Soak the rice in cold water while you prepare the vegetables. Peel and chop the onion; coarsely chop the tomatoes discarding the cores; trim, peel and halve the beetroot and slice thinly.

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● Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium saucepan over a medium heat and fry the onion for 7-8 minutes until lightly golden, stirring occasionally. Stir in the chilli and tomatoes and fry for a minute or two longer until starting to soften. Stir in the beetroot, then add the balsamic vinegar and simmer to reduce it by about half. Drain the soaked rice, add to the pan, pour in the stock, season and ensure that everything is submerged. Bring to the boil, then cover and cook over a low heat for 45-50 minutes until it appears dry. Leave to stand for 20 minutes; the rice will continue to absorb liquid. ● About halfway into resting, heat a small nonstick frying pan over a medium heat, add a splash of oil and fry the block of feta for 5 minutes until golden and crusty (it turns gooey initially but then crisp). Carefully turn using a spatula, scraping the crispy bits on top, and cook for another 5 minutes. ● Scatter the dill over the pilaf and gently mix in. Break up the feta with a fork and serve dotted over the pilaf. Scatter with spring onions and serve with green salad on the side

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-5013161/Brown-rice-pilaf-beets-feta-spring-onion.html#ixzz4wz2UpgnN

4 OTHERS ALSO IN FOCUS; DOF keeps eye on rice smuggling

By ANGELA CELIS October 30, 2017

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Carlos Dominguez III, finance secretary, has ordered the Bureaus of Customs (BOC) and of Internal Revenue (BIR) to train their sights on the smuggling of rice and four other commodities as they iron out a plan to create a joint task force to run after big-time smugglers. Dominguez told commissioners Isidro Lapeña of the BOC and Caesar Dulay of the BIR that they should focus on rice, fuel, steel, cigarettes, and other food and agricultural product such as chicken, onions and garlic in beefing up government efforts to combat smuggling. The finance secretary issued the directive after Lapeña presented before a recent Department of Finance (DOF) Executive Committee (ExeCom) meeting his plan to form a joint task force with the BIR to help revitalize the BOC‟s anti-smuggling campaign.

“Make sure that you‟re working together there. I think you should focus on fuel, rice and other agricultural products, including chicken, onions, garlic. And then there is steel, and then cigarettes. I‟m sure the smuggling of cigarettes will go up now,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez noted after Mighty Corp. shut down its operations as part of its agreement with the government to settle its tax liabilities, he has been receiving reports of cigarette smuggling as illegal traders rush in to fill the void left by the company, which sold tobacco products at rockbottom prices.

Mighty had managed to sell its cigarettes at low prices because of the use of fake tax stamps, which was uncovered by the government through a joint operation by the BOC and the BIR. The company settled its liabilities in income and deficiency excise taxes by paying a whopping P25 billion to the government, which would reach over P30 billion when the value-added tax and other fees are factored in. Dominguez described Mighty‟s tax payment as the “biggest tax settlement” in the country‟s history.

He expressed optimism that with the BIR and BOC working together under the would-be joint task force, the two revenue agencies can replicate their effort in exposing the tax liabilities of corporations as large as Mighty‟s.

Lapeña said at the ExeCom meeting he wants to strengthen the partnership and collaboration with the BIR as part of his five-point priority program to help reform the BOC and beef up its anti-smuggling capabilities. The BIR welcomed Lapeña‟s plan to form the joint task force as it would help both bureaus in effectively enforcing tax laws.

To put more teeth into the bureau‟s anti-smuggling efforts, Lapeña also reported to Dominguez that he has ordered the filing of cases against erring importers and customs brokers and directed the strict scrutiny of all documents to ensure their authenticity. http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/4-others-also-focus-dof-keeps-eye-rice-smuggling

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China helps develop hybrid rice varieties Amin AhmedOctober 30, 2017

PAKISTAN recently sought technological help from China to develop and introduce hybrid rice varieties in all the four ecological zones of the country. The objective was to arrest the decline in the production of rice, the country‟s second main staple.The Chinese response to the government‟s request was prompt, and a team of scientists travelled to Pakistan for a month-long visit.

Yuan LongPing High-Tech Agriculture Co Ltd, one of the world‟s most renowned rice hybrid seed production companies, carried out a programme last month to help improve the capacity of researchers, scientists, extension workers, the private sector and farmers to produce hybrid rice seed and promote its productivity.

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Chinese agricultural scientists travelled to core rice-producing areas in Swat and Mansehra in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Kala Shah Kaku, Sahiwal, Multan and Rahimyar Khan in Punjab; Larkana, Sukkur and Hyderabad in Sindh; and Jafferabad, Jhal Magsi and Nasirabad in Balochistan.

The best hybrid rice varieties were showcased which were suitable for the four ecological zones of the country.

The Chinese team studied the growers‟ requirements for hybrid rice seeds in the ecological zones of Pakistan where coarse rice production has great potential.

Scientists of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) foresee a revolution in hybrid rice seed as a result of the cooperation between China and Pakistan.

During the programme, the Chinese team gave training in hybrid rice technology including hybrid rice breeding, parents breeding, hybrid seed production and field management skills for high-yield cultivation including theoretical lectures and field practices.

With the Chinese assistance, new varieties of rice hybrid seed — coarse or non-basmati rice — will be developed to increase productivity, profitability and exports The two countries have agreed to cooperate in hybrid rice promotion at federal, public and private sector levels in Pakistan.

With the Chinese assistance, new varieties of rice hybrid seed — coarse or non-basmati rice — will be developed to increase productivity, profitability and exports, in addition to improving the already available hybrid rice varieties.

So far, 54 rice hybrids belonging to different seed companies have been recommended for sowing by the PARC‟s committee that evaluates seed varieties.

Though rice hybrids are getting attention of growers, their per-acre yield remains low. This is why rice production has dropped during the just-concluded Kharif season.

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Minister for National Food Security and Research Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan hopes the new rice varieties will help farmers to significantly increase per-acre yield and exports.

Low productivity is a major hindrance in improving the socio-economic condition of rice growers because they make low profits.

PARC chairman Dr Yusuf Zafar claims that under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the cooperation between the two countries has enabled Pakistan to export hybrid rice seeds for the first time in its agricultural history.

The rice varieties produced in Pakistan are best known for their moisture, heat tolerance and better yields, he says.

New rice varieties will not only increase crop yields, but they are also expected to help farmers earn more and ultimately play a role in building the country‟s economy.Dr Muhammad Yusuf, national coordinator of the cereal system at the PARC, says it has been proposed that Pakistan get Chinese technological assistance in hybrid rice for at least four to five years. Moreover, a yearly programme will be devised to improve the capacity of researchers, extension workers and farmers for hybrid seed production in Pakistan.He says hybrid rice development would not affect basmati, Pakistan‟s supreme rice. The idea is to enhance the productivity of hybrid or coarse rice varieties, which are in high demand in the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, he adds.

Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has lowered its forecast of world‟s paddy production to 754.6 million tonnes (500.8m tonnes on a milled basis) in 2017.This level would be only nominally changed (by 60,000 tonnes) from the 2016 all-time high, says FAO‟s latest Rice Market Monitor report.

The downward adjustment primarily reflects deteriorated crop prospects in Asia, following a challenging climatic unfolding of the season, which has been characterised by abnormal dryness.

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Singularly, the largest absolute production gains are expected to take place in Indonesia and Thailand, although Cambodia, Pakistan and the Philippines are all headed towards recordbreaking harvests.

Based on current supply prospects, FAO tentatively forecasts international rice deliveries to expand by just 1pc in 2018 to 45.4m tonnes.Underlying the forecast growth are expectations of somewhat larger purchases by countries in Asia, in particular, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, where supplies would be needed to refurbish dwindling inventories.

Among suppliers, Argentina, India, Thailand, the United States and Uruguay are all envisaged to see their competitive edge eroded by more limited exportable availabilities in 2018.However, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, China (Mainland), Guyana, Pakistan, Paraguay, and especially, Vietnam, should count on sufficient supplies to more than compensate for these export reductions.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, October 30th, 2017 https://www.dawn.com/news/1367095/china-helps-develop-hybrid-rice-varieties

Samples to be tested after ‘plastic rice’ scare erupts in Dehradun The purported video shows a diner at a restaurant near the Dehradun Railway Station showing rice balls that appear to bounce like plastic balls, and complaining about “plastic rice” being allegedly served at the eatery.

DEHRADUN Updated: Oct 29, 2017 19:48 IST

Hindustan Times

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A food safety official collecting samples from a restaurant in Dehradun after a video claimed that „plastic rice‟ was being allegedly served at the eatery.(HT PHOTO) Samples of rice will be sent for testing at the state-run laboratory, food safety officials said on Sunday after an unverified video claiming “plastic rice” being served at a restaurant in Dehradun went viral on the social media.

The purported video shows a diner at a restaurant near the Dehradun Railway Station showing rice balls that appear to bounce like plastic balls, and complaining about “plastic rice” being allegedly served at the eatery. HT could not independently verify the claims made in the video.

GC Kandwal, designated officer of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for Dehradun district, said samples have been collected from the restaurant and that the same will be sent for analysis at the state-run food testing laboratory at Rudrapur in Udham Singh Nagar district. “However, we‟ll be able to comment on whether it‟s plastic rice or not only once the (lab) report comes out. Till then, we‟re also planning to inspect other places (like eateries, markets) as a precautionary measure,” Kandwal told HT.

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He, however, asserted that “no such thing as plastic rice” had ever been confirmed in the state so far and that it was a “natural tendency” of rice to become hard like a ball due to presence of starch in it, but that doesn‟t confirm that the rice is made of plastic.

