4th october,2017 daily global regional local rice e newsletter

Daily Rice E-Newsletter

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Rice News Headlines...                        

October 04,2017 Vol X ,Issuu 9

Despite Floods, Rice Crop Expected to Produce Strong Yield NFA rice imports hit by delays Rice prices increase by 38% on production drop (Kenya) Samee elected Reap new chairman Kharif output to be healthy, says report Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- October 4, 2017 Select paddy varieties fall below MSP Vietnam eyes exporting rice, shrimp to Iran Eye on China Welfare card users stock up on rice, eggs, sauce and oil Farmers accuse rice millers of exploitation Market fee hike: Millers not to purchase basmati for 2 days Palledars, transporters meet admn officials over pending payments Engro Foundation DA to build P302-million biotech center in Nueva Ecija Chinese experts hold awareness sessions for hybrid rice cultivation A multitude of reasons for the fall in exports Plans To Cut Down Rice Imports It Will Take At Least Five Years For Papua New Guinea To Start Producing Its Own Rice For Export And Zim splashes $107m on maize imports Rice prices increase by 38 per cent on production drop Rice hulls, fatty acid combo may help flush PEDv from feed mills Global Organic Rice Market Report Analysis (Years 2011-2017) and Market Forecast (Years 2018-2023) DA to build P302-million biotech center in Nueva Ecija

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News Detail...

Despite Floods, Rice Crop Expected to Produce Strong Yield

by Graycen Colbert Bigger on Monday, Oct. 2, 2017 2:51 pm It's been five months since historic floodwaters ravaged northeast Arkansas. Countless homes and businesses were damaged, but area farms took the brunt of the storms' devastation. While a total of 36 counties in the state were declared disaster areas, Randolph and Clay gained national attention after the Black River crested at a record 28.95 feet in Pocahontas.The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture reported in mid-May that 361,650 crop acres were lost, costing the state nearly $76 million in storm-damages. The estimated total loss

was

$175

million,

which

included

replanting and processing. Rice, Arkansas' top export, accounted for 50 percent of lost acreage.

This means that about 10 percent of Arkansas rice, 181,450 acres valued at nearly $35 million, was inundated by heavy rains and flooding in May. "I've been farming since 1982 and this year we were ahead of the game," recalled Mitch Brown of B and B Farms in Corning. "I thought it was going to be an easy year, but then the perfect storm hit."

Brown, like a majority of farmers in the state, planted early in March. By the time flooding occurred in May, 89 percent of the state's rice was already in the ground. Typically, young rice

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com can remain submerged for 10 days. Brown's rice was under for 14 days. Other rice fields in the area stayed under water for much longer.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture reports, original rice yield estimates dropped from 1.19 million acres planted to an expected 1.11 million acres harvested. That is a 27 percent decrease from the 1.52 million acres harvested in Arkansas in 2016. Though early agriculture outlook reports were bleak, many farmers throughout northeast Arkansas were able to salvage their rice and soybean crops due to the summer's cooler temperatures.

According to County Extension Agent and Staff Chair Mike Andrews, Randolph County has about 90 row crop farmers managing a total of 90,000 acres. This year they will harvest about 28,000 acres of rice, which is down about 7,000 acres from the average yield amount. The storms in April and May damaged or prevented the planting of about 10,000 acres. But yields will range on average between from 165 bushels, or 7,245 pounds per acre, up to about 230 bushels, or 10,350 pounds per acre, in Randolph County. That figure is higher than the 2016 state average of 160 bushels per acre or 7,200 lbs per acre for 2016.

"The flood delayed some of the planting of rice, but with the weather we have had probably didn't affect yield as much if we had had our typical hot weather during pollination of the grain," Andrews said via email.

Brown, whose family farm resides in the neighboring Clay County, said he was forced to replant about 50 acres of rice, but only 20 acres out of the 750 planted didn't survive the season. He believes that once the harvest is complete, his yields will be between 180-200 bushels per acre for rice.

"This is the best rice crop I've ever had on the farm," Brown said. "The cooler August temperatures along with the extra rain created the perfect scenario for growing a rice crop. We're making great yields, which we needed because there were a lot of extra replanting and fertilizer costs this year."

Andrews also commented on the extra costs involved in re-pulling the levees, replanting as well as fertilizer costs. Official yield results should be available for the state once the harvest is complete in early October. But the historic flood does not seem to be as devastating for Arkansas' top export as originally anticipated in northeast Arkansas.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com "This year challenged all farmers on knowledge and know-how," Brown said. "Part of it was luck and the weather but we formed a game plan and went with it. http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/119013/despite-floods-rice-crop-expected-to-produce-strongyield

NFA rice imports hit by delays

By Louise Maureen Simeon (The Philippine Star) | Updated October 3, 2017 - 12:00am The Philippines suffered rice supply disruptions anew as only 68 percent of the expected 250,000 metric tons of rice imports have arrived. File MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines suffered rice supply disruptions anew as only 68 percent of the expected 250,000 metric tons of rice imports have arrived.As of Sept. 29, only 169,892 MT of rice have arrived in the country.Rice should have been delivered on a staggered basis from August to September, with a total of 120,000 MT expected in August and 130,000 MT last month. ―We cannot really say when the remaining and the rest of the total will arrive because it is the responsibility of the suppliers,‖ NFA spokesperson Rebecca Olarte told The STAR.Meanwhile, in transit

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com are 12,000 MT of rice while at laycan are 53,600 MT of rice.Current NFA inventory can only last five days compared to its mandated buffer stock of 15 days at any given time.

Despite the delay and NFA‘s dwindling buffer stock, the grain agency assured there is still enough rice stocks at the national level good for 65 days.―Main harvest will already start this month so fresh stocks will further augment the current volume,‖ Olarte said.

Four out of the six Southeast Asian suppliers sought an extension of the delivery last August.To recall, Vietnamese company Hiep Loi Food Joint Stock Co. requested for 10 days due to ―delay in signing of contract due to late release of certification‖ while Singaporean company Olam International Ltd. asked for 15 days due to ―delay in arranging formalities related to contracting services.‖ Thai Capital Cereals Co. Ltd. and Gia International Corp., meanwhile, sought for 10 days extension due to ―time loss on official procedure.‖The rice imports (25 percent broken, well-milled, long grain white rice) were divided into six lots of 25,000 MT each and two lots of 50,000 MT each.Reference price for the importation was set at $451.08 per MT based on the foreign exchange rate of P50 to $1.

The total amount of bids reached P$104.86 million or P5.2 billion, translating to savings of around $8 million or P400 million.NFA collected close to P12 million in fines from over 1,700 unlicensed retailers from January to August this year amid intensified monitoring. The amount is nine percent higher than the P11 million collected in the same period last year.―Nationwide, the violations recorded by our enforcers were mostly cases of unlicensed grains retailers or non-renewal of license, improper display of price tags, use of un-calibrated weighing scale, and re-bagging of NFA rice,‖ NFA administrator Jason Aquino said.

Majority of the cases was recorded in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Zamboanga Peninsula, ARMM and Caraga.

Grains retailers who violated the NFA regulations were fined with the corresponding amount under the law.

NFA-accredited rice retailers are covered by the agency‘s ―One Strike Policy,‖ which means retailers proven to be in violation of the law will be stripped of their accreditation even on their first offense.―NFA must continue to perform its function of supply and price stabilization of our basic food by ensuring that NFA rice is always available in the market to give the low-income consumers the option for affordable but good quality rice,‖ Aquino said.

Last year, 2,404 grains businessmen were found to have committed 3,155 violations, yielding P20 million in total collection of fines.Given NFA‘s dwindling stocks, Aquino has instructed regional offices to be more stringent in the monitoring of any illegal activities in the market. http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/10/03/1744868/nfa-rice-imports-hit-delays

Rice prices increase by 38% on production drop (Kenya)

By Gerald Andae | Business Daily, KenyaOctober 3, 2017

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com A steep decline in rice production has pushed up the retail price by 38 per cent, piling pressure on households that are already grappling with the high cost of living in a sluggish economy.A kilogramme of Pishori rice at Mwea Irrigation Scheme was Monday selling at more than Sh200 per kilogramme, up from Sh145 in January.

