October 09 ,2018 Vol 9 ,Issue 10
1|www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
GOVT ACCEPTS DEMANDS, RICE MILLERS END STRIKE
Hindustan Times (Amritsar)
8 Oct 2018
HT Correspondent letterschd@hindustantimes.com
KARNAL: Bowing to pressure from striking rice millers and dealers, the Haryana government on Sunday assured them that no physical verification of millers will be done during the procurement. Following the assurance from minister of state for food and supplies minister Karan Dev Kamboj during his meeting with representatives of Haryana Rice Millers and Dealers Association, the rice millers ended the indefinite strike they had started on Saturday. Following the assurance from minister of state for food and supplies minister Karan Dev Kamboj during his meeting with representatives of Haryana Rice Millers and Dealers Association, the rice millers ended the indefinite strike they had started on Saturday. ―The government has accepted the demand of the rice millers and withdrawn the new decision of physical verification during procurement and 5% bank guarantee of the total purchase of new rice millers. They have now agreed to cooperate in the procurement process,‖ the minister said after the meeting with millers‘ association. https://www.pressreader.com/india/hindustan-times-amritsar/20181008/281685435796434
Food Crops From Corn to Rice Are Seen at Risk From Warmer Change By Jeremy Hodges October 8, 2018, 4:04 PM GMT+5
UN report finds risk to yields for corn, wheat, rice, soybeans
Scientists say they underestimated climate impact on farmin Farming food crops of all kinds is likely to become more difficult as global temperatures increase, depressing yields for corn, soybeans, rice and wheat.
2|www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
That‘s the bleak assessment set out by a United Nations panel of scientists gathered to assess the impact of a climate change. It warned the world is 1 degree Celsius (1.8 Fahrenheit) hotter than it was at the start of the industrial revolution and is on track to warm 3 degrees by the end of the century. The global corn crop may shrink by 10 percent if temperatures rise 1.5 degrees, a threshold the panel expects may be reached by 2035. There‘s a similar threat for other food crops, along with a hit to livestock from cattle to pigs both because of higher temperatures and the threat to food supplies for those animals. ―If we do not keep climate change to below 2 degrees, we face more and more disruption to food supplies,‖ said Tim Benton, a professor of ecology at the University of Leeds in northern England. ―Almost every country depends on food grown elsewhere. A drought in one place can impact food prices anywhere. As weather becomes more extreme, there is the risk of increasing volatility in food supply and prices.‖ Hotting up African corn yields could reduce by 20% if temperatures continue to rise Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Global Warming of 1.5°C The report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published Monday in Incheon, South Korea, suggested increasing pressure for higher food prices in the coming decades as more extreme weather makes growing conditions increasingly difficult. For example, just this year a drought in major wheat growers from the European Union to Australia has sent prices on a surge. Squeeze Coming Climate change will add to strain on food prices, which are already headed for a squeeze as the global populationbooms. The UN estimates there will be 11.2 billion people on the planet by the end of the century, more than a third higher than the 7.6 billion in 2017. The biggest impacts on crop yields won‘t be confined to just the poorest countries in the world. From the Mediterranean to the Amazon, local crops will be harmed -- including olives and grapes. Even under 2 degrees of warming, losses of 8 percent to 14 percent are projected in global corn production. Any higher than that would push losses to about 20 percent in some parts of the world. There‘s a risk of a doomsday scenario where crops collapse completely in some areas, the report said. There will be a one-third decline in per-capita crop production in Southeast Asia if it‘s 2 degrees hotter, while in west Africa significant reduction in crop yields may cause serious regional food shortages, according to the report.
