7th July, 2014
Chinese COLOR SORTER as low as Pak Rs 22 Lakh Only A Time Limited Offer Contact: Cell: 0300 414 3493
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
Share developments in RICE and allied sectors, Promote the Concept of Knowledge Economy Dear Sir/Madam,
YOUR IDEA has a great worth---JUST share it through RICE PLUS 10000+ stakeholders of rice industry read & apply various ideas and analysis written by the authors.
Be the part of Rice plus authors Visit: www.ricepluss.com,www.publishpk.net mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com riceplus@irp.edu.pk
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
TOP Contents - Tailored for YOU Latest News Headlines…
Fascinating insight into rice breeding in the Philippines Agency seeks bigger budget for rice R&D DA claims rice output grew by 2.7 MT in 3 years Guyanese police strip protesting rice farmer Blame NFA for repacks’
News Headlines…. Fascinating insight into rice breeding in the Philippines By Contributor on 04 July 2014
Nuffield scholar Finola McCoy reports from a fascinating visit to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banõs, Philippines.
The first visit of our Nuffield Global Focus Programme was to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banõs, Philippines. While my knowledge of rice is pretty limited (and not least my cooking abilities) it was
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
really interesting to gain an insight into agriculture and research in developing countries, and also to see that there may be more similarities with "western world farming" than we might realise.IRRI was established in 1960 by the Philippino government, with the support of the Ford and Rockerfeller foundations. Rice is the staple diet of 50% of the world's population, and of over 70% of the world's poor. In Asia, the average annual consumption of rice is 80kg per person! And in countries of poverty that figure can be as high as 160kg per person per annum as rice is often the only food source available. The mission of IRRI is to reduce poverty and hunger, improve the health of rice farmers and consumers and ensure the environmental sustainability of rice production. However, with about 140 million farmers growing rice on about 140 million hectares globally, and with minimal consolidation of land, how do you modernise in this environment? Plant breeding has been one of the most significant changes, starting a "Green Revolution". In the 60's average rice yields were 1.5 tonne/hectare. Through the breeding and introduction of dwarf varieties, yields increased to 4 tonne/hectare. However, the ongoing challenges to rice production and development are not too dissimilar to challenges in Ireland - labour, land and water. While you might think more water is better when it comes to growing rice, IRRI have in fact developed a strain of rice to try and withstand the destructive flood conditions that are becoming more common in many rice-growing regions. This "Scuba Rice" can survive complete submergence for two weeks without affecting yield, and is now being used by over 6 million farmers. Through plant breeding, strains of rice are being developed that contain both drought and flood resistance features.For me, the most impressive part of the visit was the International Rice Genebank. When IRRI was established over 50 years ago, a gene bank was set up in order to gather, catalogue and protect the various lines of traditional, modern and wild rice varieties from around the world. This demonstrated the incredible foresight of the institution, and was a very progressive approach, particularly in an era when communications, technology and logistics were not what they are now. Currently there are over 121,000 different lines of rice seeds banked, from over 120 countries, with an extremely comprehensive database. The database catalogues the source, characteristics, and location of the seeds in the germbank. Seeds are stored in two collections - a 'base' collection at -20 degrees for long term storage. In these conditions seeds should remain viable for 100 years. The second, an 'active' collection, is kept at 2-4 degrees, will remain viable for 20-30 years and is used for distribution. Replicate seed stock is also stored in two other 'seedbanks' on two different continents for added security. If any country ever needs rice seed stock for research purposes, or in the event of a natural disaster the IRRI Genebank will supply the required seed free of charge. That's what I call planning for the future!
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
A general view of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Banõs, Philippines.
Agency seeks bigger budget for rice R&D By Ronnel W. Domingo |Philippine Daily Inquirer 12:16 am | Saturday, July 5th, 2014
The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is seeking a bigger budget for rice research and development, citing studies showing that the country’s R&D spending has been lower than those of neighboring countries.PhilRice noted that based on the 2009 World Competitiveness Yearbook, the Philippines allocated only 0.12 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) to R&D.In comparison, Malaysia and Thailand allocated 0.64 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively, of their GDP.“Increasing budget for rice R&D means not just improved rice production, but also better livelihood outcomes for Filipino farmers,” PhilRice Executive Director Eufemio T. Rasco Jr. said in a statement.According to the Washington DC-based International Food Policy Research Institute and the Bangkok-based Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions, Philippine spending on R&D increased by only 3 percent to $133 million in 2008 from $129 million in 1996.
Over the same period, R&D spending in Vietnam—from where the Philippines is now sourcing a big chunk of its rice imports—rocketed by 270 percent to $86 million from $23 million.PhilRice, citing data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), noted the impact of increased public spending on R&D on rice productivity.In Vietnam, rice yield dramatically went up to 4.89 tons a hectare in 2008 from 3.77 tons/ha in 1996.PhilRice said that a 2007 external review conducted to assess the impact of the agency’s activities showed a 75-percent net return on investment.This means that farmers have benefited from the cost-reducing and yieldenhancing technologies developed by PhilRice.