“Food adulteration is a serious issue and the department will certainly take action if any irregularity is found anywhere. But such unconfirmed claims (of plastic rice) only lead to confusion and panic among the public,” Kandwal said.

In June, a similar scare of “plastic rice” being allegedly sold in the markets of Haldwani in Kumaon region had surfaced, following which the Nainital district administration raided several shops. Lab reports of collected samples, however, later dismissed the claims of “plastic rice”.

Notably, many experts including senior agriculture scientists have called out the “plastic rice” scare as “myth” citing how no conclusive proof for the same has been discovered so far.

According to snopes, a fact verification site, the claims of plastic rice have yet to be proven.

Meanwhile, Kandwal said an improvement notice had been slapped on the said restaurant under Section 32 of the Food Safety and Standards Act for preparing food under unhygienic conditions.

Farmers in Mansa let down at rural procurement centres, forced to travel to cities to sell produce This HT reporter travelled to two villages, Makha Chehlan and Anoopgarh, to find 500 farmers here, complaining bitterly about the state government.

PUNJAB Updated: Oct 29, 2017 11:38 IST

Mohammad Ghazali Hindustan Times, Mansa

Labourers at work at the mandi in Makha Chehlan village in Mansa district.(HT Photo)

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Farmers in Mansa district have already been in considerable distress due to crop damage resulting from unfavourable weather and pest-fly attack. What is adding to their woes is the state governmentâ€&#x;s failure to ensure that their paddy produce is procured from their villages. The poor farmer is harassed all across the district as the designated authorities or officials that are to purchase their crop remains absent from duty.

With no government official from any of the five procurement agencies there to supervise the process, private rice millers have a field day.

This HT reporter travelled to two villages, Makha Chehlan and Anoopgarh, to find 500 farmers here, complaining bitterly about the state government.

The designated purchase inspector for the two villages and the Bhikhi town, a person named Ravi, from the Punjab Agro Industries Corporation Limited (PAICL), has been irregular, farmers claimed.

To escape fleecing, farmers travelling to urban market

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“The rice miller harasses us and demands extra bags of rice from us to purchase our crop. The purchase inspector remains away from the grain markets and in his absence we are tortured in the name of measuring moisture content in our produce,” said Jiwan Singh from Anoopgarh village.

Many other farmers second him. Other farmers alleged that to escape the money lenders and sell their produce, they travel to grain markets in the urban areas of the district, where they get better price.

This, however, entails extra expense as from these villages, the urban markets entail a to-and-fro travel of at least 50-km.

For a farmer, this is like choosing between a rock and a hard place.“From our field, we have to travel to the grain markets and from there we have to hire another vehicle to reach the grain market in cities. Braving accident, security and other issues, we travel to the grain market risking everything,” said another farmer while loading his grain onto the tractor.

Farmers claimed that one such trip with the cost of overnight stay usually costs them Rs 5,000.

High moisture content in the paddy crop has also added to the worries of farmers.“The permissible moisture content is around 17 units but the rice millers return our produce raising the issue of high moisture despite this being approved by the purchasing inspector of the food procurement agencies,” said Amarjeet Singh from Makha Chehlan village.

District president of BKU (Ugrahan) Ram Singh met the DC and raised the issue of harassment meted out to farmers. “We discussed as how the purchasing inspector and private rice millers are hand-in-glove harassing and stalling the lifting of paddy from grain markets in rural areas,” said Ram.

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When contacted, PAICL manager Balwinder Pal Singh rubbished the claim that farmers were harassed and instead commended the lifting procedure being supervised by the agency. “Our purchase inspector has been supervising all the grain markets allotted to our agency and we have not allowed private millers to harass farmers.” http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/farmers-in-mansa-let-down-at-rural-procurementcentres-forced-to-travel-to-cities-to-sell-produce/story-BPjd1HPW58QkIZ9DooJ9RP.html http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/farmers-in-mansa-let-down-at-rural-procurementcentres-forced-to-travel-to-cities-to-sell-produce/story-BPjd1HPW58QkIZ9DooJ9RP.html

Paddy procurement; Kerala government recommends relaxation of mandatory clause

By Shibu B S | Express News Service | Published: 30th October 2017 08:04 AM | Last Updated: 30th October 2017 08:04 AM | | KOCHI: The report by the subcommittee set up to look into agriculture and paddy procurement issues, which was submitted to the Cabinet, has recommended approaching the Centre for relaxation of the mandatory clause of giving 68 kg of rice back to Supplyco by the mill owners upon processing one quintal of paddy. Already, the millers have conveyed to Supplyco, which has been entrusted with paddy procurement, they will not be able to comply with this requirement due to the existing climatic conditions.“As per the quality standards, the moisture content of paddy should not exceed 17 per cent. But in Kerala, our paddy fields are situated below the main sea level (MSL).

Hence, the moisture content of the paddy cultivated here will be between 20-25, with this reaching upto 28 per cent in some cases. Through processing, we need to bring it down to 14 per cent, which will result in the quantity of output,” said George Mathai, assistant manager, paddy procurement, Supplyco.

The Centre has made it mandatory the outturn after processing one quintal of paddy should be 68 kg. “It is not an issue for the other rice-producing states as they are not cultivating the crop on wetlands. Here in Kerala, the rice mill owners are only able to come up with a maximum outturn of 64 kg by processing one quintal of paddy. The Supplyco cannot procure the processed rice back on this outturn ratio as it is against the rules. It cannot also suffer the loss of 4 kg per per 100 kg of paddy processed.

This is why we have recommended the government approach the Centre for relaxation of the existing clause,” he said. Supplyco chairman and managing director A P M Muhammed Haneesh said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had promised to take up with the Centre any

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issue linked with paddy processing. “We are awaiting a favourable decision from the Centre,” Mathai said.

Last year, the Supplyco had procured 4.52 lakh tonnes of paddy from farmers across the state, with Rs 1,018 crore being paid to 1,60,000 peasants. So if the mill owners decide to procure rice from outside Kerala, the procurement and supply chain will also get affected. Supplyco will have to get more rice from the other states if the millers refuse to process the paddy.“The number of rice mill owners, who process paddy for Supplyco has come down to 52 from 75 in 2016. This year, it has again come down to 45,” said Mathai. http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2017/oct/30/paddy-procurement-kerala-governmentrecommends-relaxation-of-mandatory-clause-1686641.html

Why there is no positive impact of rice import October 29, 2017 11:36:55 | Updated: October 29, 2017 23:36:55 At a time when the government attempts are proving futile in bringing down the soaring rice price to a desirable level, it has been compelled to look beyond its border for help. Its latest approval of import of 0.25 million tonnes of more rice has rightly been viewed as a measure to cool down the overheated staple market. The measure also conforms to the free market economic theory --bringing parity between demand and supply. The authorities had to reve rse its earlier stance of discouraging import of rice by raising import duty. When 28 per cent duty was imposed on rice import, the country faced a problem where paddy producing farmers counted loss because the production cost was higher than the market pr ice of their produce. The syndicate of middlemen like millers and big rice traders, however, made sure that their profit margin was quite to their liking. Importers had no incentive in such a dull market.

It is then reversal in paddy growing in some parts of the country coupled with the food ministry's slumber not to notice the impending food crisis, prepared the ground for millers and stockists or hoarders to make the most of the situation. The food ministry now realised it was caught off guard and launche d a drive against rice stockists in order to arrest the unabated price hike. The drive somehow contained further escalation of price but by that time the staple had broken all past records of rice price in the country. Even the coarse varieties of rice the lower middle class and poor people eat were selling at Tk 55 a kilogram at the minimum and Tk 58 -60 a kilogram at the highest. Following negotiations with big rice traders and emergency import of rice from some neighbouring countries helped bring the pric e of coarse varieties down by Tk 2.0 -3.0 initially and then by Tk 10-12. But still the price level is much higher than it was before the crisis. However, price of the fine varieties of rice has not come down, in some cases those have registered further rise.

Clearly, the government has prevailed on the rice traders but only marginally. Now the importers have also joined hands with the millers and hoarders in reaping

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dividends from an unstable market. The benefit of the duty relaxation is enjoyed by the importers themselves. The consumers in the lower bracket have some benefit to savour but not enough to feel completely relieved. Consumers of the categories just above them but lower than the top level do feel the pinch all the same. Once again some sections among the business class have demonstrated how they are ready to pounce on in order to outrageously maximise their profit -- misery of the downtrodden notwithstanding.

Had the authorities kept their antenna up, they could definitely stave off the crisis and the price escalation. When government silos were becoming depleted and the country experienced a major crop failure, it had to act promptly before the traders could take any undue advantage from the impending shortage of food production.

There is no guarantee that the latest consignments of import will bring the prices of all varieties of rice further down. Most likely the traders will eat the cake and have it too. Much depends on how the imported rice will be made available at the market.

If the supply outpaces demand, price will come down to the level where it was before the crisis. Consumers hope this to happen

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/editorial/why-there-is-no-positive-impact-of-riceimport-1509298615

Suspected rice smuggler Davidson Bangayan urges DOJ to dismiss raps Published October 30, 2017 2:24pm

By VIRGIL LOPEZ, GMA News Suspected rice smuggler Davidson Bangayan asked the Department on Justice (DOJ) on Monday to junk the criminal raps filed against him by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over his alleged involvement in a rice cartel that was uncovered during the Aquino administration.Bangayan, also known as David Tan, showed up at the DOJ to attend for the first time the preliminary investigation on the complaints for bid fixing in violation of the Government Procurement Reform Act (Republic Act 9184), monopoly and restraint of trade, and using a fictitious name or concealing true identity.