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

The National Irrigation Board (NIB) said rice production at Mwea dropped from average yields of 830,000 bags in the season ended March last year to 498,000 bags in the season ended March this year, a 40 per cent decline.

This has seen the value of rice imports increase 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 kilo of Daawat Basmati rice was Monday selling at Sh237, Daawat Aromati (Sh217), Sunrice Mwea Pishori (Sh200) and Pearl Kenya Pishori (Sh249) at Nairobi supermarkets. ―The cost of rice has been increasing since January following a drop in output at the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in the wake of a severe drought that affected the flow of water,‖ said Innocent Ariemba, a manager at the scheme.

Mwea accounts for 80 per cent of Kenya‘s rice production, making it a major determinant of the country‘s ability to meet annual demand.

Kenya produces 150,000 tonnes of rice a year, leaving a 250,000 tonnes deficit that is met through imports.

NIB said River Thiba, whose flow on a normal season is six cubic meters per second, declined to two cubic meters per second late last year, reducing the amount of water at the scheme.

Mwea Irrigation Scheme requires a total flow of seven cubic meters for effective production, Mr Ariemba said.

NIB said it expected the situation to normalise from November when the crop that is currently on the farm is harvested.

In event of good rains, Mwea is expected to produce up to 95 per cent of the required yields in the current season that started in April and ultimately bring down retail prices.

The drought, which took a toll on production early this year, has affected hundreds of growers who rely on the crop as their economic mainstay. With good rains, farmers in Mwea produce rice worth Sh7 billion a year.

Kenya‘s rice consumption has been growing at the rate of 10 per cent a year to stand at 400,000 tonnes, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

The acute shortage of rice comes at a time when research findings by Egerton University-based Tegemeo Research Institute indicate that rice is becoming an important staple due to changing lifestyles and growth of the middle income population.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com The national rice development strategy had last year projected that by 2017 the demand for rice would surpass the current estimates of 400,000 tonnes.

NIB is about to start construction of Sh16 billion Thiba Dam in Mwea to create a reservoir that is expected to play a key role in addressing the challenges of water shortage as it seeks to maintain a stable supply of the produce. https://asokoinsight.com/news/rice-prices-increase-by-38-per-cent-on-production-drop-kenya

Samee elected Reap new chairman

LAHORE - The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has elected Samee Ullah Chaudhry as

its

new chairman unopposed for

the

year

2017-

18.Samee Ullah, who is former president of Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry and exsenior vice chairman of the REAP, pledged to work for the cause of business community. While addressing the AGM, he vowed to promote the association to new heights, thanking the members for reposing confidence on him to lead the REAP. He said that it was an honour for him to assume the office of the chairman for the year 2017-18.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com The newly-elected chairman thanked the outgoing chairman and appreciated the work done by the previous managing committee. The Reap new chairman said that the former chairman and his team had tried to resolve the rice exporters issues to a great extent but challenges still remain. He also spelt out his priorities for the coming year during the Annual General Meeting. He said that the Reap would give priority to the issues like shortage of energy, zero-rating, high cost of doing business and shortage of skilled labour.

He also stressed the need to overcome the numerous challenges faced by the rice industry and assured the members that the new managing committee will continue working as a vibrant and active body, in spite of a very difficult economic environment and many hurdles faced by the industry. He vowed to continue with his efforts for the promotion of rice industry. He said that his top priority would be uninterrupted energy supply to the rice mills, resolution of tax related issues, and a favourable environment for the promotion of rice industry, especially in Punjab. He said that the REAP has decided to devise a long-term aggressive strategy to enhance rice exports http://nation.com.pk/business/03-Oct-2017/samee-elected-reap-new-chairman

Kharif output to be healthy, says report PTI MUMBAI, OCT 3:

Despite the government estimating a lower kharif production due to uneven distribution of rains, the summer crop output is expected to be ―healthy‖, as last year was a bumper year in terms of acreage and output.According to Crisil, the projected decline in kharif production is due to a sharp increase in both the sowing area and production of most crops last year.

As compared to last year, sowing as of September 29, was lower for foodgrain and oilseeds, Crisil report said today.

The government‘s first advance estimates suggest kharif production could be 2.8 per cent lower on-year for foodgrain and as much as 7.7 per cent lower for oilseeds.

The flip side to a good monsoon and a bumper crop of last year is that prices for most foodgrain have fallen and consequently reduced farmers‘ profits.

For pulses and oilseeds, prices fell even below their minimum support prices and cost of cultivation, resulting in a loss on the margins, the report said adding that for several crops, prices and profit margins have continued to decline in recent months.

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Many states are trying to assuage distressed farmers by announcing loan waivers. However, this would increase the pressure on the already-stretched fiscal deficits of these states, the report said. ―We estimate that if other states also announce loan waiver schemes the way UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Punjab did, the collective cost to the exchequer would be about Rs 2.5 trillion- or 0.5 per cent of GDP, assuming the waiver gets equally staggered over the next three years,‖ Crisil noted.

The cost could be significantly high for Tamil Nadu, which has the highest outstanding agricultural loans among states. Kerala, MP and Rajasthan, too, could feel some pressure, it added.

Meanwhile, a report by another rating agency Care also said the monsoon has been normal with 5 per cent deficit.

The report said kharif output will be lower than last year for some crops but still higher than that in 2015. . ―Stocks of rice and pulses with government should buffer this impact,‖ the report said.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com Further, inflation impact could be more from the minimum support price, which have been increased across the board. Imports of edible oil will be critical from the point of view of inflation and has to be monitored, the report said http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/kharif-output-to-be-healthy-saysreport/article9885516.eceOCTOBER 4, 2017 / 1:27 PM / UPDATED 2 HOURS AGO

Nagpur Foodgrain Prices Open- October 4, 2017 Reuters Staff Nagpur Foodgrain Prices – APMC/Open Market-October 4 Nagpur, Oct 4 (Reuters) – Gram prices moved down in Nagpur Agriculture Produce and Marketing Committee (APMC) here on poor demand from local millers amid good supply from producing regions.

Easy condition on NCDEX and downward trend in Madhya Pradesh gram prices also affected sentiment. About 400 of gram bags were available for auctions, according to sources.

FOODGRAINS & PULSES

GRAM * Gram varieties ruled steady in open market here but demand was poor.

TUAR

* Tuar gavarani and tuar Karnataka reported weak in open market here in absence of buyers.

* Rice varieties reported down in open market on poor buying support from local traders amid good supply from producing regions.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com * In Akola, Tuar New – 4,100-4,175, Tuar dal (clean) – 5,800-6,200, Udid Mogar (clean) – 7,500-8,200, Moong Mogar (clean) 6,600-7,000, Gram – 5,500-5,625, Gram Super best – 7,800-8,300

* Wheat and other foodgrain items moved in a narrow range in scattered deals and settled at last levels in limited deals.

Nagpur foodgrains APMC auction/open-market prices in rupees for 100 kg

FOODGRAINS Gram Auction

Available prices 4,400-5,170

Gram Pink Auction Tuar Auction Moong Auction Udid Auction Masoor Auction

n.a. n.a.

4,450-5,340

2,100-2,600 3,500-3,970

n.a. n.a.

3,900-4,200 4,300-4,500

n.a.

Wheat Mill quality Auction Gram Super Best Bold Gram Super Best

Previous close

2,600-2,800 1,590-1,675 8,000-8,500

n.a.

Gram Medium Best

1,580-1,685 8,000-8,500

n.a.

7,200-7,600

7,200-7,600

Gram Dal Medium

n.a.