3|www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
Envoys at the 2015 Paris Agreement talks asked the IPCC to study what it would take to limit warming to 1.5 degrees instead of the previous 2-degree target. The scientists concluded that carbon dioxide emissions should be cut 45 percent by 2030 from 2010 levels then reduced to zero by 2050. Should global warming tip over 3 degrees Celsius rice crops in South East Asia would become less nutrient rich by an amount that‘ll harm the health of up to 600 million people who rely on the crop as a staple, scientists suggest. ―Previous assessments may have underestimated how sensitive natural and human systems are to climate change,‖ the IPCC wrote in the report. — With assistance by Agnieszka de Sousa https://www.bloomberg.com/
Sindh asks Centre to include two projects in CPEC KARACHI: The Sindh government has requested the federal government to include a desalination plant for Karachi and a project related to the Rice Canal in Larkana in the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. The provincial government believes that a desalination plant can provide a long term solution for the persisting issue of water shortage in the provincial capital. According to sources in the Sindh government, there is likelihood that the project will be included in the CPEC. Installation of a desalination plant will turn seawater into an alternative source of water for the province which will help the government deal with non-availability of water in the river system. Lining of Rice Canal is another project that has been proposed by the Sindh government for inclusion in CPEC. The Rice Canal is an off-taking canal on the right bank of the Sukkur Barrage. The canal, which commands an area of nearly 5,200 acres, has been allowed to discharge 10,659 cusecs of water. https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/378112-sindh-asks-centre-to-include-two-projects-in-cpec
4|www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
Flooding Threatens Nigeria's Rice Production GNA
ABUJA, Oct. 05, (Xinhua) - Nigeria will likely experience shortage in rice production if appropriate measures are not taken to replant after the recent floods, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Audu Ogbeh warned Thursday.The floods have affected some major rice producing states, the minister said in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, adding that the country might experience a scarcity of rice, if the issue was not addressed."We have to find out a way to assist farmers, who were affected by the flood," he told a meeting of farmers. "There are different varieties of rice that are being produced at National Agricultural Seed Council like faro 66 and 67, which are flood tolerant," he said. "We hope to get them into the field in large quantity for farmers to plant in the near future," the minister said. Heavy rains have been hitting Nigeria since late July, triggering massive floods in some states. Livestock and other properties, including some 100 hectares of farmland, were either washed away or submerged. Meteorologists forecast the heavy rainfall would continue in large parts of the country over the next few weeks.
5|www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
According to the latest data by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), at least 108 people were killed by the flood and 192 others wounded. Sanni Datti, the spokesman for NEMA, confirmed to Xinhua that some 122,600 hectares of agricultural land were damaged and more than 13,000 houses had been destroyed by the devastating flood. https://www.modernghana.com/news/888135/flooding-threatens-nigerias-rice-production.html
Indian rice exports to Saudi boosted by quality checks agreement Basmati rice exports from India to the Gulf region account for threequarters of total Indian rice exports The Saudi authorities would study the guidelines set by other countries including Japan before finalising their own guidelines, which are not expected to be as stringent as that of the EU or the US. India and Saudi Arabia are understood to have amicably sorted out contentious issues related to the latter‘s decision to subject imported food items to mandatory quality checks by bringing in guidelines on maximum residual level (MRL) of pesticides in food items imported into the country. The breakthrough came about after India sent a high level delegation to Riyadh last week to hold discussions with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) over the proposed guidelines to be followed on the maximum level of pesticide residues allowed in food items, especially in rice, according to Government and industry sources. According to official sources, SFDA officials conveyed to the Indian side its decision to frame its own guidelines on MRL, ―keeping the human safety aspect as its basic criteria‖. ―We are very happy with the outcome of our discussions with the SFDA and we really thank them for their understanding of our genuine concerns on the issue,‖ Vijay Setia, president of the All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA), told Arabian Business. Setia was part of the Indian delegation which was headed by a senior official of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development (APEDA), a Government body under the central commerce ministry. 6|www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com , mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