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Suspected rice smuggler Davidson Bangayan appears at the prelim probe on NBI complaint filed with DOJ | @virgillopez pic.twitter.com/Hwil7CA9WA — GMA News (@gmanews) October 30, 2017 In his counter-affidavit, Bangayan dismissed as "baseless" and "speculative" the allegations that he and his co-respondents financed farmer cooperatives and single proprietorships in 2012 to become dummies in rice importation facilitated by the National Food Authority (NFA), effectively cornering the supply of imported rice in the market."At best, they are mere hearsay evidence," the counter-affidavit stated.

Bangayan said the NBI did not present "any competent and credible proof" that he was a financier of the cooperatives."The complaint is utterly lacking in the important details -- when, where, and how I supposedly give the funds, how much, and to whom I gave the money. There is nothing in the complaint which even remotely shows that I handed out money to the cooperatives," the counter-affidavit read.

"If it is true that competition was stifled or suppressed, then losing bidders would have already complained about it. Also, there is no evidence that the NFA bidding produced disadvantaged results," it added.

The businessman also maintained that he is not David Tan even as the DOJ already ruled in a perjury complaint filed by the Senate in 2014 that he had previously signed a libel complaint against six people in 2005 as David Tan. "Other than being into the business of buying and selling scrap metal, which is not the subject matter of this case, I am not a 'manufacturer, producer, or processor or importer' of rice," the counter-affidavit stated.

Bangayanâ€&#x;s co-respondents in the complaint for monopolies and combinations in restraint of trade are spouses Judilyne Lim and David Lim, Leah Echiveria, Elizabeth Faustino, and Eleanor Rodriguez.

Judilyne Lim, Faustino, Rodriguez, and Echiveria were named as Bangayanâ€&#x;s co-respondents in the complaint for violation of RA 9184.Others named in the complaint were Eugene Pioquinto,

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Mary Joyce Lim, Jason Colocado, Michael Villanueva, Denis Gonzales, Willy Sy, Sandra Lim, Gil Calipayan, and Inigo Espiritu.

Apart from Bangayan, respondents Sandra Lim, Mary Joyce Lim, David Lim, Judilyn Lim, Colocado, Echeveria, Faustino and Pioquinto also filed their respective counter affidavits before the three-man DOJ investigating panel led by Assistant State Prosecutor Eden Valdes.

The NBI will file its response to the counter-affidavits on November 20. The respondents, in turn, will be given a chance to submit a rejoinder affidavit on December 4. — RSJ, GMA News http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/631339/suspected-rice-smuggler-davidson-bangayanurges-doj-to-dismiss-raps/story/

'Super rice' in sight 12:00 AM, October 29, 2017 / LAST MODIFIED: 10:33 AM, October 29, 2017 Plant engineered to double its yield

Reaz Ahmad

Scientists have long been considering the idea of engineering rice plant in a way that the global production of the cereal gets a dramatic boost.The idea came from the concern that the traditional research, which results in just one percent rise in the yearly yield, would not be enough to meet the ever-growing demand.

So the plan was to convert rice into a photosynthesis-efficient plant, which would produce substantially more grains using the sunlight.

Nine years into the initiation of an ambitious rice plant engineering project, a group of scientists have recently declared a major breakthrough in improving photosynthesis for the cereal.They said this would change the plant architecture of rice once for all, make it more energy-efficient and thereby, increase the yield of the world's third most consumed grain, after maize and wheat, by 50 percent. It would eventually help meet the food needs of billions of people around the world, including Bangladesh.

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During photosynthesis, plants take carbon dioxide, water, and light, and turn them into sugar and oxygen. The sugar is then used by the plants for food, and the oxygen is released into the atmosphere.

Rice uses the C3 photosynthetic pathway, which in hot and dry environments is much less efficient than the C4 pathway used by other plants such as maize, sugarcane and sorghum.

Scientists thought that if rice could "switch" to use C4 photosynthesis, its productivity would increase by 50 percent.

Scientists and researchers drawn from 12 institutions in eight countries declared on October 19 that they have achieved a major breakthrough by being able to engineer the rice plant accordingly. They are involved with the C4 Rice Project, often dubbed as "grand challenge" of the 21st century.University of Oxford, one of the 12 institutions which are at the forefront of this multi-billion dollar 15-year mega project, has issued a press release, saying the scientists have been able to infuse a single maize gene into rice leaf thereby finishing off the first step of converting rice into a C4 plant.

The same day, one of the world's leading scientific journal -- Current Biology -- twitted, "a key step in engineering #rice #plant with more efficient C4 #photosynthesis has been achieved." Jane A Langdale and Peng Wang of the Plant Sciences Department of the University of Oxford along with eight other scientists involved with the C4 Rice Project published an article in the current issue of the Current Biology.

They declared in the journal that a key step towards engineering C4 rice has been achieved through introducing a maize gene (GOLDEN2-like) in C3 rice leaves that is reminiscent of proto-Kranz anatomy, an intermediate state in the evolutionary trajectory from C3 to C4. A C4 has a special leaf anatomy called 'Kranz anatomy' and C4 plant is better adapted than a C3 plant in an environment with high daytime temperatures, intense sunlight, drought, or nitrogen or CO2 limitation.

Over three billion people, including 160 million in Bangladesh, depend on rice for survival, and owing to predicted population increases and a general trend towards urbanisation, land that provided enough rice to feed 27 people in 2010 will need to support 43 by 2050.

"In this context, rice yields need to increase substantially over the next 35 years. Given that traditional breeding programmes currently achieve around a 1% increase in yield per annum, this is not a trivial endeavour," said Oxford University's Prof Jane Langdale, current principal investigator of the C4 Rice Project.Prof Julian Hibberd, who teaches photosynthesis at the University of Cambridge and also a member of the C4 consortium, said, "The C4 pathway is an extremely complex and remarkable piece of evolution‌ " He said, "Although engineering the efficient C4 pathway into C3 crops would enable a stepchange in agricultural productivity, the large number of changes required to convert a C3 leaf to one that uses C4 photosynthesis has rightly been seen as a major challenge to implementation."

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The C4 Rice Project is an international collaboration between 18 research groups, from the 12 institutions in eight countries. The institutions are: Australian National University (Australia), University of Toronto (Canada), Chinese Academy of Sciences (China), Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology and Heinrich Heine University (Germany), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) (the Philippines), Academia Sinica Institute of Molecular Biology (Taipei), University of Cambridge and University of Oxford (UK), Donald Danforth Center, Washington State University, and University of Minnesota (USA).

Bangladesh Rice Research Institute's (BRRI) Director General Shahjahan Kabir told The Daily Star that this breakthrough in rice engineering ushered in a new hope for countries like Bangladesh, where growing more food from increasingly scarce land and water resources is getting difficult.

"We'll engage our rice scientists in the C4 rice research in partnership with the IRRI [International Rice Research Institute] as we did in the past in the case of developing submergence-tolerant rice," Kabir added.

Zeba Islam Seraj, who teaches biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Dhaka and has a long experience of rice breeding, said, "Maize, sorghum and sugarcane are C4 photosynthesisers, while rice is C3. C4 photo-synthesisers are more efficient in energy uptake."

She also termed this breakthrough as a first step towards converting C3 rice to more efficient C4 rice. She said C4 species such as maize and sorghum are more efficient at carbon assimilation than C3 species, and in addition they display greater water use efficiency, better nitrogen use efficiency and higher-temperature tolerance.

The C4 Rice Project was first conceived by John Sheehy, a plant physiologist who was the head of the Applied Photosynthesis Group at the IRRI from 1995 to 2009. The costs of the project were estimated to be about $5m per year. In October 2008, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded IRRI a grant of $11.1 million to begin the research. Currently the project is into its phase-III (2015-2019).

Experts noted that successful completion of engineering rice into a C4 plant would be a "gamechanger" since the '60s of last century when scientists had first developed semi-dwarf rice varieties heralding the famous "Green Revolution". http://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/super-rice-sight-1483093

Craving for carbs linked to „7th tasteâ€&#x; PTI MELBOURNE, OCTOBER 28, 2017 22:48 IST

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Watch what you eat: Pasta is a culinary favourite that is rich in carbohydrates. | Photo Credit: AP

People who enjoy energy-dense foods likely to have larger waistline, says study Scientists have identified a potential seventh taste — a sensitivity towards carbohydrates — which may be behind the craving for starchy foods such as bread, pasta and rice.

Researchers from Deakin University in Australia have shown that sensitivity to carbohydrates, which they call the seventh taste, increases intake of starchy food and a larger waistline.

The team had previously named fat as the “sixth taste”. The fat taste studies explored the tongue‟s ability to detect fat as a distinct taste similar to people‟s ability to sense sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami — the five traditional or classic tastes.

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Carbohydrates had long been assumed invisible to taste, said Russell Keast, Professor at Deakin University.

“It is typically sugar, with its hedonically pleasing sweet taste, that is the most sought after carbohydrate,” said Mr. Keast, who led the research published in the Journal of Nutrition.

“But our research has shown that there is a perceivable taste quality elicited by other carbohydrates independent of sweet taste,” he said. The research looked at two carbohydrates, maltodextrin and oligofructose, both found in common foods like bread, pasta and rice.

Sensitive taste buds Initial testing by Julia Low from Deakin University showed that these carbohydrates could be sensed in the mouth.

The study later analysed preferences of 34 adults and found significant correlations between how sensitive someone was to carbohydrates, their dietary intake and their waist measurement. “Those who were most sensitive to the carbohydrate taste ate more of these foods and had a larger waist,” Ms. Low said.