Gram Mill Quality

5,700-5,800

5,700-5,800

Desi gram Raw

5,500-5,800

5,500-5,800

Gram Kabuli

n.a

12,500-13,200

Tuar Fataka Best-New Tuar Fataka Medium-New

12,500-13,200

6,100-6,400 5,800-6,000

6,100-6,400 5,800-6,000

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com Tuar Dal Best Phod-New

5,700-6,000

Tuar Dal Medium phod-New Tuar Gavarani New

5,700-6,000

5,200-5,400

3,850-3,950

5,200-5,400

3,900-4,000

Tuar Karnataka

4,250-4,550

4,300-4,600

Masoor dal best

5,200-5,400

5,200-5,400

Masoor dal medium Masoor

4,800-5,000

n.a.

4,800-5,000

n.a.

Moong Mogar bold (New)

6,800-7,500

Moong Mogar Medium

6,200-6,600

Moong dal Chilka

5,500-6,200

6,800-7,500 6,200-6,600

5,500-6,200

Moong Mill quality

n.a.

n.a.

Moong Chamki best

7,000-7,500

7,000-7,500

Udid Mogar best (100 INR/KG) (New) 7,900-8,500

7,900-8,500

Udid Mogar Medium (100 INR/KG)

5,800-6,700

Udid Dal Black (100 INR/KG) Batri dal (100 INR/KG) Lakhodi dal (100 INR/kg)

5,200-6,300

5,000-5,500

5,000-5,500 2,750-2,950

2,900-3,000

Watana Green Best (100 INR/KG)

2,900-3,000

3,800-4,400

1,900-2,000

Wheat Mill quality (100 INR/KG) Wheat Filter (100 INR/KG)

5,200-6,300

2,750-2,950

Watana Dal (100 INR/KG)

Wheat 308 (100 INR/KG)

5,800-6,700

1,900-2,000

1,700-1,850

2,100-2,300

Wheat Lokwan best (100 INR/KG)

3,800-4,400

1,700-1,850 2,100-2,300

2,200-2,400

2,200-2,400

Wheat Lokwan medium (100 INR/KG) 1,900-2,100 Lokwan Hath Binar (100 INR/KG)

n.a.

MP Sharbati Best (100 INR/KG) 3,100-3,600

1,900-2,100

n.a.

3,100-3,600

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com MP Sharbati Medium (100 INR/KG) Rice BPT best (100 INR/KG)

3,000-3,400

Rice BPT medium (100 INR/KG) Rice Luchai (100 INR/KG)

2,200-2,700

3,100-3,400

2,700-2,900

2,200-2,400

Rice Swarna best (100 INR/KG)

2,200-2,700

2,800-3,100

2,400-2,600

2,500-2,600

Rice Swarna medium (100 INR/KG) Rice HMT best (100 INR/KG)

2,500-2,600

2,300-2,400

3,650-4,050

Rice HMT medium (100 INR/KG)

2,300-2,400 3,700-4,100

3,300-3,600

3,400-3,700

Rice Shriram best(100 INR/KG)

4,600-4,800

4,800-5,000

Rice Shriram med (100 INR/KG)

4,200-4,400

4,400-4,600

Rice Basmati best (100 INR/KG) 9,500-13,500 Rice Basmati Medium (100 INR/KG)

5,000-7,500

Rice Chinnor best 100 INR/KG) 4,500-4,900 Rice Chinnor medium (100 INR/KG) Jowar Gavarani (100 INR/KG) Jowar CH-5 (100 INR/KG)

9,500-13,500

4,800-5,200

4,200-4,400

2,000-2,100 1,700-2,000

5,000-7,500

4,500-4,700 2,000-2,100

1,700-2,000

WEATHER (NAGPUR) Maximum temp. 34.2 degree Celsius, minimum temp. 20.1 degree Celsius Rainfall : Nil FORECAST: Partly cloudy sky. Maximum and minimum temperature would be around and 34 and 20 degree Celsius respectively.

Note: n.a.--not available (For oils, transport costs are excluded from plant delivery prices, butincluded in market prices) https://in.reuters.com/article/nagpur-foodgrain/nagpur-foodgrain-prices-open-october-4-2017idINL4N1MF1RK 13

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Select paddy varieties fall below MSP Oct 3, 2017, 12:36 AM; last updated: Oct 3, 2017, 12:36 AM (IST)

Labourers clean paddy at the grain market in Karnal. Tribune photo; Sayeed Ahmed Parveen Arora Tribune News Service Karnal, October 2 The arrival of paddy has been increasing by the day in grain markets with government procurement having already started.

Farmers with PR-13 and PR-21 varieties are not even getting the minimum support price (MSP) while PR-14 and Pusa-1509 varieties are getting a good response.

Around 3.7 lakh quintal of paddy arrived at the Karnal grain market till yesterday, of which 56,000 quintal had been procured by government agencies.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com The arrival was 2.23 lakh quintal during the corresponding period last year, of which 1.33 lakh quintal had been procured.

This year, the PR-13 variety was being procured at Rs 1,520 per quintal while the MSP was Rs 1,550. The PR-21 variety was being procured at Rs 1,550 per quintal compared to MSP of Rs 1,590. ―I brought the PR-21 variety from two acres, which fetched me Rs 1,550 per quintal. I have not been told the reason for a rate below the MSP,‖ said Rajinder Kumar, a farmer.

Puran Singh‘s PR-21 variety was procured at Rs 1,570 a quintal due to high moisture content. He said the government should develop a mechanism for transparency.

Rajbir, who brought the PR-13 variety from four acres, said his produce was procured at Rs 1,520 while the MSP was Rs 1,550.

He claimed that farmers were being cheated on the pretext of moisture. This should be stopped and farmers should be given the price of their produce.

On the other hand, the PR-14 variety had been getting a good response. It was being sold at Rs 1,650 per quintal with Rs 1,590 as its MSP. ―My PR-14 variety was procured at Rs 1,650. Last year, I had received Rs 1,450 for this variety,‖ said Joginder Kumar, a farmer.

Pusa-1509 was also fetching good returns for farmers than the past two years. It was being sold at between Rs 2,600 and Rs 2,700 per quintal. It was sold at between Rs 1,700 and Rs 1,800 last year. Sumit Kumar, a farmer, said his Pusa-1509 variety was procured at Rs 2,650 while it was sold at around Rs 1,700 last year.

When contacted, market committee secretary Asha Rani she she was not aware about this. ―If you give me names of farmers and commission agents, I will get it checked,‖ she stated

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/select-paddy-varieties-fall-belowmsp/476385.html

Vietnam eyes exporting rice, shrimp to Iran TEHRAN, Oct. 02 (MNA) – Vietnam intends to export rice and shrimp to Iran, and has voiced readiness to purchase fish powder, bone powder and meat from Iran.According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Iran‘s Deputy Agriculture Minister Hassan Salehi met with the head of Iran15

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Vietnam Trade Council to discuss the ways to expand bilateral trade cooperation in the area of agriculture.

During the meeting, Hassan Salehi elaborated on the actions taken to develop the relations between the two countries and voiced the readiness of Iran‘s Fisheries Organization for cooperation with Vietnam. He also announced the Vietnamese‘ cooperative activities in Qeshm and Bandar Abbas. Salehi invited Vietnamese companies to participate in the international fisheries exhibition of Iran which was welcomed by them. The head of Iran-Vietnam Trade Council referred to the establishment of an office in Qeshm, and announced their intention to purchase shrimp, Caviar and salmon eggs from Iran and build a factory for fish sauce production.

He also called for removal of obstacles to banking transaction as well as rice and shrimp exports to Iran. http://en.mehrnews.com/news/128277/Vietnam-eyes-exporting-rice-shrimp-to-Iran

Eye on China

By Jim Guinn

ARLINGTON, VA -- China, the world's largest producer and consumer of rice, is focused on increasing its already large share of rice cultivation and exports. In 2016/17, China's milled rice exports nearly tripled from the previous year driven by large shipments to many African 16

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countries on commercial terms as well as for donations. Ending stocks are forecast to increase to 6.1 million tons to 75.53 million tons (milled rice basis) more than 52 percent of annual usage and about 13 times the size of the projected 2017 U.S. rice harvest.