SFDA is expected to frame its guidelines on MRL on pesticides and fungicides in 4-5 months, Setia said. The Saudi authorities would study the guidelines set by other countries including Japan before finalising their own guidelines, which are not expected to be as stringent as that of the EU or the US. Pesticide residue levels The SFDA decision will come as a major relief to India‘s rice industry, as there was serious apprehension in India whether the Saudi authorities would follow the stringent European Union (EU) or the US guidelines on the MRL for food products, instead of coming up with its own guidelines. Saudi government authorities had decided earlier this year to subject import of food items such as Basmati and non-Basmati rice, buffalo meat and a few other food items for quality check to test for pesticide residue levels in them. However, in the absence of clear cut guidelines on MRL by the SFDA, customs authorities in Saudi were often applying the highly stringent EU and US guidelines on rice export consignments from India, leading to cancellation of several export consignments, according to top honchos of leading rice producing companies. Besides, the fees for testing and quality certification for consignments were adding to the overall cost for Indian exporters, making rice exports to Saudi less remunerative. The situation has led to a significant fall in export of rice, especially the high value Basmati rice from India to Saudi since mid this year. Annual rice exports to Saudi alone were in the region of 7-8 lakh tonnes. Indian authorities were eager to sort out the quality issues related to food items with the SFDA, as the Indian rice exporters were also apprehensive of whether the Saudi government decision would influence the UAE authorities also to follow suit. Basmati rice exports from India to the GCC region were to the tune of about 3 million tonnes in 2017-18, accounting for three-quarters of total Indian rice exports. In value terms, total Basmati rice exports from India was about Rs 26,000 crore (approx $3.6 billion) in FY18. Indian rice exporters feel that both the US and EU guidelines are actually ‗non-tariff‘ restrictions as their norms on MRL do not confirm to medical facts or toxicology records.
7|www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
In fact, Setia pointed out that the MRL guidelines by EU and the US are not only fixed in an arbitrary manner but in fact are contradictory in the cases of some of the pesticides and fungicides. For instance, the MRL for tricycazole is fixed at 0.01 mg/kg by the EU, the same is allowed at a higher level by the US, while that of IPT is fixed vice versa. This showed these norms are set not based on scientific basis, Setia said. A senior executive at KRBL, a leading producer of Basmati rice in India, told Arabian Business even Japan, which is majorly a rice eating country, is not so stringent in its guideline on MRLs for rice. The contradictory norms set in EU and the US MRLs have been causing problems for Indian rice producing companies in educating their farming partners on proper use of pesticides in their crops. ―Farmers cannot cultivate rice in different ways for different countries,‖ the KRBL executive said. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/politics-economics/405755-indian-rice-exports-to-saudiboosted-by-quality-checks-agreement
Rice harvest nearly complete, yields and quality better than expected AGRICULTUREBUSINESS
by George Jared (gjared@talkbusiness.net) October 7, 2018 4:32 pm
Arkansas rice farmers have fought unusual weather this year and the assumption was that yields and quality would suffer, but at this point in the harvest that hasn‘t been the case, rice agronomist Dr. Jarrod Hardke told Talk Business & Politics. About 80% of the crop has been harvested statewide, and the majority of the remaining rice in the ground is in Northeast Arkansas, the primary rice growing area in the state, he said. Harvest progress is on par with the five year averages, but is behind what farmers have gathered in recent years, he said. Hardke predicts yields to be in the 163-164 bushel per acre range, slightly down from last year when it was 166.4 bushels per acre, the third highest ever in the state. The final fields to be harvested are typically planted later in the growing season and have
8|www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
historically
caused
yields
to
decline
at
the
end
of
the
harvest,
he
added.