“We specifically looked at waist measurements as they are a good measure of the risk of dietary related diseases,” Ms. Low added.

Mr. Keast said this line of taste research was important because the increasing problem of diet-related chronic illnesses, such as obesity, required a greater understanding of the drivers of the food we consume.

“Increased energy intake, in particular greater intakes of energy-dense foods, is thought to be one of the major contributors to the global rise of obesity,” he said.

“Interestingly, what we found in the fat taste studies was that the people who were more sensitive to fat consumed less fatty foods, but it is the other way around for carbohydrates,” Mr. Keast said.

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“What that could mean is that individuals who are more sensitive to the „taste‟ of carbohydrate also have some form of subconscious accelerator that increases carbohydrate or starchy food consumption. But we need to do much more research to identify the reason why,” he added. http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/craving-for-carbs-linked-to-7th-t Posted at: Oct 29,

Mix rice husk ash with soil to make bricks, PPCB tells kilns owners 2017, 1:43 AM; last updated: Oct 29, 2017, 1:43 AM (IST) Tribune News Service Patiala, October 28 Brick-kilns are using upper fertile layer of precious soil for making bricks. About 3,000 brickkilns make hundreds and crores of bricks every year using this fertile soil. Similarly, a majority of industries in Punjab are using rice husk in their boilers, hence, producing a huge quantity of rice husk ash every day, which is being disposed off in low-lying areas causing air pollution with blowing wind.

Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) Kahan Singh Pannu advised the brick-kiln owners of the state to start mixing up to 30 per cent rice husk ash in the soil depending upon the texture of the soil to make bricks. With this, the precious fertile soil of Punjab will be saved and also lead to the scientific use of the rice husk ash which, otherwise, is an air hazard. These good quality bricks will give better rates and profit to the brick-kiln owners in form of fuel saving.”

The PPCB conducted a research using up to 40 per cent of rice husk ash mixed with clay to make bricks and the results were found encouraging due to carbon contents present in the rice husk ash which further make better quality of bricks on baking. It was further established that the quantity of the rice husk ash is directly and equally proportional to the saving of coal as fuel.

Earlier this year, the failure of state pollution control boards to tackle the menace of polluting brick-kilns, majority of which operate under political patronage, had forced the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to order closure of all kilns operating without permission. The state pollution control boards, including that in Punjab, were asked to send a compliance report within a fortnight.

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The order came after the CPCB observed that the state pollution control boards “were required to enforce and ensure compliance of emission standards/guidelines by brick-kilns and take action against those failing to comply with the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981”.

The CPCB, in its order, said, “All brick-kilns operating without permission and valid consent from the state pollution control boards should be closed down with immediate effect.” The state boards have also been asked to ensure that fine dust does not accumulate around brick kilns.

“The area around the main brick-kiln should be paved with bricks to minimise fugitive dust emissions. This should be one of the conditions while granting the consent by state boards,” the order readaste/article19941126.ece http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/mix-rice-husk-ash-with-soil-to-make-bricks-ppcb-tellskilns-owners/488944.html

Global Brown Rice Market Research Report, Business Opportunities, Current Trends, Market Challenges & Global Industry Analysis By 2022 QY Reports.com now features a report, titled “Global Brown Rice Market Professional Survey Report.” The report includes an extensive coverage of the various aspects of the global market. It serves as a reliable business tool for both existing and new players in the market and aids them in formulating business strategies.

The global Brown Rice industry is examined with respect to its market size, for which the report uses the parameters of value and volume. This portion of the report also comprises a descriptive analysis of the sales pricing models and the sales figures of this global industry. The analysis of the sales price is conducted in terms of the various aspects of the industry players, regions, types, and applications during the forecast period.

Download Sample Copy Here:http://qyreports.com/request-sample?report-id=62287 The report also provides details on the pricing structure and channels of distribution of equipment suppliers in the global Brown Rice industry. The report then provides a critical assessment of the global industry with regard to additional costs such as labor costs and the overall manufacturing costs and process analysis.

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The research report tries to comprehend the ground breaking strategies taken by merchants in the worldwide market to offer product separation through Porterâ€&#x;s five forces analysis. It likewise calls attention to the courses in which these organizations can reinforce their stand in the market and increase their incomes in the coming years. Continuous technological headways and the steady penetration of Internet in the remote corners of the world are additionally in charge of the remarkable development of the Global Brown Rice Market.

Some of the front-line candidates working in the Global Brown Rice market are described in the report for the objective of methodical case study. The business and economic synopsis of these enterprises along with their principal strategies approved have been given in this report.

Ask For Discount: http://qyreports.com/ask-for-discount?report-id=62287 Brown Rice systems help in maintaining updated information of patients, cut down healthcare costs, and enhance efficiency and accuracy. Owing to these benefits, they are being increasingly acknowledged by many physicians around the globe. Moreover, favorable initiatives introduced by several governments worldwide are promoting the adoption of Brown Rice systems for healthcare facilities. The emergence of digital and connected healthcare technologies is also providing a significant push to the market.

Any Query Please Click Here:http://www.qyreports.com/enquiry-before-buying/?reportid=62287 On the other hand, the lack of professionals with adequate knowledge regarding healthcare is restricting the market from realizing its full potential. Moreover, the high installation cost of Brown Rice solutions along with the technical issues such as data migration complexities, system interoperability and integration issues is hampering the growth of the market. However, the increasing popularity of e-prescription is likely to bode well for the growth of the market in the offing. Furthermore, the shifting focus of healthcare service providers from disease-centric to patient-centric models is creating immense growth opportunities for the market.

Prominent players in the global Brown Rice market are consistently pouring funds into the research and development. These players are keen on expanding their foothold in cloud-based solutions.

For Full Report Use This Link:http://www.qyreports.com/report/global-brown-rice-marketresearch-report-2017-62287/ http://www.military-technologies.net/2017/10/28/global-brown-rice-market-research-reportbusiness-opportunities-current-trends-market-challenges-global-industry-analysis-by-2022/

PPCB to promote brick production with rice-ash Bharat Khanna| TNN | Oct 28, 2017, 23:51 IST

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Patiala: The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) after getting conducted a research had now advised the brick kiln owners to help them save the environment by using rice husk ash in the production of bricks that would not only become cheaper and profitable for brick-kiln owners but would also save coal or fuel.

A research team of PPCB has been working to carry on further this study on providing an alternative to clay under which the rice husk ash will be mixed with the soil for production of the bricks. The production cost of the bricks is reduced and the bricks are well shaped, found the study conducted by a team of PPCB.

The PPBC officials claimed that one of the major expenses the rice mill industry had to incur is to get lifted the rice husk ash for which they pay a hefty amount to the private contractors. The PPCB is now trying to link the brick kiln owners with the industry. This, according to their study, will not only benefit the brick-kiln owners and rice millers but also save 25 percent fuel energy.

The PPCB conducted this research using up to 40 percent of rice husk ash mixed with clay to make bricks and the results were found very encouraging due to carbon contents present in the rice husk ash which further make a better quality of bricks on baking. It was further established that the quantity of the rice husk ash is directly and equally proportional to the saving of coal as fuel.

Kahan Singh Pannu, Chairman of the PPC Board advised the brick kiln owners of the state to start mixing up to 30 percent the rice husk ash in the soil depending upon the texture of the soil to make bricks. "With this, the precious fertile soil of Punjab will be saved and will also lead to the scientific use of the rice husk ash which otherwise is an air hazard. These good quality bricks will give better rates and profit to the brick kiln owners in form of fuel saving." said, Pannu.

Karunesh Garg, Chief Environment Engineer, PPCB said, "The further study to bring alternative of clay for production of bricks is being carried out whereas till now we have found in our study that the bricks made up by mixing of this rice-husk-ash are more refined brick. Moreover, during the paddy season, the industry including the rice-mills use to incur expenses by giving money to the contractor and get this ash lifted from their precincts. We are trying to make the hands of Industry join with the brick kilns in Punjab."

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He added that the brick kilns in Punjab are using an upper fertile layer of precious soil for making bricks. "About 3000 brick Kilns make bricks in hundreds of crores every year using this fertile soil. Similarly, the majority of the industries in the state of Punjab are using rice husk in their boilers hence producing a huge quantity of rice husk ash every day which is being disposed of in low lying areas to cause air pollution with blowing wind." https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/ppcb-to-promote-brick-production-withrice-ash/articleshow/61312492.cms

Rice Seed Market Globally – Mahyco, Kaveri, Bayer, Dupont Pioneer and Nuziveedu Seeds

By Daniel Cruz October 27, 2017

Global Rice Seed Research Report is segmented by leading Rice Seed manufacturers, regions, applications and Rice Seed type to provide all crucial details to the readers. A comprehensive study of Rice Seed market based on product portfolio, applications, cost, manufacturing processes involved in Rice Seed are evaluated at depth. In coming years Rice Seed market is slated to see more emerging players which will lead to tremendous Rice Seed development. Rice Seed Market growth, market scope, and Rice Seed revenue are cited in this report. In-depth study of Rice Seed market competition, developments, Rice Seed growth opportunities and factors limiting the market growth are analyzed in detail. All the fundamental market details like Rice Seed consumer volume, market size, supply/demand scenario, and Rice Seed gross margin analysis are covered in this report.