China also is expanding rice production beyond its borders. China has invested in a hybrid rice research center in Pakistan to enhance Pakistani rice production and exports to China via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The State Council's think tank, the China Center for International Economic Exchange, has recommended investments in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and additional investments in Pakistan to improve rice production and trade under the One Belt One Road initiative, China's global trading strategy. This increase in production could become a direct competition for U.S. long grain exports to China.

While the U.S. rice industry awaits access to this important market, there are additional issues that present challenges in China. The state guaranteed minimum purchase prices for paddy rice from farmers is set at above world market prices, as shown in the table below. With an ongoing

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The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is challenging China's high levels of support for producers of rice, wheat, and corn in the World Trade Organization (WTO), and legal arguments before a WTO dispute settlement are expected early next year. Additionally, USTR is also challenging the way that China administers tariff rate quotas for grain imports.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com Although China has signed a protocol to allow imports of U.S. rice, they first have to inspect U.S. export facilities before rice exports are a reality. In the meantime, USA Rice strongly believes there is a market for U.S. rice in China and thus is exhibiting at the Global Food & Hospitality Expo (HOFEX) in Shanghai this November to showcase the various types and forms

of U.S. rice.

Welfare card users stock up on rice, eggs, sauce and oil Welfare card users stock up on rice, eggs, sauce and oilKINGDOM GRIEVES national October 04, 2017 01:00

By THE NATION

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com New system has proven popular with low-income earners despite some early queues and minor hitches.

RICE, EGGS, cooking oil and fish sauce were the most popular items being purchased with the new welfare cash cards, according to Deputy Commerce Minister Sonthirat Sonthijirawong. But the Commerce Ministry has also found that there have been delays in some places because some registered users did not know the amount of credit on their cards, he said. The ministry has submitted a list of 15,489 participating shops for approval by the Comptroller General‘s Department, 5,000 of which are already equipped with devices to read the cards. Sonthirat also said the ministry would dispatch teams to organise Blue Flag product fairs at various sites later this week to accommodate demand.

On Sunday, 110,000 people – or 1 per cent of the 11.4 million registered low-income earners – used the cards to buy goods worth Bt90 million.

There were also between 200 and 300 purchases of bus tickets under the scheme on the same day.

Finance Ministry permanent secretary Somchai Sujjapongse said he would propose this month that the National e-Payment Committee give welfare-card holders entry into a monthly lucky draw featuring prizes worth Bt1 million, which would begin in November.

Meanwhile, Nakhon Ratchasima commerce official Thawatchai Laowiroon said the past two days had seen problems with the card-reading devices, including machine malfunctions and unstable Internet connections.

He said he had also heard reports that some shops that did not yet have card-reading devices had seized people‘s cards in exchange for goods, or had allowed people to take goods and owe them the money.

These actions could potentially cause the shops to be cut from the scheme, he said.

Meanwhile, in the northeastern province of Buri Ram, a large number of registered low-income earners crowded a Taweekit mall branch in Prakhon Chai district to buy commodities yesterday. Many were there for hours before the mall‘s opening time of 9.30am, according to a reporter who saw a long queue.

The mall, which is equipped with two card readers, is the only shop in the district participating in the scheme so far, and it has reportedly received at least 1,000 registered low-income customers per day since the card went into effect on Sunday.

The scheme is meant to help people registered as earning no more than Bt100,000 a year to cope with living costs.

People earning less than Bt30,000 a year get a Bt300 monthly allowance to buy commodities from Blue Flag or other participating shops, while those earning more than Bt30,000 but less than Bt100,000 a year get a Bt200 monthly allowance While registered people nationwide started to reap benefits of the card on October 1, those in Bangkok and seven nearby provinces will be able to use an additional chip in their cards for city bus transport starting on October 17.

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http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30328377

Farmers accuse rice millers of exploitation

By Express News Service | Published: 04th October 2017 02:34 AM | 21

www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com Last Updated: 04th October 2017 07:36 AM JEYPORE:Farmers of Koraput district have demanded the Civil Supply and Consumer Welfare Department to test the quality of paddy produced by them before handing it over to millers for custom milling.The demand comes in the wake of millers refusing to provide custom milled rice to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) stating that paddy procured from farmers is of inferior quality. Despite a State Government directive to submit the milled rice with FCI, millers have refused to do so stating that it would not meet the quality and quantity parameters set by the corporation.

According to reports, the Civil Supply Department procured 21 lakh quintals of paddy in the current crop season from the district and the stock was provided to 93 millers for producing rice. However, millers allegedly collected three to five kgs of paddy extra on every quintal from farmers in mandis citing that paddy is below fair average quality (FAQ) and the rice output would be much less. Farmers alleged that many millers collected extra paddy from them citing that this is the only way they could meet the FAQ and quantity norms. On the other hand, millers clarified that they are able to produce 61 to 62 kgs rice after milling a quintal paddy but the Civil Supply Department has asked them to provide FCI with 67 kgs rice from every quintal of paddy milled as a result of which, they are forced to collect extra paddy from farmers.

As the row between farmers and millers continues, the former have now sought intervention of the department to do a quality check of the paddy procured before sending the stock for milling. In a memorandum to the department, the Koraput farmers‘ body has alleged that they are facing a loss of three to five kgs of paddy on every quintal during procurement.The members stated that only after a quality test, the exact rice output after milling can be known and this will prevent exploitation of farmers at the hands of millers. Alleging that millers are making profits at their cost, farmers warned of hitting the streets if their demand is not met before the ensuing kharif season. http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2017/oct/04/farmers-accuse-rice-millers-of-exploitation1666527.html

Market fee hike: Millers not to purchase basmati for 2 days TNN | Oct 4, 2017, 07:37 IST

Bathinda: Upset over 1% hike each in market fee and rural development fund (RDF) charges, the Punjab Basmati Rice Millers Association (PBRMA) has decided not to make purchases of the aromatic crop on Wednesday and Thursday. The market fee and RDF now has been increased to 3% each.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com Basmati varieties -- Pusa 1121, Pusa 1509, 1401, Sunanghi and Sharbati -- have been sown in over 4.51 lakh hectares in the state this season.

Millers said nearly 20 lakh tonnes basmati was expected to reach mandis and at an average price of Rs 3,000 per quintal, the crop would fetch nearly Rs 6,000 crore.

They said with the increase in fees, millers have to pay approximately Rs 120 crore more in taxes and would be forced to realise the money from the farmers.

PBRMA president Bal Krishan and general secretary Aashish Kathuria said, "Punjab government has meted out injustice with basmati millers and farmers by increasing market fee and RDF fee. In neighbouring Haryana, millers have to pay 2% each as market fee and RDF fee and in Rajasthan there is only 1.6% market fee and no RDF. By paying more taxes we can never compete with millers of other states and have decided not to make any purchases on October 4 and 5 in protest against hike in taxes."

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/market-fee-hike-millers-not-topurchase-basmati-for-2-days/articleshow/60931510.cms

Palledars, transporters meet admn officials over pending payments Oct 4, 2017, 12:32 AM; last updated: Oct 4, 2017, 12:32 AM (IST Tribune News Service Bathinda, October 3 For better lifting and proper arrangements, the district administration today organised a meeting with palledars (porters) and transporters of the grain market. During the meeting, palledars warned the district administration that if their old pending bills were not cleared and if they were not given unloading wages, they would be left with no option but to stop the work.

Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Diprava Lakra attended the meeting with palledars, transporters and other officials.

During the meeting, sheller owners and transporters asked for clearance of their pending bills towards purchase agencies.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com Depu Shiv Lal, local president of the Punjab Pardesh Palledars‘ Union, Bathinda, said he had a contract and after June 1, he had not received any payment of loading, which is close to Rs 1.25 crore.

Shiv Lal said he had a contract of unloading in sheller and according to the new milling policy work of unloading had been given to sheller owners and due to this they would also be left with no option but to stop work.

DC Diprava Lakra told palledars that he would contact Chandigarh for the clearance of bills and he would also contact the director for revision of the milling policy.