―Things are finally going well, … this sunshine has helped a lot,‖ he said. ―Yield and quality have been good so far. Hopefully, it‘s a trend that will continue.‖ Farmers and agriculture industry leaders feared an unusually cold spring, and intensely hot summer, and unrelenting rains at critical moments in the season would cause yields and quality to drop. Recent rains delayed the harvest, and the longer the crop stays in the field the more problems that can develop, Hardke said. During the next several days, the weather conditions are predicted to be sunny and clear with little chances for precipitation, according to the National Weather Service. Rain chances are expected to increase towards the middle of next week and temperatures are expected to drop as a cold front moves into the Arkansas Delta Region. Farmers will be working round the clock to clear fields before a new round of rains begins, Hardke said. Arkansas farmers were projected to grow 1.4 million rice acres this season, an uptick from 2017 when about 1.161 million acres were planted. It was 47.1% of all rice acres planted in the U.S., according to the B.R. Wells Arkansas Rice Research study issued by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Those acres accounted for 82.6 million hundredweight of rice, and it represented 46.4% of the 178.2 million hundredweight produced in the country. During the last three years, Arkansas has accounted for more than 47% of the nation‘s total rice production, the report found. Per acre,
9|www.riceplusmagazine.blogspot.com mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
farmers had a yield of 164.4 bushels per acre or 7,400 pounds. It was the third highest yield on record in the state and a 570 pound per acre uptick from 2016. Rice is grown in 40 of Arkansas‘ 75 counties and is predominately grown in the eastern section of the state. The first rice crop was grown on a single acre in Lonoke County in 1902, although there are reports of the crop in the state before the Civil War, according to historians. Rice acres steadily grew from then and by 1955 the federal government initiated a set of controls capping the number of rice acres at 500,000. Controls were lifted in the 1970s, and the number of rice acres continued to grow. The state set its all-time rice acreage record in 2010 when farmers planted 1.785 million acres. https://talkbusiness.net/2018/10/rice-harvest-nearly-complete-yields-and-quality-better-than-expected/
Rice imports may hit 2.4-M tons, second biggest on record Enrico Dela Cruz, Reuters Oct 08 2018 07:47 PM | Updated as of Oct 08 2018 07:48 PM MANILA - The Philippines will allow major rice retailers to import up to 350,000 tons of the grain, its agriculture minister said on Monday, potentially bringing the country's total purchases this year to 2.4 million tons, the second highest on record. The Philippines, which buys rice from neighbors Vietnam and Thailand, is aggressively boosting purchases to replenish storm-hit stocks and tame high prices that have helped push inflation to the highest in nearly a decade. This year's approved purchases would mark the largest rice imports by the Southeast Asian country since 2010, when shipments reached a record 2.45 million tons amid fears of shortages following spikes in global food prices. Expectations of new orders from the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan helped lift rice export prices in Thailand last week, traders said. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel PiĂąol said the National Food Authority (NFA) has "approved in principle" the trade ministry's proposal to allow retailers to ship in additional volumes to boost supplies and reduce high prices of the staple. The 350,000 tons that retailers can bring in would be on top of the 750,000 tons that the NFA is set to import before the end of the year. The NFA has already bought 500,000 tons of rice earlier this year, and private traders were allowed to ship in up to 805,200 tons under an annual quota scheme. PiĂąol has blamed rice hoarders for the price spikes, but some have also criticized the NFA for not importing rice promptly to prevent the shortage in government stocks.
10 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
"The NFA council will no longer tolerate a messy rice industry," PiĂąol, who now chairs the council following a revamp, told reporters. "We will have to put things in order, we will have to protect the consumers and at the same time, ensure that the farmers are also given their rewards if they produce good quality rice." The Philippines imports around a tenth of its annual rice consumption, with the annual paddy rice crop of about 19 million tons often at risk from an average of 20 typhoons that hit the country each year. More than 250,000 tons of paddy rice were destroyed by Typhoon Mangkhut in September, government estimates showed. https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/10/08/18/rice-imports-may-hit-24-m-tons-second-biggest-on-record
Philippines' rice imports may hit 2.4 mln T, second biggest on record October 08, 2018, 05:19:00 AM EDT By Reuters
By Enrico Dela Cruz MANILA, Oct 8 (Reuters) - The Philippines will allow major rice retailers to import up to 350,000 tonnes of the grain, its agriculture minister said on Monday, potentially bringing the country's total purchases this year to 2.4 million tonnes, the second highest on record. The Philippines, which buys rice from neighbors Vietnam and Thailand, is aggressively boosting purchases to replenish storm-hit stocks and tame high prices that have helped push inflation to the highest in nearly a decade. Expectations of new orders from the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan helped lift rice export prices in Thailand last week, traders said. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol said the National Food Authority (NFA) has "approved in principle" the trade ministry's proposal to allow retailers to ship in additional volumesto boost supplies and reduce high prices of the staple. The 350,000 tonnes that retailers can bring in would be on top of the 750,000 tonnes that the NFA is set to import before the end of the year. The NFA has already bought 500,000 tonnes of rice earlier this year, and private traders were allowed to ship in up to 805,200 tonnes under an annual quota scheme.