Global Rice Seed study will serve as a valuable guide for identifying business opportunities and making the strategic business decisions which will lead to profits in Rice Seed. The recent Rice Seed trend and up-to-date marketing strategies will forecast the Rice Seed market performance in coming years. All details related to technical developments, innovations taking place in Rice Seed, press release, Rice Seed marketing strategies are elaborated in this report. This report conducts Rice Seed market review on a global and regional basis to offer market estimates and market share for the forecast period also. The dynamic competitive environment will lead to accumulation of revenue in Rice Seed market.

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Scope of the Global Rice Seed Market Report:

The upcoming Rice Seed market trends, industry breakthroughs, sales margin expected during the forecast period are covered in this report. The process involved in Rice Seed manufacturing, end users, suppliers, distributors, manufacturers are studied in depth in this report. Major developments, supply chain statistics of Rice Seed, innovations will assist the market players in planning the business strategies. Extracting vital Rice Seed information and organizing it in a segmented way will facilitate improved decisions.

Enquire for Rice Seed report here: https://market.biz/report/global-rice-seed-marketgir/22317/#inquiry

Global Rice Seed Market Segmentation

This report portrays the competitive landscape view of all the major players based on their company profile, Rice Seed sales revenue, development status, import/export scenario and Rice Seed consumption ratio. The Rice Seed developments and market revenue are presented for each region, manufacturer and Rice Seed product application. The key Players of global Rice Seed market includes JK seeds, Longping High-tech, Opulent Technology, Nuziveedu Seeds, Saprotan Utama, Zhongnongfa, China National Seed, Dupont Pioneer, Krishidhan, Mahyco, Bayer, Dabei Nong Group, WIN-ALL HI-TECH SEED, RiceTec, Rasi Seeds, Kaveri, Grand Agriseeds, Hefei Fengle, Syngenta, Dongya Seed Industry, Gansu Dunhuang Seed, Keeplong Seeds, Guangxi Hengmao Agricultural Technology and Anhui Nongken.

According to type, the Rice Seed market is divided into Long-grain rice, Medium-grain rice and Short-grain rice. According to the application, Rice Seed market categorized into Agricultural Production and Scientific Research. All the major Rice Seed producing regions like North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle-East, and Africa are covered in this Rice Seed report.

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Rice Seed industry trend and statistics related to past, present and future Rice Seed market are studied in this study.

Features Of The Global Rice Seed Market Report:

Analysis of present and futuristic Rice Seed industry trends will give rise to development opportunities. The forecast details related to Rice Seed market share, revenue, and market growth will help in making the business decisions. The segmented study based on regions, applications and Rice Seed type will offer all the minute details to the readers. Growth recommendation, analysis of company profiles of Rice Seed key manufacturers and strategies adopted by key players will drive business insights. Feasibility of investment study, Rice Seed market presence, and emerging Rice Seed segments will define the market scope in coming years.

Request Sample Rice Seed Research Report at: https://market.biz/report/global-rice-seed-marketgir/22317/#requestforsample

Segment 1 of the report provides information related to product scope, Rice Seed industry scenario, development opportunities, threats to the Rice Seed market growth and key driving forces. Segment 2 offers complete details related to leading Rice Seed manufacturers, their sales revenue, Rice Seed make scope and product price forecast from 2017-2022. Segment 3 enlists the competitive view of the Rice Seed market based on the company profile, market share and Rice Seed market volume forecast from 2017-2022. Segment 4 reviews the key regions contributing to the market growth, their sales margin, Rice Seed industry size and key manufacturing countries present with these regions.

Segment 5,6 provides in-depth details related to Rice Seed industry share of each manufacturing present within the region, their growth trend, Rice Seed product scope, and application, forecast from 2017-2022.

Segment 7,8 shows Rice Seed market study based on type, application, Rice Seed sales volume, forecast from 2017-2022. Segment 9 covers the forecast market data related to Rice Seed like the

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expected development, revenue details, Rice Seed market scope, emerging segments and the growth aspects of the industry. Segment 10 covers the analysis of Rice Seed marketing channels, vendors, distributors and lastly valuable Rice Seed research conclusions are offered https://reportagestuff.com/2017/10/27/rice-seed-market-globally/

Pakistan rice exports surge by 28 pct during July-Sept Xinhua| 2017-10-29 00:43:55|Editor: Zhou Xin

ISLAMABAD, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's rice exports surged by 28.74 percent during the first three months of the country's current fiscal year starting from July 2017, according to a statement from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Saturday.

The PBS said rice exports from the country jumped to 621,094 metric tons during the period as compared to the exports of 482,445 metric tons of the same period last year.

During the period under review, rice worth 320.242 million U.S. dollars were exported as compared the exports of 242.694 million U.S. dollars of the same period last year.

Exports of the "Basmati" brand rice grew by 2.43 percent and reached at 86,672 tons valuing at 90.31 million dollars in the three months as against 92,321 metric tons worth 88.772 million dollars of the same period last year, said the statement.

In the said period, about 534,442 metric tons of rice other than basmati worth 299.321 million dollars were exported as against the exports of 390,124 metric tons valuing 153.922 million dollars of the same period last year.

During the last fiscal year from July 2016 to June 2017, Pakistan's total rice exports dropped by 17 percent year-on-year in terms of quantity, and 15 percent in terms of revenue earned.

Pakistan rice exports surge by 28 pct during July-Sept Source: Xinhua| 2017-10-29 00:43:55|Editor: Zhou Xin

ISLAMABAD, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's rice exports surged by 28.74 percent during the first three months of the country's current fiscal year starting from July 2017, according to a statement from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Saturday.

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The PBS said rice exports from the country jumped to 621,094 metric tons during the period as compared to the exports of 482,445 metric tons of the same period last year.

During the period under review, rice worth 320.242 million U.S. dollars were exported as compared the exports of 242.694 million U.S. dollars of the same period last year.

Exports of the "Basmati" brand rice grew by 2.43 percent and reached at 86,672 tons valuing at 90.31 million dollars in the three months as against 92,321 metric tons worth 88.772 million dollars of the same period last year, said the statement.

In the said period, about 534,442 metric tons of rice other than basmati worth 299.321 million dollars were exported as against the exports of 390,124 metric tons valuing 153.922 million dollars of the same period last year.

During the last fiscal year from July 2016 to June 2017, Pakistan's total rice exports dropped by 17 percent year-on-year in terms of quantity, and 15 percent in terms of revenue earned

About the MATCO RICE About the Company Matco Foods Limited ("Matco" or the "Company") is primarily engaged in processing and export of rice and rice derived products. Matco is the largest exporter of Basmati rice from Pakistan. It processes and exports both conventional and organic rice as white, brown, steam and parboil. Matco also manufactures rice flour, rice syrup and rice protein.

Matco, founded in 1964 by Syed Sarfaraz Ali Ghori, was incorporated in 1990 as a private limited company. In the early days, the Company supplied rice processing plants and machinery to Government of Pakistan and later, in 1967, it set up its first rice processing plant. In 1990, the Company set up Pakistan's first fully automated, modern rice processing plant supplied by Satake Corporation of Japan.

Today, the Company is a leading agribusiness in South Asia, with over 50 years of experience in the rice industry and a global portfolio of more than 150 customers. Matco is the only agro processing company in Pakistan in which International Finance Corporation ("IFC") has invested equity. In 2012, IFC invested PKR 458 million in the Company for a stake of 20%.

Matco Foods is Pakistan's leading exporter of basmati rice reaching over 60 countries around the world. The Company's flagship brand "Falak Basmati Rice" is prominent in more than 40 countries, through an extensive network of distributors internationally. Matco Foods is also the

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sole distributor of Signature Snacks for Pakistan. Signature Snacks is a leading manufacturer based in Dubai, which produced quality biscuits, wafer, crackers, and baked chips.

In October 2013, Matco also set up JKT General Trading (FZE), in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone authority in the emirate of Sharjah, UAE. Matco Has invested US$ 225,000 in JKT. The principal activities of the Company are commercial-general trading, export and import. This has allowed Matco Foods to expand its boundaries and increase its presence in important GCC markets like UAE, Oman and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Rice Processing Facilities The Company has an annual rice processing capacity of 134,700 Metric Tons. Matco's rice processing facilities are spread over 1,000,000 sq. feet with 5 rice processing and million plants, including vertically integrated paddy drying, storage, husking, processing and packaging facilities in Sadhoke, Punjab and Karachi, Sindh. The Company's investment in plant and equipment exceeds US$ 30 million.Rice Glucose Syrup / Rice Protein Plant Matco has recently diversified its operation within domain specialized products i.e. Rice Glucose and Rice Protein Phase I with plant capacity of 10,000 MT per annum of rice glucose and 1,000 MT of Rice Protein per annum. Phase I of the Project has been successfully completed and commercial production of Rice Glucose and Rice Protein has started on October 02, 2017.

Rice Glucose is used in the pharmaceutical, confectionary and baby food industry while Rice Protein is used in dietary supplement, nutrition and animal feed industry. More value-added products such as high maltose glucose and dry glucose maltodextrin (2,000 MT per annum) can also be made with spray drying plant.

Principal Purpose of IPO and Utilization of Proceeds Matco plans to further expand Rice Glucose / Syrup and Rice Protein production capacity by installing an additional unit of capacity 20,000 MT, which will take the total production capacity to 30,000 MT per annum post completion. The Company will utilize the IPO proceeds for expansion of its production facilities.