During the meeting, a question was also raised that according to the policy, aarhtiyas would do the work of loading and sheller owners responsible for unloading, but officials were saying that work of unloading would be done by contractors of purchase agencies and administration would have to clear this.

District president of the Rice Millers‘ Association Purshotam Garg and local president Narayan Garg told to officials that this year quantity of paddy would be decreased, but lifting had been going with the increase of 10 per cent in sheller and due to this they will face lose.

They also demanded that administration should arrange paddy from outer districts to complete the loos to 10 per cent.

During the meeting DC Lakra told to officials that make sure about the government parameters of moisture. During the meeting, SDM Sakshi Sawney, ADC Shena Aggarwal and District Food Controller Amarjeet Singh were also present. http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/bathinda/palledars-transporters-meet-admn-officials-over-pendingpayments/476860.html

Engro Foundation R EC O R D ER R E PO R T

OCT 3RD, 2017

Established in 2009, Engro Foundation is the social investment arm of Engro Corporation - a large conglomerate active in the fertilizers, foods, energy, and petro-chemicals businesses. Engro Foundation is committed to the growth of sustainable communities in which people have opportunities for development. Since its inception, Engro Foundation has received continued support from the people of Germany through multiple German development organizations, 24

www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com including Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG) - which translates to German Investment and Development Corporation, and Deutsche Gesellschaft fĂźr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) - a German development agency that provides services in the field of international development cooperation.

Engro Foundation has collaborated with DEG for skills development and livelihood projects in the province of Sindh. These projects are co-financed by DEG from public funds of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The initiatives include training of female farmers and micro-entrepreneurs in the dairy value chain through the Strengthening Entrepreneurs and Dairy Stakeholders Network (SEaDS Net) Project. The project is being implemented in the Khairpur district, and has helped accelerate 50 women-led micro-enterprises.

Through support, these women entrepreneurs have experienced an income increase of up to 100%. More than 7,000 dairy farmers have also received training in better livestock management practices under the SEaDS Net project.

With the help of DEG, another farmer training project called Farmer Connect is also being implemented within Engro Fertilizer's value chain. The program aims at enhancing farm productivity of small farmers in rice-wheat crop areas of Punjab and Sindh through value-added farm advisory services. A grant by DEG is being used to train farmers on subjects like better crop management, zero tillage, water conservation, balanced nutrition, and ICT information.

These training are being conducted in the district of Tando Mohammad Khan, and have resulted in improvement for farmers by way of enhanced knowledge, yield, and profitability. DEG has also co-financed establishment of a mechanical laboratory at the Technical Training Center (TTC) in Daharki. TTC is a state of the art training facility located near the Engro Fertilizer plant. It was established to provide skills training to the local youth and focus on developing the local labor pool by training underprivileged youth in Diplomas of Associate Engineering.

Engro has also been involved in the crop agriculture value chain through its rice and fertilizer businesses. Given the farming sector's low level of productivity, Engro, together with GIZ, implemented the System Productivity Innovative Rice Trainings (SPIRIT) Project to improve yields and reduce the usage of water, as well as other resources. The SPIRIT project successfully improved agricultural productivity, efficiency, and livelihoods for 10,000 farmers & 1,200 agrifarm support persons by training them in the areas of resource conservation, water saving, plant population management, improved harvesting, and best crop management practices in the rice and wheat cropping system.

I am the Change (IATC) is another initiative of Engro Foundation, intended to pay tribute to and assist in the endeavors of local change agents who work tirelessly to bring betterment for Pakistan's most impoverished.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com Engro Foundation's mission is to include the underprivileged in Engro's value chains, enhance the lives of people in its communities, and engage with relevant stakeholders on skills training and community development for a sustainable Pakistan. To this end, each Engro Group company allocates 1% of its annual profit before tax to Engro Foundation. Engro Corporation passionately pursues value creation for all stakeholders, with its numerous investments designed to deploy inclusive business models in pursuit of integrated and inclusive growth for all who interact with our businesses.

Engro is grateful to German development agencies like DEG and GIZ, which have shown their commitment towards positively impacting lives in Pakistan. Continued partnership with these organizations is a testament to Engro Foundation's standing as a partner of choice for implementation of inclusive business projects in the agri value chain. With a firm belief that the relationship between the people of Pakistan and Germany will continue to grow stronger, Engro Foundation sends its best wishes to the People of Germany on this German National Day http://fp.brecorder.com/2017/10/20171003223149/

DA to build P302-million biotech center in Nueva Ecija

By Jasper Y. Arcalas October 3, 2017

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will construct a P302-million biotechnology center in Nueva Ecija, which will allow the government to improve crop productivity and create new crop varieties.

Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), an attached agency of the DA, said the bulk of the funding, or about P277 million, would be sourced from the Public Law (PL) 480 of the United States. The remaining P25 million would be shouldered by the PhilRice. ―The goal of constructing this center is to generate improved technologies, increase productivity and enhance commercial value of the DA‘s priority crops, such as rice, abaca, coconut, white and yellow corn, cotton, cassava, sweet potato, yam, tomato and eggplant,‖ Roel R. Suralta, head of the DA‘s Crop Biotechnology Center, said in a statement on October 3. ―Our submitted proposal was recommended by the DA and we were able to get P277 million for this project from the US food-aid program. The remaining P25 million came from PhilRice,‖ Suralta added, saying the Nueva Ecija facility would be the DA‘s biggest biotechnology center.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com Suralta, who is also the team leader of the Golden Rice project, added the budget will cover the construction of new buildings, purchase of state-of-the-art biotechnology equipment and laboratory furniture, and monitoring and evaluation of the project in coordination with the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries. ―The center will not only provide equipment and facilities, but also training and support to Filipino researchers who will venture in the field of biotechnology. It also aims to build a network among local and international researchers to sustain and continually advance biotechnology in the Philippines,‖ he said.

Enacted in 1954, the PL 480 refers to a US legislation, which mandates the US to use its agricultural productivity to enhance the food security of developing countries. https://businessmirror.com.ph/da-to-build-p302-million-biotech-center-in-nueva-ecija/

Chinese experts hold awareness sessions for hybrid rice cultivation APPOctober 03, 2017 ISLAMABAD: A group of Chinese hybrid-rice researchers and experts along with local scientists has visited more than 100 rice farms across the country under the ‗Travelling Rice Seminar‘ initiative.The travelling seminar was designed by Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) and Chinese Yuan Longping High-tech Agriculture Company and aims to boost hybrid rice cultivation in the country.

According to Programme Coordinator and Member Plant Science PARC Dr Anjum Ali, the experts also visited research stations, agricultural universities and seed outlets of different companies to exploit the cultivation of hybrid rice.

The Chinese experts travelled to Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan in order to create awareness about the cultivation of hybrid rice among growers.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com ―This was a month-long activity in which a group of hybrid rice researchers from China comprising 12 scientists trained the local scientists, seed producers and field extension departments of the provincial governments,‖ he added.

He said the main aim of this joint initiative is to enhance per acre crop productivity, increase profitability and produce surplus commodity for exports enhancement. ―In order to further enhance the local rice output, China and Pakistan have decided to work together for conducting joint awareness programmes to adopt hybrid rice seeds,‖ he added.

The Chinese scientists trained 30 Pakistani agriculture scientists who were selected from across the country.Dr Ali said the Chinese experts will also impart training to the members of the provincial field extension departments on hybrid rice cultivation.In addition, the activity will also help in capacity building of local experts from all over the country in order to promote hybrid rice techniques.

Road-shows and field visits were organised across rice-growing areas to address issues and challenges faced in promotion of hybrid rice seed, he added.He further said a revolutionary hybrid rice seed has been developed recently by the Chinese researchers, which would help Pakistani farmers to enhance significantly their per acre yield, hence the country would be able to export more rice, he added. https://www.dawn.com/news/1361298

A multitude of reasons for the fall in exports

By Web Desk on October 3, 2017

The government has finally conceded that the conflict between its trade and monetary policies was one of the key reasons behind the continuously declining exports, as nearly 45 products lost competitiveness in the international market since 2013.In a comprehensive report to parliament, the Ministry of Commerce candidly explained what went wrong with exports during the tenure of the current government.