11 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
Pinol has blamed rice hoarders for the price spikes, but some have also criticised the NFA for not importing rice promptly to prevent the shortage in government stocks. "The NFA council will no longer tolerate a messy rice industry," Pinol, who now chairs the council following a revamp, told reporters. "We will have to put things in order, we will have to protect the consumers and at the same time, ensure that the farmers are also given their rewards if they produce good quality rice." The Philippines imports around a tenth of its annual rice consumption, with the annual paddy rice crop of about 19 million tonnes often at risk from an average of 20 typhoons that hit the country each year. More than 250,000 tonnes of paddy rice were destroyed by Typhoon Mangkhut in September, government estimates showed. https://www.nasdaq.com/article/philippines-rice-imports-may-hit-24-mln-t-second-biggest-onrecord-20181008-00116
Vietnamese rice now top quality on the international market VNA MONDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2018 - 8:40:26
Vietnamese rice exports have never experienced a rise quite like that just seen in the first nine months of 2018. Notably, high quality rice accounted for 80 percent of all rice exported, helping to lift the average export price to more than 500 USD per tonne, surpassing Thailand and an unprecedented move in the sector‘s exporting history. To become a regular rice supplier for world famous supermarket chains such as Walmart and Cosco, the rice sector had to overcome numerous barriers in order to meet the strict requirements on rice quality.According to experts, the domestic rice sector will continue to be eventful with high demand for imports while the supply from other foreign rice export countries remains limited. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, local rice enterprises should increase effective productivity, pushing the title of Vietnamese rice on the international market, while keeping in line with increasing value through quality. –VNA https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnamese-rice-now-top-quality-on-the-international-market/139647.vnp
12 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
Philippines to import 250,000 tons of rice By Trung Chanh
Sunday, Oct 7, 2018,00:45 (GMT+7)
Farmers harvest rice in the Mekong Delta region - PHOTO: TRUNG CHANH CANTHO – The National Food Authority of the Philippines has issued an invitation to a tender, expected to take place on October 18, for importing 250,000 tons of 25% broken rice under government-to-private (G2P) contracts, according to the Vietnam Food Association in an announcement to local food traders. Nguyen Trung Kien, vice chairman and general secretary of the association, has issued Document 410/CV/HHLTVN announcing the Philippines‘ tender to encourage local food traders to take part in the tender. No restrictions have been imposed by the Philippines on the origin of the rice or the types of enterprises permitted to attend the tender. This means both private and State firms are eligible to join the tender, and the deadline for putting their names down to join the tender is October 17. The Philippines intends to divide the volume of 250,000 tons of 25% broken rice into nine tender packages. The reference price set by the Philippines is US$431.2 per ton, inclusive of the insurance, freight and delivery to the designated warehouses. The payment will be made 30 days after the buyer receives the original legal documents.