The production process of rice glucose is vertically integrated to Matco's existing business operations and uses broken rice which is by-product in rice production. Therefore, the broken rice requirement would be met internally https://fp.brecorder.com/2017/10/20171028230334/

Chiefs To Get Rice For Bringing Voters 28/10/2017 23:58:00

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GOVERNMENT has turned to the ridiculous promise of rice handouts to traditional chiefs and those who shall help register the most number of prospective voters per district as locals continue to shun the ongoing Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) exercise.Addressing a chiefs conference in Bulawayo Friday, Justice Minister Happyton Bonyongwe (pictured) promised to dole out 30 tonnes of the cereal ostensibly as an incentive to districts that work harder than the rest. “…As a Ministry we want to see people registering to vote,” Bonyongwe said.“Everyone should go out and register as voters. The district that will register the highest number of voters per province will receive rice which amounts to 30 tonnes.“So in 10 provinces, it will be equivalent to 300 tonnes. It‟s now a competition, let‟s encourage people to register as voters. So if you become number one that is the price that is coming your way.”Bonyongwe was one of the Zanu PF ministers who were lined up Friday to address traditional chiefs during their Bulawayo conference.Since the BVR process started 14 September this year, only a million Zimbabweans have since registered.

The controversial decision to distribute free rice however spotlights on Zanu PF‟s alleged vote buying gimmicks which saw government this week pledge to acquire 226 brand new Isuzu twin cab vehicles to chiefs.The distribution of rice, seed, fertiliser and other goodies is an old Zanu PF patronage tool which has invited scorn from opponents who accuse their main rival of dipping into state coffers to entice voters.

Bonyongwe took with him Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chair Rita Makarau, who is under fire for allegedly failing to shield the election management authority from alleged perceived capture by Zanu PF officials operating under the guise of pursuing government business.Although said to be independent, ZEC still relies on an entirely Zanu PF led government for its operational needs and policy direction http://www.radiovop.com/index.php/national-news/16214-chiefs-to-get-rice-for-bringing-voters.html

Rice prices increase on low local output, expensive imports SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2017 23:00 FARMERS TRANSPLANT RICE SEEDLINGS IN RUAMBUA

VILLAGE IN BUDALANG‟I, BUSIA COUNTY. FILE PHOTO | NMG

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Rice prices have increased further in October following a steep decline in local production and expensive imports, piling pressure on households that are already grappling with the high cost of living.A

kilogramme of Pishori rice in cereals stores in Nairobi has increased by an average of Sh30 in the past three weeks to trade at between Sh230 and Sh210, up from Sh160 in January.The increase result from the current shortage of the grain in the market that has seen major millers hit by the lack of paddy to mill.The factory gate price for a kilogramme of Pishori rice at Mwea Irrigation Scheme increased from Sh145 in January to Sh200 early this month.

Mwea is Kenya‟s largest irrigation scheme, whose performance impacts the volumes of the grain available in the market as well as the pricing.

Rice production in the region has dropped by 40 per cent this year, pushing Kenya to rely more on imports.Innocent Ariemba, a manager at Mwea Irrigation Scheme, says the price of the commodity will remain high until mid-next month when harvest from the fields is expected to commence.

“The prices will remain high until mid-November when we expect a new crop in the market,” said Mr Ariemba.The value of rice imports increased to Sh15.89 billion in the six months to June, up from Sh6.6 billion in the same period last year.The volume of imported rice rose to 353,082 tonnes from 261,819 tonnes in the same period last year, a pointer that a unit cost of imported grain increased by more than 50 per cent.

Kenya produces 150,000 tonnes of rice in a year creating a deficit of 250,000 that is met through imports from world‟s major producers.Rice consumption has been growing every year by 10 per cent and now it stands at 400,000 tonnes annually, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.Mwea Irrigation Scheme, which accounts for 80 per cent of Kenya‟s rice production, was hit by drought. http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/economy/Rice-prices-increase-on-low-local-output/39462344160848-25v4d6z/index.html

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Punjab and Haryana procure over 173 lakh tonnes of paddy so far, expect bumper crop India IANSOct, 28 2017 21:46:29 IST Chandigarh: Agrarian states Punjab and Haryana have procured over 173.21 lakh tonnes of paddy this season so far, Food and Supplies Department officials said on Saturday.

Punjab has procured over 118.18 lakh tonned of paddy while in Haryana, over 55 lakh tonnes have been procured.Representational image. Reuters Government agencies have procured 98.1 percent of the paddy arriving in grain markets in Punjab. In Haryana, government agencies have procured nearly 95 per cent of the paddy arrivals.

The rest of the paddy has been procured by rice millers and traders.

The procurement of paddy began in both states on 1 October. The Reserve Bank of India has sanctioned an amount of nearly Rs 28,263 crore to Punjab to make payments to farmers for the paddy procured. The paddy arrival and procurement will continue till the end of November.Both states are expecting a bumper crop this year. http://www.firstpost.com/india/punjab-and-haryana-procure-over-173-lakh-tonnes-of-paddy-so-farexpect-bumper-crop-4181847.html

NGOs honour SP (Detective) Oct 29, 2017, 1:43 AM; last updated: Oct 29, 2017, 1:43 AM (IST) Fatehgarh Sahib, Oct 28 The Senior Citizens‟ Association and the Citizens‟ Welfare Council, Fatehgarh Sahib, in collaboration with the Rotary Club, Sirhind, Rotary Club, Fatehgarh Sahib, Bharat Vikas Parishad, Sirhind and Fatehgarh Sahib, honoured Daljit Singh Rana, SP (Detective), for getting the President‟s Police Medal for meritorious services.

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Appreciating his work, RN Sharma, president, Senior Citizens‟ Association, and Nakesh Jindal, secretary, Rice Millers‟ Association, said all NGOs had urged the state government to announce a bravery award for DS Rana, who, without caring for his life, overpowered the violent Nihang, who after murdering his colleague, climbed atop a gurdwara with a sword, iron road and a poisonous substance. They said if the SP had not overpowered him, the Nihang would have killed his other colleagues, who were trying to pacify him.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/ngos-honour-spdetective/488989.html

BOC, BIR ordered to zero in on smuggling of rice, fuel, food items Updated October 30, 2017, 11:57 AM

By Chino S. Leyco Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has ordered the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to intensify their campaign against the smuggling of rice and four other commodities as they iron out a plan to create a joint task force to run after big-time smugglers.

Dominguez told Customs Commissioners Isidro Lapeña and BIR Commissioner Caesar Dulay that they should focus on the smuggling of rice, fuel, steel, cigarettes, chicken, onions, garlic, and other agricultural products.

The Finance secretary issued the directive after Lapeña presented before a recent Department of Finance (DOF) Executive Committee (ExeCom) meeting his plan to form a joint task force with the BIR to help revitalize the Customs‟ anti-smuggling campaign.

“Make sure that you‟re working together there. I think you should focus on fuel, rice and other agricultural products, including chicken, onions, garlic. And then there is steel, and then cigarettes. I‟m sure the smuggling of cigarettes will go up now,” Dominguez said.

He noted that after Mighty Corp. had shut down its operations as part of its agreement with the government to settle its tax liabilities, he has been receiving reports of cigarette smuggling as illegal traders rush in to fill the void left by the company, which sold tobacco products at rockbottom prices.

Mighty had managed to sell its cigarettes at low prices because of the use of fake tax stamps, which was uncovered by the government through a joint operation by the Customs and the BIR. The company settled its liabilities in income and deficiency excise taxes by paying a whopping P25 billion to the government, which would reach over P30 billion when the value-added tax and

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other fees are factored in.Dominguez described Mighty‟s tax payment as the “biggest tax settlement” in the country‟s history.

He expressed optimism that with the BIR and Customs working together under the planned joint task force, the two revenue agencies can replicate their effort in exposing the tax liabilities of corporations as large as Mighty‟s.

Lapeña said at the ExeCom meeting that he wants to “strengthen our partnership and collaboration with the BIR” as part of his five-point priority program to help reform the BOC and beef up its anti-smuggling capabilities.

The BIR welcomed Lapeña‟s plan to form the joint task force as it would help both bureaus in effectively enforcing tax laws.“That is a good thing for us, especially because we are looking for an innovative approach in enforcement. If we do it jointly, it will give us good results,” said then BIR Deputy Commissioner Nestor Valeroso who learned of the BOC plan before his resignation effective Nov. 1.

In his report to Dominguez, Lapeña said his five-point program for the BOC involves: 1) stopping corruption, 2) increasing revenues, 3) ensuring trade facilitation 4) strengthening antismuggling efforts, and 5) enhancing the personnel incentives, rewards system and compensation benefits for BOC personnel.

To put more teeth into the bureau‟s anti-smuggling efforts, Lapeña also reported to Dominguez that he has ordered the filing of cases against erring importers and customs brokers and directed “the strict scrutiny of all documents to ensure their authenticity. https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/10/29/boc-bir-ordered-to-zero-in-on-smuggling-of-rice-fuel-fooditems/ Rice worth $320.24 million exported in first quarter

Rice worth $320.24 million exported in first quarter ISLAMABAD (APP): Rice exports from the country during first three months of the current financial year grew by 31.91 percent as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year. During the period from July-September, 2017-18, around 621,094 metric tons rice was exported as compared the exports of 482,445 metric tons of the same period last year, according the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. During the period under review, rice worth $320.242 million was exported as compared the exports of $242.694 million of same period last year. Meanwhile, exports of "Basmati "rice grew by 2.43 percent and reached at 86,672 tons valuing of $90.31 million in last three months as against 92,321 metric tons worth $88.772 million tons of same period last year, it added. In first quarter of current financial year, about 534,442 metric tons of rice other than basmati worth $299.321 million was exported as against the exports of 390,124 metric tons valuing $153,922 million of same period last year.