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There is a long list of endogenous and exogenous factors that are affecting Pakistan‘s export competitiveness in the region.On the endogenous side the most important factor is the conflict between the tariff policy and monetary policy. Currency appreciation in relation to competitors like India and Bangladesh is affecting competitiveness. Moreover, import tariff on the export inputs has further added to the cost of production.

Secondly, Pakistan‘s exports are highly concentrated in limited items like cotton and cotton manufacturers, leather, rice and a few more products. These constitute more than 72 per cent of total exports during 2016-17 with cotton and cotton manufacturers alone contributing 60.1pc.

Besides this narrow export basket, exports are also dominated by primary and intermediate goods rather than value-added finished products; for instance 74pc of food items and 40pc textile exports are primary commodities.

In a comprehensive report to parliament, the Ministry of Commerce candidly explained what went wrong with exports during the tenure of the current government.There are also multiple supply side cons traints — severe shortage of energy supply, poor quality of infrastructure, outdated technology, lack of export culture, and weak contract enforcements.

Investment in export sectors has remained disturbingly low, as a cut-throat competition with emerging players such as Bangladesh and Vietnam has made margins fairly unattractive.

As a result of low levels of investment, exporters are not geared to position themselves against changing consumer preferences in partner countries.

Diversifying the export market is a major irritant in the enhancement of export proceeds. More than 50pc exports rely on only six markets — the United States, China, Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates, Britain and Germany.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com Trade potential in regional markets remained highly under-exploited. These markets are the natural extension of the domestic market due to similarity of consumption patterns, short lead time and low delivery costs.

A third factor is the low production of certain commodities that have a high local demand. For instance, local demand for cement has increased while its availability as surpluses reduced for exports purposes.

At a World Bank seminar on export competitiveness, Secretary Commerce Younus Dagha — while admitting that Pakistan‘s competitiveness has been under immense pressure for some time — said the government was taking all possible measures to transform the export-related challenges into opportunities.―Investment in human resource and agriculture is imperative to make our products more competitive in international markets‖, he said.

The commerce ministry report also listed exogenous factors that contribute in declining exports.

A major factor constraining export growth has been the slowdown in the economies of Pakistan‘s major importing partners— China, and the EU. Stagnation in these economies led to low demand for Pakistani goods.

According to the WTO, total world exports declined by 3.3pc in 2016. In a few of Pakistan‘s major importing partners‘ economies, a shift in demand has been noticed.

Secretary Commerce Younus Dagha said the government was taking all possible measures to transform export-related challenges into opportunities China has continued to reduce its demand for Pakistani yarn and fabric as competing countries are undercutting their prices significantly. Moreover, China is now more inclined towards hightech products instead of low-tech products like textiles and footwear.

A change in taste and preferences in global demand has also been seen. The market for manmade fibre products is expanding at a fast pace whereas Pakistan‘s textile exports remain predominately based on cotton.

Another factor hurting exports is the depreciation in major currencies. The Euro is approaching parity with the dollar and has depreciated 11pc since the start of 2015. As a result of this depreciation, Pakistan‘s exports competitiveness has been affected in the European market.

On the other hand, export of basmati and non-basmati rice varieties declined mainly because of a shift in demand from key markets like Saudi Arabia and UAE, away from Pakistani rice to other countries. The demand for cement also dropped mainly due to low demand from South Africa and Afghanistan.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com But contrary to these factors, SDPI Deputy Executive Director, Dr Vaqar Ahmad, explained the different dynamics of export competitiveness in Pakistan and said that to improve, both the public and private sector would need to collectively find solutions. ―These may include regulatory constraints faced by businesses, rising cost of doing business in several key sectors and anti-export bias seen in the prevalent tax and tariff structure‖, he said.

The limited entry of Pakistani enterprises in the global value and supply chains, insufficient trade facilitation measures as well as a lack of synchronised support from various government bodies at federal and provincial level, uncertain availability of export credit for small and medium enterprises, and an exchange rate regime — which is not based on economic fundamentals — were the key areas that needed work, Dr Vaqar said http://www.pakistankakhudahafiz.com/multitude-reasons-fall-exports/

Plans To Cut Down Rice Imports It Will Take At Least Five Years For Papua New Guinea To Start Producing Its Own Rice For Export And Feed For Its Eight Million People.

October 4, 2017 It will take at least five years for Papua New Guinea to start producing its own rice for export and feed for its eight million people.

This is according to Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Benny Allan.He noted that at present, the PNG Government spends about K600 million a year on rice imports, and there are now plans to cut down on this despite consumption of rice increasing five percent every year.

Mr Allan, in his response to Menyamya MP, Thomas Pelika, said there are at least five companies that are in the process of producing rice locally – one of which is Naime Rice.Mr Allan was taken to task by Mr Pelika during Question Time in Parliament last week about the government‘s plans to have rice grown locally and help with job creation for provinces like Menyamya.Mr Allan said that there are still some legal issues to sort out before the K7 billion Naime Rice takes its place and starts full operation, especially the quota and tax concession. ―Rice has become a staple food for Papua New Guineans, and PNG‘s biggest importer of rice is Trukai Industries Ltd, which is a big player,‖ he said.―There are 300,000 tons a year, and we spend more than K500 million on rice annually, and this government since last year is trying to have rice grown locally in PNG,‖ he said. ―In the rice industry in PNG, Trukai has been in the country for more than 47 years and holds more than 80 percent of the market. Trukai has started planting rice in the Markham Valley – 400 hectares involving the local people there, with support of the local member and will expand from 2000 hectares, and we expect to harvest about 20,000 tons,‖ Mr Allan said.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com ―We want to encourage all players to grow rice locally. We have other players coming on board – there‘s one, Homestate, and we have new interest also from Naime, which is trying to do rice production in Central. We have an agreement in place, and we are looking at that agreement closely. ―There are two issues raised, quota and tax concession, that we are looking at. Once done, we will have Naime on board. We want to encourage more local production. In terms of rice, we are already getting growers with an aim to increase local production.‖

http://postcourier.com.pg/plans-cut-rice-imports/

Zim splashes $107m on maize imports ZIMBABWE splashed $107 million on maize imports in the first eight months of the year at a time the country is boasting of a bumper harvest, latest trade data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) has shown.

BY MTHANDAZO NYONI This came as government indicated it had stopped issuing grain import permits in February and that no maize imports were allowed at the borders following a bumper harvest realised this year.However, data released by ZimStat showed that the country imported maize worth $107 million in the first eight months to August this year.The imports came despite government praising command agriculture, which was seen as an import substitution exercise.Command agriculture was unveiled last year to ensure food security and to reduce dependency on imports. It had a budget of $500 million under which it aimed to produce 2 million tonnes of maize from 400 000 hectares of land.

Contacted for comment, Agriculture deputy minister (cropping), Davis Marapira, said if those figures were not from his ministry, he would not take them seriously.―Zimbabwe stopped importation of maize in February 2017. Any delivery or deliveries that came after three or so months later were already paid for.

We can‘t import maize because all Grain Marketing Board depots are full now,‖ Marapira said. ―There is no reason for the country to continue importing maize. If those figures are not from my ministry, we don‘t take them seriously.‖Zimstat is the national statistics agency and a source of reliable data.The country is projected to harvest more than 2 million metric tonnes of grain, including small grains such as sorghum and millet, following good rains received this year.

On average, Zimbabwe needs about 1,8 million metric tonnes for consumption, including small grains such as millet and sorghum annually.During the period under review, the country also imported durum wheat and rice worth $63 million and $62 million, respectively.Most of the imports in the period under review were consumptive products such as bottled water, soap, mobile phone handsets, electronics, vehicle spares, vehicles, generators and second-hand vehicles.