DA claims rice output grew by 2.7 MT in 3 years by Bernie Magkilat July 5, 2014 The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the country’s rice output grew by 2.7 million metric tons from 20102013. Assistant Secretary for Field Operations and concurrent director of the National Rice Program Edilberto de Luna said rice production rose from 15.7 million metric tons (MT) in 2010 to 18.4 million MT in 2013.“For the past three years, our rice production grew by an average of 900,000 MT yearly,” de Luna said.De Luna said
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
the growth can be attributed to the DA’s proper interventions, among them investing in public goods like irrigation facilities and small water impounding dams.He added the DA also provided the needed support in so far as technology and technology dissemination is concerned.“The farmers promptly responded and adopted the proper technology, resulting to increased yield,” De Luna said.According to De Luna, the DA also helped the farmers in getting credit and insurance policies. The DA also provided the necessary machineries and postharvest facilities. According to the authors of “Securing Rice, Reducing Poverty”, research and development contributes to 25% yield growth in rice. The book is authored by then Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Director and now National Economic and Development Authority Chief Arsenio Balisacan among the authors.Balisacan and associates highlighted the need for increased budget in rice R&D by closing the yield gaps. The authors noted yield gaps in rice are attributable to weeds, pests, and diseases, which can very well be addressed by stepping up initiatives on rice research.Historically, however, research expenditure as a proportion of GDP allocation in the Philippines on R&D has oftentimes been inferior to its neighbors. Citing data from the 2009 World Competitiveness Yearbook, UPLB’s Prof. Teodoro Mendoza said the Philippines allocated only 0.12% of its GDP to R&D. Malaysia and Thailand allocated 0.64% and 0.20%, respectively.Meanwhile, a report by the International Food Policy Research Institute based in Washington, D.C. and the Bangkok-based Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions notes the rather slowpaced improvement in public spending on R&D in the Philippines relative to other countries.In their July 2013 report, Vietnam is reported to have increased its public spending on R&D by over 270%: from $23M in 1996 to $86M in 2008. The Philippines’s spending, on the other hand, showed only a 3% increase from $129M in 1996 to $133M in 2008.Consequently, using data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, it can be said that increase in public spending on R&D does have an impact on rice productivity.This is true in the case of Vietnam where rice yield dramatically increased. From 3.77 tons/ha in 1996, Vietnam’s rice yield went up to 4.89 tons/ha in 2008, making it the second highest rice producer in the region next only to China.In a paper titled “Investments in Research, Development, and Extension: Implications on TFP” by PhilRice economists Sergio R. Francisco and Flordeliza H. Bordey, the “pervasive and persistent underfunding in public agricultural Research Development and Extension (RD&E)” was noted. Francisco and Bordey wrote under investment in agricultural R&D slows down productivity.In 2007, an external review conducted to assess impact of PhilRice shows a 75% net return on investment. This means that farmers have benefited from the cost-reducing and yield-enhancing technologies developed by PhilRice.Increasing budget for rice R&D means not just improved rice production, but also better livelihood outcomes for the Filipino farmers, said PhilRice Executive Director Eufemio T. Rasco Jr.
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
Guyanese police strip protesting rice farmer Saturday, July 05, 2014 | 1:52 PM
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) - -Rice farmers in Guyana marched and blocked roads on Friday in protest against the late payment of fees for crops sold to millers.During the protest it's alleged that police stripped one of the protest leaders on the Essequibo coast.“My pants was torn down. I was almost naked and all my privates were exposed," said Chairman of the Paddy Farmers Association, Naith Ram.One newspaper on Saturday splashed a photo on its front page of Ram, who is also a regional councillor for parliamentary Opposition party, Alliance for Change, standing on the roadway clad only in an open shirt with pants and underwear at his ankles, purportedly after the police stripping.Police said crowds, at various points of the protest, hurled bottles and stones at officers who then retaliated with tear gas.Although the lawmen said no arrests were made, there have been unconfirmed late reports of persons being taken into custody. Late Friday there were still fires at the district of 'Land of Plenty', causing roads to remain impassable as demonstrators vow to remain until they get satisfactory responses."We will stay whole night till [President Donald] Ramotar or [Dr Roger Luncheon] come here,� one rice farmer, who identified himself as Bhim Singh, told a newspaper.While rice millers, who the protesting farmers accuse of frequent late payment, are usually large businessmen, there is a strong relationship with government that not only lays down regulations but also seeks export markets for the Guyanese staple.
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874
Blame NFA for repacks’ By Rio N. Araja | Jul. 05, 2014 at 12:01am THE Philippine Farmers’ Advisory Board (PFAB) on Friday said repacking National Food Authority (NFA) rice has been practised since Oct. 1, 1989.At a news conference after PFAB’s third quarterly meeting, national chairman Edwin Paraluman, along with vice chairman Katho Moreno, blamed NFA for witholding a new guideline issued on Jan. 21, 2014 prohibiting the re-bag of rice and sale as commercial rice.Of 5,000 bags of repacked NFA rice and seized on Thursday in a rice mill in Marilao, Bulacan, 1,500 sacks came from 19 PFAB members, he told reporters.PFAB cooperative-members, including mill operator Roberto Paulenco and his wife, were not aware and had never been consulted, said Paraluman. NFA administrator Orlan Calayag revised Memorandum 89 on the guidelines for the Farmer’s Incentive Rice purchase program issued on Oct. 1, 1989.“PFAB made delivery of palay from September to December 2013 under Memorandum 89, while the rice (stock) has been released to millers just now,” Paraluman said.“We have not been informed about the revision of the old guidelines that led to the confiscation of sacks and sacks of repacked NFA in Marilao, Bulacan.”PFAB is a group of national and regional farmers’ organizations consulted by NFA in policy decisions.“If only we knew about the new guideline, we would have stopped the repacking of NFA rice,” Paraluman said.
For Advertising SPECS & RATES
Contact: Advertising Department Mujahid Ali mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com +92 321 369 2874
Daily Rice E-Newsletter by Rice Plus Magazine www.ricepluss.com News and R&D Section mujajhid.riceplus@gmail.com Cell # 92 321 369 2874