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During the period under review, seafood exports from the country registered an increase of 17.64 percent as about 28,488 metric tons of fish and fish products valuing $75.370 million were exported as compared the exports of 21,959 metric tons worth of $64.06 million of same period last year. http://nation.com.pk/29-Oct-2017/newsbrief

China to provide solar equipment to BISP beneficiaries October 28, 2017

Our Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD Pakistan and China on Friday discussed the provision of solar energy equipment to BISP beneficiaries in the villages of Sindh and Balochistan.

In a meeting between Chinese Economic Counsellor Wang Zhi Hua, and his team, with BISP Secretary Omar Hamid Khan, the idea of providing hybrid rice to BISPbeneficiaries for better income generation was also discussed. Wang and his team also visited BISP Headquarters. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the engagement of the Chinese government for future intervention in various initiatives of BISP aimed at graduating underprivileged segments of population out of poverty.

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In his welcome remarks, the BISP secretary stated that BISP , the flagship social safety net programme of Pakistan, wishes to benefit from the Chinese experience of graduating 77 million families out of poverty. The secretary urged the Chinese diplomats to embark upon a journey of knowledge sharing and partnerships which will help government‟s efforts to eradicate poverty.

During the meeting, microfinance schemes and skills training exchange programmes leading to self employment and entrepreneurship of BISP beneficiaries came under discussion. It was deliberated that the Chinese trainers and experts may give skills training to beneficiaries across Pakistan. The Chinese delegation mentioned the ongoing Chinese projects of providing solar energy equipment to Pakistan government and provision of hybrid rice to farmers for enhanced productivity through Ministry of National Food Security and Research. It was discussed that the Chinese government may assist BISP on the pattern of these projects through South-South Cooperation Fund by providing solar energy equipment to BISP Headquarter and BISP beneficiariesin the villages of Sindh and Balochistan. Moreover, the idea of providing hybrid rice to BISP beneficiaries for better income generation was also discussed.

In the end, the BISP secretary thanked the Chinese delegation and reiterated that in the next meeting, BISP team would focus on the concrete steps of cooperation between BISP and Chinese government for the welfare of the under privileged segments of the society, as per the government policy http://nation.com.pk/28-Oct-2017/china-to-provide-solar-equipment-to-bisp-beneficiaries

Division of Ag researchers studying impact of shifting artic geese migration into Arkansas Oct 27, 2017 MONTICELLO — The western edge of the Mississippi Delta, which contributes so richly to Arkansas agriculture, is well known as a prime area for hunters, with both wet marshes and flooded rice fields after the fall. But it hasn‟t always necessarily been so.

Until about the early 1990‟s, the migration patterns of Arctic geese — migrating over North America through the fall and into the winter — were dominated not by the Delta, but by the rich, rice-dominated farmland of East Texas and Louisiana. But as drought took hold in the South and water rights issues left growers in those areas with little choice but to move into other, less water-intensive crops, mid-continent migration patterns gradually gravitated toward eastern Arkansas.

Which raises more than a few questions.

Douglass Osborne, associate professor at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, has been leading a research team studying not only how the shift occurred, but what some of the potential

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adverse implications may be, as well.“Right now, we‟re in the relatively early stages of using satellite telemetry technology to learn about the distribution of the geese on the landscape.”

Osborne said. “Aerial surveys are conducted during the winter, and anecdotally, we know that there‟s more geese wintering in Arkansas than ever before. We‟re using transmitters to understand migration patterns and winter distribution.”

Osborne and his team have about 40 years‟ worth of data to work with, much of it from band and encounter data, supplied from hunters on occasions when banded birds were harvested during a hunt. “Analyzing that data, we see that the initial shift in distribution, from Texas-Louisiana into Arkansas, occurred in the 90‟s. In the early 2000‟s, we see a really dramatic shift into the Arkansas Delta,” he said. At the same time so many Texas and Louisiana growers were shifting from rice to cotton, Arkansas rice growers realized that by reflooding their fields after harvest, they could in turn make a profit leasing the land to bird hunters for the season.

Osborne said the data reflect three distinct time periods over the past four decades, including a historical wintering distribution of migrating arctic geese, a transient distribution in the mid- to late-90‟s, as the birds “began to dabble in Arkansas,” and the current distribution, in which the birds have essentially traded their coastal layovers for the Delta.

“Historically, these birds were migrating from the arctic tundra in the summer, through the midcontinent and toward the Gulf of Mexico, hanging out in freshwater coastal marshes, feeding on plant material in the marsh, digging up the root tubers, then bouncing out of the marsh into the surrounding agriculture,” Osborne said. “But the conversion of agriculture toward cotton in the mid-1990‟s in that part of the world took water off the landscape—water that was necessary for these birds in winter.

While the increasing artic goose population may be a boon to both landowners and hunters, Osborne said there are other, long-term factors to consider.“It‟s worth asking: What is the role of these geese in the agricultural system itself,” Osborne said. “What‟s their role in nutrient distribution, and seed dispersal of different weeds? Are these geese environmental pests, or do they help agriculture?

“There‟s also potential impacts for other waterfowl, that historically always wintered here,” he said. “There‟s upwards of 3 million white-fronted geese in the population, and 10-20 million snow geese in the population — so now that a large portion of the distribution of birds has shifted into Arkansas, what does that mean for the amount of food on the landscape, which other birds always wintered here rely on?”

Osborne said that because hunting is such a strong engine in the Arkansas economy, it behooves the state and its residents to consider such implications, including effects on the populations and reproduction of other birds competing for scarce resources.

Osborne said his research, which began about three years ago, could easily take a career‟s worth of time.

“You attempt to answer one question, and it leads to about four more questions,” he said.

While his research to this point has been supported through the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Ducks Unlimited, the Canadian Wildlife Services and Environment Canada, Osborne said his team is hoping to attract underwriters for continuing research.

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“Overall, the waterfowl community thinks there‟s too many geese on the landscape — but what does „too many geese‟ mean, and what impacts are they having on agricultural production in the southern portion of the range?” Osborne said. “This whole topic is a relatively unexplored area right now. There‟s lots to learn about what impacts these geese may have here in the South.”

To learn about waterfowl in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.edu. http://newtoncountytimes.com/sports/division-of-ag-researchers-studying-impact-ofshifting-artic-geese/article_7e6c9b2e-ba98-11e7-a0d0-3318999a97a8.html

REAP team apprises governor about exporters’ issues RECORDER REPORT OCT 27TH, 2017 KARACHI Muhammad Zubair Governor Sindh has assured rice exporters for full cooperation to resolve their issues. A high profile delegation of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) led by Rafique Suleman Senior Vice Chairman met with Governor Sindh at Governor House, Karachi.

During the meeting Haji Abdul Rauf Chappal, Jawed Jillani, Asif Polani, REAP's Managing Committee Members along with Jawed Tar Muhammad, Anis Majeed and Nadeem Polani were also present.Rafique Suleman apprised Governor Sindh about the issues and problems being faced by Pakistani Rice Exporters. He informed that despite country 2nd largest foreign exchange earning sector, rice export sector is not given the status of industry by the federal government. In addition, in the recently announced export package by government has ignored the rice sector and there was no relief for rice export sector such as other exporting sectors, he added.

He said that Pakistani rice exporters are putting their untiring efforts for the increase of export trade; however some issues are needed to address immediately to enhance the country's exports.He further informed that Indonesia only procure rice on Govt-to-Government (G to G) basis and following this process several rice exporting countries have authorized their Exporting Associations to export rice to Indonesia on behalf of their government.

"We had also requested Federal Commerce Minister to authorize REAP for rice export to Indonesia, as Pakistani rice has a good potential in Indonesia and approx 300,000 metric tons of rice may be exported to Indonesia which will fetch $ 120 million valuable foreign exchange for our beloved country", he informed. Muhammad Zubair listened problems and issues of rice exporters with interest and assured his full cooperation to resolve them.

To accelerate the process for rice export to Indonesia, he assured that he would arrange a meeting of Federal Commerce Minister and REAP to finalize this important matter. In the end, Rafique Suleman, Senior Vice Chairman REAP presented REAP's memento to Governor Sindh https://fp.brecorder.com/2017/10/20171027229837/

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Govt to introduce growing of funded commercial rice October 28, 2017 Local News

Minister Joseph Made Mashudu Netsianda, Senior Reporter THE Government is set to introduce the growing of rice among a variety of other new crops which have previously not been funded under various agricultural schemes.Speaking during the 2017 Annual National Chiefs Conference at the Bulawayo Large City Hall yesterday, the Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Dr Joseph Made, said the latest move would help in saving foreign currency used to import rice from other countries. “Our people have always grown rice but of course not on a commercial scale. As Government we are looking at introducing new varieties of rice among other crops. Rice has become one of the critical grains used in every household in the country and its consumption has increased and we are also spending a lot of foreign currency in importing the grain. There is a need for the country to start growing the crop on a commercial scale,” he said.

“It requires a lot of water and fertiliser and we will also take that into consideration.”Dr Made said areas like Masvingo`s Lowveld are suitable for the production of rice on a big scale using water from Tokwe Mukorsi and Manyuchi Dams.The other crops that would be introduced include indigenous fruit trees.

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“We are also looking at introducing more crops among them indigenous fruit trees and the commercial value of the fruit is being worked out,” he said.Dr Made said the country recorded a successful 2016/17 farming season, which he attributed to the support from households under the Presidential Well Wishers Support Input Scheme and Command Agriculture.

Government has directed the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to immediately activate satellite collection points to mop up the remaining grain as the Strategic Grain Reserve has hit 1,1 million tonnes.GMB has further been directed to work round the clock to facilitate speedy payment of farmers. This comes as Government has already started dispatching inputs to GMB depots across the country for the 2017/18 farming season.