In total, Zimbabwe‘s trade deficit narrowed by 27% to $1,4bn after imports amounted to $3,6bn, while exports trailed at $2,2bn.During the same period last year, the country‘s imports were $3,3bn against 32

www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com exports of $1,5bn, giving trade deficit of $1,8bn.For 2017, Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa has forecast a $1,5bn trade deficit https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/10/zim-splashes-107m-maize-imports/

Rice prices increase by 38 per cent on production drop TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2017 6:00

BY GERALD ANDAE

MARGARET WANGU AND JUDY WARUGURU PLANT RICE ON THEIR PADDY AT MWEA IRRIGATION SCHEME. PHOTO | BONIFACE MWANGI

A steep decline in rice production has pushed up the retail price by 38 per cent, piling pressure on households that are already grappling with the high cost of living in a sluggish economy.

A kilogramme of Pishori rice at Mwea Irrigation Scheme was Monday selling at more than Sh200 per kilogramme, up from Sh145 in January.Mwea is Kenya‘s largest irrigation scheme, whose performance impacts the volumes of the grain available in the market as well as the pricing.

The National Irrigation Board (NIB) said rice production at Mwea dropped from average yields of 830,000 bags in the season ended March last year to 498,000 bags in the season ended March this year, a 40 per cent decline.

This has seen the value of rice imports increase 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 kilo of Daawat Basmati rice was 33

www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com Monday selling at Sh237, Daawat Aromati (Sh217), Sunrice Mwea Pishori (Sh200) and Pearl Kenya Pishori (Sh249) at Nairobi supermarkets.

Also Read

―The cost of rice has been increasing since January following a drop in output at the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in the wake of a severe drought that affected the flow of water,‖ said Innocent Ariemba, a manager at the scheme.

Mwea accounts for 80 per cent of Kenya‘s rice production, making it a major determinant of the country‘s ability to meet annual demand.Kenya produces 150,000 tonnes of rice a year, leaving a 250,000 tonnes deficit that is met through imports.

NIB said River Thiba, whose flow on a normal season is six cubic meters per second, declined to two cubic meters per second late last year, reducing the amount of water at the scheme.

Mwea Irrigation Scheme requires a total flow of seven cubic meters for effective production, Mr Ariemba said.

NIB said it expected the situation to normalise from November when the crop that is currently on the farm is harvested.

In event of good rains, Mwea is expected to produce up to 95 per cent of the required yields in the current season that started in April and ultimately bring down retail prices.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com The drought, which took a toll on production early this year, has affected hundreds of growers who rely on the crop as their economic mainstay. With good rains, farmers in Mwea produce rice worth Sh7 billion a year.

Kenya‘s rice consumption has been growing at the rate of 10 per cent a year to stand at 400,000 tonnes, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

The acute shortage of rice comes at a time when research findings by Egerton University-based Tegemeo Research Institute indicate that rice is becoming an important staple due to changing lifestyles and growth of the middle income population.

The national rice development strategy had last year projected that by 2017 the demand for rice would surpass the current estimates of 400,000 tonnes.

NIB is about to start construction of Sh16 billion Thiba Dam in Mwea to create a reservoir that is expected to play a key role in addressing the challenges of water shortage as it seeks to maintain a stable supply of the produce http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/news/Rice-shortage-pushes-price-above-Sh200-a-kilo/5395464122016-7ipah3z/index.html

Rice hulls, fatty acid combo may help flush PEDv from feed mills

By Aerin Einstein-Curtis 03-Oct-2017 - Last updated on 03-Oct-2017 at 11:12 GMT PEDv has the potential to spread in feed or dust, but the use of a rice hull and medium chain fatty acid flush may help reduce disease presence in a feed mill, says a researcher. A team of researchers at Kansas State University has been examining the potential role for the flushing process when the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) has been found in a feed mill/ Jordan Gebhardt. corresponding researcher for the project, reported the team's findings at the American Association of Swine Veterinarians meeting in Denver, Colorado.The research is currently, however, being pulled together for peer review and publication, he said.

The team wanted to see if there was anything that could be done to reduce infection once a virus has got into a feed facility, he said.―Once [it is there] in a feed mill, what do we do about it?‖ he told FeedNavigator. ―Is there anything we can do to get it out [of the mill] or make the risk as low as possible?‖ Project details 35

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The project looked at the production process switch already in use in feed mills, such as the changeover to production of a medicated feed from a non-medicated feed run, said Gebhardt.

One technique used in that process is to flush feed or run another batch of feed between the medicated feed and the non-medicated feed.―A lot of the background and thought process is similar,‖ he said. ―We decided on rice hulls because it‘s a fairly low-cost ingredient, it‘s a carrier ingredient and [used in] vitamin premixes – and it‘s abrasive – potentially there‘s a level of abrasiveness when it runs through the equipment.‖Using a flush of treated rice hulls is also a more practical process than using wet decontamination in a commercial size mill, the researchers said.

The team ran a batch of feed that did not include the PEDv virus through its laboratory-size feed mixer to establish that the feed and equipment did not carry the virus, Gebhardt said. Then a batch of feed was inoculated with the virus and run through the machine, he said.That contaminated feed was followed by the rice hull flushes. The hulls used included regular rice hulls, hulls that been mixed with a commercial formaldehyde product and hulls mixed with a 2% or 10% medium-chain fatty acid blend (MCFA).

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com Samples of the dust generated by running feed and the rice hulls through the feed mill were taken multiple times, he said.

Dust contamination findings After the feed inoculated with PEDv went through the equipment, a following flush of untreated rice hulls was found to yield several samples that contained PEDv material, the researchers said.

Three of six samples taken had indications of the virus.

For samples of the rice hulls mixed with the formaldehyde product and collected, one in six was found to carry a presence of PEDv, they said. Two of six samples taken of rice hulls with 2% of the medium chain fatty acid mixture also showed PEDv traces.However, no PEDv RNA was found in the samples of rice hulls mixed with 10% MCFA solution, they said.

After the small-scale trial, a batch of feed inoculated with PEDv was run through a productionscale feed mixer and bucket elevator followed by a batch of rice hulls with 10% MCFA solution.

No PEDv RNA was found in samples of feed or rice hulls that were run through the system after the chemically-treated rice hulls, they said. But one of the samples taken from the rice hull and MCFA mixture used to flush the inoculated feed carried detectable amounts of PEDv. Additionally, dust collected from the equipment after the inoculated feed went through the system contained a large amount of PEDv RNA, they said. When given to pigs, it was found to be infective.

Although there was an expectation that the dust generated by the contaminated feed would contain the pathogen, it was a surprise to see how much was present, said Gebhardt. ―In the dust we collected, the ct value was slightly lower, meaning the presence of more genetic material in the dust than was in the feed,‖ he added.Dust samples collected following the MCFA rice hull flush carried a smaller amount of the disease RNA, the researchers said. That dust was not found to be infective.

However, it is too soon to say if the flushing process could be part of a process established to help decontaminate the facility, said Gebhardt. ―That‘s the million-dollar question – the way we collected the samples, all we can say is that the feed didn‘t contain genetic material,‖ he said. ―But we can‘t say that the equipment was decontaminated.‖ Additionally, more work would need to be done to refine the process, he said. ―At this point we don‘t have any definitive recommendations to how much to use, or how frequently, but there could be some benefit,‖ he added.

There are a lot of unanswered questions that remain, he said. ―But what it showed was that using rice hulls or other materials – potentially there is something we can do to minimize the chance of

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com disease.‖ However, Gebhardt said another area for attention would be on improving feed mill biosecurity to prevent a biological agent, like PEDv, from entering. ―Once a pathogen enters a feed mill it‘s very hard to get out,‖ he said. ―Potentially a solution to minimizing the risk is to implement procedures to keep it out in the first place. Veterinarians have been practicing biosecurity for decades – how to keep pathogens out at a farm level – it may be some of those thought processes in terms of keeping disease out that we could start to adopt.‖ https://www.feednavigator.com/Article/2017/10/03/Rice-hulls-fatty-acid-combo-may-help-flush-PEDvfrom-feed-mills

Global Organic Rice Market Report Analysis (Years 2011-2017) and Market Forecast (Years 2018-2023)

By Pravin October 3, 2017

Global Organic Rice Market Report Analysis and Forecast up to 2023 Global Organic Rice market research report highlights vital frameworks of Organic Rice industry that includes market favourable circumstances, objectives, tendencies, drivers, and concerns. It also throws a light on growth rate, current and fresh news of the Organic Rice market along with different crucial industrial developments, top leading Organic Rice industry players, and product modernization. Global Organic Rice report covers different provisions and regions and gives the market share of Organic Rice industry covering each region.