13 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
Earlier, the Philippines in May opened a tender to import 250,000 tons of rice under G2P contracts, but Vietnamese traders failed to sell any rice to the Philippines, as Thailand offered better prices and won the tender. However, Vietnam secured a deal on May 4 to supply 130,000 tons of rice to the Philippines at a bidding session, under government-to-government rice contracts. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development show that outbound Vietnamese rice sales brought in US$2.5 billion for some five million tons of rice over the JanuarySeptember period, up 8.5% in volume and a whopping 23.2% in value year-on-year. In particular, the rice shipment to the Philippines over the January-August period surged by 67.4% year-on-year. https://english.thesaigontimes.vn/63217/philippines-to-import-250000-tons-of-rice.html
Vietnam pockets 2.5 billion USD from rice exports in nine months VNA MONDAY, OCTOBER 08, 2018 - 14:35:00 PRINT
Vietnam exports nearly 5 million tonnes of rice in the first nine months of 2018 (Source: VNA)
14 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam shipped nearly 5 million tonnes of rice abroad in the first nine months of this year, earning 2.5 billion USD, up 8.5 percent in volume and 23.2 percent in value yearon-year, statistics show. China remained the largest importer of Vietnamese rice, accounting for 23.2 percent of the total, according to the Agro Processing and Market Development Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The price of the grain during January-August was averaged at 504 USD per tonne, a year-onyear rise of 14.6 percent. Markets posting surges in the price included Indonesia, Iraq, the Philippines and Malaysia. Analysts predicted that the domestic rice market would thrive in the fourth quarter of this year thanks to increasing demand from such importers as the Philippines, the Republic of Korea (RoK), Nigeria and Egypt. Egypt has recently agreed to import 1 million tonnes of white rice from Vietnam in the next three to four months after it reduced some the area for the cultivation of the grain due to a lack of water. Typhoon Mangkhut, which hit the Philippines in mid-September, caused a loss of around 250,000 tonnes of rice in the country, thus leading to a year-on-year increase of 15-20 percent in its rice price. Therefore, the Philippine Government is expected to soon buy in via both G2G and B2B contracts to supplement for the national stockpile and stabilise domestic rice price. The RoK has also declared to import additional 350,000 tonnes of rice for domestic reserves and international assistance. In Nigeria, floods damaged 21,000 hectares of rice, which can produce 168,000 tonnes of rice, also resulting in a spike in domestic rice price. Although its government has banned rice imports since the beginning of this year, it may soon buy in due to limited domestic supply. According to Nguyen Quoc Toan, acting Director of the Agro Processing and Market Development Authority, there is a competition in price with Thailand and India, as their
15 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
domestic currencies‘ weakening against the US dollar has caused a fall in local rice prices. In addition, China‘s permission of 19 Indian companies‘ exports and its signing of a contract on the purchase of 10,000 tonnes of rice with Thailand also make the export of Vietnamese rice to China tougher, Toan added.-VNA https://en.vietnamplus.vn/vietnam-pockets-25-billion-usd-from-rice-exports-in-nine-months/139670.vnp
Indian rice exports to Saudi boosted by quality checks agreement Basmati rice exports from India to the Gulf region account for three-quarters of total Indian rice exports The Saudi authorities would study the guidelines set by other countries including Japan before finalising their own guidelines, which are not expected to be as stringent as that of the EU or the US. India and Saudi Arabia are understood to have amicably sorted out contentious issues related to the latter‘s decision to subject imported food items to mandatory quality checks by bringing in guidelines on maximum residual level (MRL) of pesticides in food items imported into the country. The breakthrough came about after India sent a high level delegation to Riyadh last week to hold discussions with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) over the proposed guidelines to be followed on the maximum level of pesticide residues allowed in food items, especially in rice, according to Government and industry sources. According to official sources, SFDA officials conveyed to the Indian side its decision to frame its own guidelines on MRL, ―keeping the human safety aspect as its basic criteria‖. ―We are very happy with the outcome of our discussions with the SFDA and we really thank them for their understanding of our genuine concerns on the issue,‖ Vijay Setia, president of the All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA), told Arabian Business. Setia was part of the Indian delegation which was headed by a senior official of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development (APEDA), a Government body under the central commerce ministry.