Early this year, the Government released $2,5 million for the repair of silos countrywide.Dr Made said as part of preparation for the 2017/18 farming season, the Government has started moving a substantial amount of inputs to the GMB for distribution. The bulk of the inputs is under the Presidential Well Wishers Support Input Scheme.“The distribution of the inputs for the Presidential Well Wishers Agriculture Inputs Scheme has already started across the country.

Each farmer should receive the inputs on his own behalf because we have already calculated that there are 1,8 million households. The distribution will be done on a first-come-first-serve basis,” said Dr Made.

Three months ago, Dr Made announced during a Zanu-PF meeting in Bulawayo that the Government was going to use the GMB in the city as a transitional depot for purposes of exporting surplus maize. The GMB in Bulawayo has the biggest silos in this part of the country.

Dr Made said following the success of the Command Agriculture programme, the Government introduced similar schemes in the livestock, wildlife and fishery sectors.The minister commended the Presidential Support Input and Command Agriculture programmes, saying the two schemes have created jobs for youths in the country.President Mugabe has hailed Zimbabweans for heeding the call to participate in the hugely successful Command Agriculture Scheme. http://www.chronicle.co.zw/govt-to-introduce-growing-of-funded-commercial-rice/

Giant plant would boost rice harvests 2017-10-30 10:08China DailyEditor: Gu Mengxi

The scientist behind China's "giant rice" has said he believes the crop could boost yields across Southeast Asia and other Belt and Road Initative countries, helping to ease global concerns over food security.Xia Xinjie, chief researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said his newly developed rice plant can better adapt to conditions such as climate than the rice plant strains in use.

The new plant grows to about 2 meters, almost twice the height of standard varieties, and has a longer growth cycle. A test in Hunan province this month yielded 15,000 kilograms per hectare, just short of the record 17,000 kg set by the newest hybrid rice strain.

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Xia is confident his rice will one day surpass hybrid rice yields. "Hybrid rice has almost reached its maximum capacity, but (the research team developing) giant rice is charting a new route to record-breaking yields by increasing the biomass - or weight - of the plant," he said.

The taller plant also allows increases in the capacity for aquatic products in paddy fields, which can increase farmers' incomes, he added.

"For common rice plants, the water level is low and there is limited space for raising aquatic products. Sometimes, overcrowded aquatic products can reduce the rice output. But with higher rice plants, 300,000 frogs could live comfortably within a hectare of paddy, and bring in an extra 300,000 yuan ($45,000) per hectare for farmers."

However, after the initial media reports about Xia's giant rice, concerns have been raised over its cost-effectiveness and whether it would increase the use of fertilizers.

A user of Zhihu, a Chinese Q&A website, wrote that "extra tall rice plants would require newly developed reaping machines, and certainly more fertilizers, thus compromising the costeffectiveness of the new breed".

Xia said the harvest of giant rice can be managed by standard reaping machines, although "it could lead to some waste". He added that if the giant rice is to be planted on a large scale, "some modifications" to the reaping machines would be needed.

As for fears over the need for more fertilizers, he said that although the higher rice plant requires more nutrition, farmers do not need to apply extra fertilizers.

"It's because many paddies are already suffering from ... too much fertilizers," the scientist said.

"Giant rice can grow to 2 meters even though farmers do not increase the fertilizer volume.

Besides, the excrement from the aquatic products provides a natural fertilizer."

Xia began his research in 2006, after he was inspired by the achievements of biologist Yuan Longping in developing super hybrid rice.

"I was working for a US agricultural biotechnology company then. After I watched a TV program introducing Yuan's super hybrid rice, I was encouraged and wanted to return to China to continue my previous research on paddy rice," he said.

After continuously selecting and breeding plants that met his requirements to create a taller, stronger rice plant with bigger flower clusters and stronger stalks, he started trial planting in 2014.

He said the new breed is "100 percent free of genetic modification".

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"Tens of millions of yuan were invested in the research. Quite a few entrepreneurs offered to sponsor the project at the beginning, but many withdrew because the breeding process was too long and the result was uncertain," he said.

He plans to expand the plantation of the giant rice plant to more than 130 hectares next year, if authorities grant approval. Currently only several dozen hectares of giant rice were planted in Hunan. http://www.ecns.cn/2017/10-30/278875.shtml

Maize a alternative to kuruvai paddy: TNAU

L Renganathan THANJAVUR, OCTOBER 29, 2017 20:18 IST A field study was conducted as part of a World Bank-funded programme. „It is adaptable, consumes less water and fetches a handsome return for the growerâ€&#x;

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49 Hybrid maize can supplant traditional paddy crop in the core kuruvai season in the Cauvery delta regions in times of water scarcity or delayed opening of Mettur dam.Cultivating maize as an alternative to kuruvai paddy can be a potential game changer for the farmers to get considerable income in a short span of time, reveals a field study and research carried out by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.

The pilot programme was conducted as part of the World Bank funded Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernisation Programme (TNIAMP).

Delta farmers in the State are facing water scarcity, especially during the kuruvai cropping season and most of them have to solely rely on Cauvery water which is released from Mettur dam. In the past several years, those farmers who do not have access to sub-surface water had to leave the land fallow during the kuruvai season due to water scarcity.The TNAU was seized of the issues confronting delta farmers before coming up with maize and pulses as suitable alternatives to paddy in the kuruvai season. The ideas were put to field test by introducing hybrid maize as alternative crop to paddy on 300 acres equally distributed in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts. A total of 167 farmers came forward to undertake the pilot project under the TNIAMP. The World Bank provided ₹86 crore to the TNAU with an objective to promote climate resilient and market-led agriculture in 66 sub basins of Tamil Nadu and maize was selected for the Cauvery delta region.

“Maize is adaptable to growing environment, is less water consuming and relatively not affected by pest and disease besides fetching a handsome return for the grower. The TNAU took up the initiative to raise maize as an alternative to kuruvai paddy in the Cauvery delta. Private companies supplied hybrid maize to farmers, the TNAU imparted technical guidance while the Broiler Coordination Committee, Palladam, assured market for the cultivated maize,” explained B. J. Pandian, Director, Water Technology Centre and Nodal Officer, TNIAMP. It is planned to demonstrate maize as an alternative to kuruvai paddy on a larger scale and it is also part of implementing water saving technologies, over the next six years, for which the World Bank has allotted ₹10 crore to the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai, it‟s director V. Ravi said.

While farmers in Thanjavur district waited for the hybrid maize to mature and supplied the produce to poultry units, those in Manalmedu region of Nagapattinam district harvested the fresh green cobs and sold them, in just three quarters of the normal cultivation period. http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/maize-a-alternative-to-kuruvai-paddytnau/article19944566.ece

Giant plant boost rice harvests China The scientist behind China‟s “giant rice” has said he believes the crop could boost yields across Southeast Asia and other Belt and Road Initiative countries, helping to ease global concerns over

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food security. Xia Xinjie, chief researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said his newly developed rice plant can better adapt to conditions such as climate than the rice plant strains in use.The new plant grows to about 2 meters, almost twice the height of standard varieties, and has a longer growth cycle. A test in Hunan province this month yielded 15,000 kilograms per hectare, just short of the record 17,000 kg set by the newest hybrid rice strain.

Xia is confident his rice will one day surpass hybrid rice yields. “Hybrid rice has almost reached its maximum capacity, but (the research team developing) giant rice is charting a new route to record-breaking yields by increasing the biomass — or weight — of the plant,” he said.

The taller plant also allows increases in the capacity for aquatic products in paddy fields, which can increase farmers‟ incomes, he added.“For common rice plants, the water level is low and there is limited space for raising aquatic products. Sometimes, overcrowded aquatic products can reduce the rice output. But with higher rice plants, 300,000 frogs could live comfortably within a hectare of paddy, and bring in an extra 300,000 yuan ($45,000) per hectare for farmers.”

However, after the initial media reports about Xia‟s giant rice, concerns have been raised over its cost-effectiveness and whether it would increase the use of fertilizers.

A user of Zhihu, a Chinese Q&A website, wrote that “extra tall rice plants would require newly developed reaping machines, and certainly more fertilizers, thus compromising the costeffectiveness of the new breed”.Xia said the harvest of giant rice can be managed by standard reaping machines, although “it could lead to some waste”. He added that if the giant rice is to be planted on a large scale, “some modifications” to the reaping machines would be needed.

As for fears over the need for more fertilizers, he said that although the higher rice plant requires more nutrition, farmers do not need to apply extra fertilizers.“It‟s because many paddies are already suffering from … too much fertilizers,” the scientist said. “Giant rice can grow to 2 meters even though farmers do not increase the fertilizer volume. Besides, the excrement from the aquatic products provides a natural fertilizer.”Xia began his research in 2006, after he was inspired by the achievements of biologist Yuan Longping in developing super hybrid rice.

“I was working for a US agricultural biotechnology company then. After I watched a TV program introducing Yuan‟s super hybrid rice, I was encouraged and wanted to return to China to continue my previous research on paddy rice,” he said.After continuously selecting and breeding plants that met his requirements to create a taller, stronger rice plant with bigger flower clusters and stronger stalks, he started trial planting in 2014.He said the new breed is “100 percent free of genetic modification”.

“Tens of millions of yuan were invested in the research. Quite a few entrepreneurs offered to sponsor the project at the beginning, but many withdrew because the breeding process was too long and the result was uncertain,” he said.He plans to expand the plantation of the giant rice plant to more than 130 hectares next year, if authorities grant approval. Currently only several dozen hectares of giant rice were planted in Hunan http://business.inquirer.net/239575/giant-plant-boost-rice-harvests-china

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