Correlation between the current market tendencies and competing regions along with leading market players are covered in the Organic Rice report. Different challenging market segments of Organic Rice industry are also highlighted in the report.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com The report titled ‗Global Organic Rice market‘ quotes out basic propulsive enforcements of the Organic Rice industry that will be fruitful for the end-users. Different business patterns, cautions, and the sector structures, its purchasing benchmarks and adversities faced are also cited in the Organic Rice research report. Further, it covers the scope of the Organic Rice industry, its magnitude, and application in different areas. The overall revenue produced all over the globe and division of basic products according to their types determines the entire market size of the Organic Rice industry.

Global Organic Rice market is principally divided into dominant marketing players, applications, product types, and leading geographical zones. Vital company details such as company profiles, product specifications, price and sale of the product, product description, and contact information of also mentioned in the report.

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Organic Rice market separation on the basis of geographical zones: The Organic Rice market is escalated over the globe which includes Latin America (Middle and Africa), North America (Mexico, Canada, and the USA), Asia-Pacific (Korea, Japan, China and India). Asia-Pacific countries such as India and China will show advancement in the Organic Rice market thus increasing the number of job opportunities. North America has shown a tremendous increase and technological expansion in Organic Rice industry over last few decades. Other European countries including Russia, France, Germany, Italy and the UK is also covered in the Organic Rice market research report.

Global Organic Rice market Company Coverage (Main Products,Price, Sales Revenue, Gross Margin): Doguets Rice Randallorganic Sanjeevani Organics Kahang Organic Rice RiceSelect Texas Best Organics 39

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Global Organic Rice market separation on the basis of Applications Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Different Demand Market, Consumer Profile etc.): Direct edible Deep processing

Global Organic Rice market separation on the basis of Product Types Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Major Vendors of Type etc.): Polished glutinous rice(sticky rice) Indica(long-shaped rice) Polished round-grained rice https://hitechexaminer.com/2017/10/global-organic-rice-market-report-analysis-years-2011-2017-andmarket-forecast-years-2018-2023/

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Agricultural research examines environmentally-conscious practices

By Emily Moore

Oct 4, 2017 No-till farming, an agricultural technique being studied at K-State — combined with other practices — has the potential to help reduce agricultural impacts on carbon emissions by as much as one gigaton, Chuck Rice, distinguished professor in agronomy, said. Carbon emissions contribute to the greenhouse gases that warm the planet. ―A combination of no-till, cover crops, crop rotations could sequester one gigaton of (carbon), which is the equivalent to 800 million cars,‖ Rice said.

An almost 30-year research project conducted at K-State finds agricultural practices that help to offset carbon emissions. One practice is no-till farming, and the research on it was spearheaded

by Rice.

Rice said the research began in 1989. The idea behind no-till agriculture is to not disturb the soil.The remains of old crops and vegetation are left on the field, helping hold in more moisture.

The additional moisture promotes microbial growth within the soil. These microbes will help the soil be more capable of absorbing carbon, which is part of the idea of carbon sequestration.

Much of this idea is present in Rice‘s research, and he said it can help with water erosion as well. ―Managing the soils, even a small change can make a huge benefit to the atmosphere,‖ Rice said. ―Plus, then you get the benefits of water retention, and when it‘s covered, there‘s less erosion, so it‘s actually better for soil quality by less disturbance or by increasing carbon in the soil.‖ Rice said this research — partnered with other projects also being done at K-State, such as research on grazing systems — could show ways for agriculture to become carbon neutral, or

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com close to it. This means the agricultural system would be taking in at least close to as much carbon as it is putting out. ―A combination of reducing nitrogen oxide emissions in ag cropland and grazing systems by promoting carbon storage in soil, [then] ag could almost be carbon neutral,‖ Rice said.

One reason this particular project is noteworthy is its unusual length within its field. Rice said having a study spanning almost 30 years is rare. The length of the project has allowed Rice and his colleagues to examine factors such as yield rates.Results like this are part of what Johanie Rivera-Zayas, graduate student in agronomy, said she loves about the job. ―At the end of the year, you can get a lot of results that go to the field,‖ Rivera-Zayas said. ―It‘s results that go to extension are results that we can apply, that people use, and we can see the changes in the farm. We can see the changes in the food security of our town or our city. It‘s very rewarding.‖ K-State is involved in several research projects involving the environment. These projects range from water quality and quantity to research on grazing system effects. Rice said climate change research even spans across colleges, and many different departments are taking part. ―K-State is actively engaged in climate change research, both here in agronomy [and] biology with the Konza Prairie,‖ Rice said. ―Both these projects I described, we are looking at the social components as well. We have faculty in sociology that are working on this issue. It really takes a multidisciplinary team to look at these issues from agronomy, ag economics, sociology, biology.‖ In fact, both Rice and Daniel Devlin, director of the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment and the Kansas Water Resources Institute, said K-State is a key player in climate change research.―We play a major role in the state on environmental protection, conservation,‖ Devlin said. ―Recommendations come out of K-State for a lot of these, for environmental protection around agriculture.‖Rice said the end results of these practices are still positive, even from the point of view of those who do not believe in climate change.

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www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com ―Working in ag, you don‘t have to agree with the concept of climate change, but by improving soil and increasing water availability, it‘s still a good thing,‖ Rice said.Devlin said he has a dream in which students who are majoring in agriculture now take the elements of preserving the Earth and put them to regular practice. ―I hope that when [K-State students] become the leaders, that they just look at environmental protection as just another part of their business, just like choosing a seed or choosing what variety they‘re going to plant of crop or how much fertilizer they‘re going to apply or what kind of tillage they have,‖ Devlin said. ―They look at the environment as just another one of those things and not so much as a challenge, just another part of it.‖ http://www.kstatecollegian.com/2017/10/04/agricultural-research-examines-environmentally-consciouspractices/

DA to build P302-million biotech center in Nueva Ecija

By Jasper Y. Arcalas October 3, 2017

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will construct a P302-million biotechnology center in 43

www.ricepluss.com | www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com For Online/Newsletter Advertisment mujahid.riceplus@gamil.com Nueva Ecija, which will allow the government to improve crop productivity and create new crop varieties.Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), an attached agency of the DA, said the bulk of the funding, or about P277 million, would be sourced from the Public Law (PL) 480 of the United States. The remaining P25 million would be shouldered by the PhilRice.―The goal of constructing this center is to generate improved technologies, increase productivity and enhance commercial value of the DA‘s priority crops, such as rice, abaca, coconut, white and yellow corn, cotton, cassava, sweet potato, yam, tomato and eggplant,‖ Roel R. Suralta, head of the DA‘s Crop Biotechnology Center, said in a statement on October 3. ―Our submitted proposal was recommended by the DA and we were able to get P277 million for this project from the US food-aid program. The remaining P25 million came from PhilRice,‖ Suralta added, saying the Nueva Ecija facility would be the DA‘s biggest biotechnology center.

Suralta, who is also the team leader of the Golden Rice project, added the budget will cover the construction of new buildings, purchase of state-of-the-art biotechnology equipment and laboratory furniture, and monitoring and evaluation of the project in coordination with the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries. ―The center will not only provide equipment and facilities, but also training and support to Filipino researchers who will venture in the field of biotechnology. It also aims to build a network among local and international researchers to sustain and continually advance biotechnology in the Philippines,‖ he said.

Enacted in 1954, the PL 480 refers to a US legislation, which mandates the US to use its agricultural productivity to enhance the food security of developing countries. https://businessmirror.com.ph/da-to-build-p302-million-biotech-center-in-nueva-ecija/

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