16 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
SFDA is expected to frame its guidelines on MRL on pesticides and fungicides in 4-5 months, Setia said. The Saudi authorities would study the guidelines set by other countries including Japan before finalising their own guidelines, which are not expected to be as stringent as that of the EU or the US. Pesticide residue levels The SFDA decision will come as a major relief to India‘s rice industry, as there was serious apprehension in India whether the Saudi authorities would follow the stringent European Union (EU) or the US guidelines on the MRL for food products, instead of coming up with its own guidelines. Saudi government authorities had decided earlier this year to subject import of food items such as Basmati and non-Basmati rice, buffalo meat and a few other food items for quality check to test for pesticide residue levels in them. However, in the absence of clear cut guidelines on MRL by the SFDA, customs authorities in Saudi were often applying the highly stringent EU and US guidelines on rice export consignments from India, leading to cancellation of several export consignments, according to top honchos of leading rice producing companies. Besides, the fees for testing and quality certification for consignments were adding to the overall cost for Indian exporters, making rice exports to Saudi less remunerative. The situation has led to a significant fall in export of rice, especially the high value Basmati rice from India to Saudi since mid this year. Annual rice exports to Saudi alone were in the region of 7-8 lakh tonnes. Indian authorities were eager to sort out the quality issues related to food items with the SFDA, as the Indian rice exporters were also apprehensive of whether the Saudi government decision would influence the UAE authorities also to follow suit. Basmati rice exports from India to the GCC region were to the tune of about 3 million tonnes in 2017-18, accounting for three-quarters of total Indian rice exports. In value terms, total Basmati rice exports from India was about Rs 26,000 crore (approx $3.6 billion) in FY18. Indian rice exporters feel that both the US and EU guidelines are actually ‗non-tariff‘ restrictions as their norms on MRL do not confirm to medical facts or toxicology records.
17 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
In fact, Setia pointed out that the MRL guidelines by EU and the US are not only fixed in an arbitrary manner but in fact are contradictory in the cases of some of the pesticides and fungicides. For instance, the MRL for tricycazole is fixed at 0.01 mg/kg by the EU, the same is allowed at a higher level by the US, while that of IPT is fixed vice versa. This showed these norms are set not based on scientific basis, Setia said. A senior executive at KRBL, a leading producer of Basmati rice in India, told Arabian Business even Japan, which is majorly a rice eating country, is not so stringent in its guideline on MRLs for rice. The contradictory norms set in EU and the US MRLs have been causing problems for Indian rice producing companies in educating their farming partners on proper use of pesticides in their crops. ―Farmers cannot cultivate rice in different ways for different countries,‖ the KRBL executive said. https://www.arabianbusiness.com/politics-economics/405755-indian-rice-exports-to-saudiboosted-by-quality-checks-agreement
HERE‘S THE VERDICT ON IF RICE IS HEALTHY, INCLUDING THE BATTLE BETWEEN BROWN VERSUS WHITE GOOD FOOD ALEXA TUCKER, OCTOBER 8, 2018
Photo: Stocksy/Lumina
Across the globe, rice is a major food staple—it‘s been a mainstay in countries like Japan and India for thousands of years, and it‘s still hard to argue with its versatility in modern kitchens. But is rice healthy? Well, it depends on who you‘re asking, and what kind of rice you‘re asking about. The two types that pop into your head are probably brown rice and white rice. Brown rice is a whole grain, and it contains three parts: the bran (the outer layer), the germ (the tiny embryo), and the endosperm (the starchy part of the grain). In brown rice, the bran and germ are kept around for their fiber and nutrient content.
18 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
―White rice has had the bran and germ removed,‖ says Los Angeles-based dietitian Patricia Bannan, MS, RDN, author of Eat Right When Time Is Tight. That basically leaves the endosperm, which is what you think of when you picture a grain of white rice.
White rice versus brown rice It seems like common knowledge that brown rice is ―better‖ for you than white rice, and in many ways, that‘s true. ―Rice is not all created equal—brown rice varieties have more natural nutrients [like] fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein, and white rice varieties have been stripped of the natural nutrition and need [nutrients] like B vitamins to be re-fortified,‖ says Nashville-based dietitian Jenny Beth Kroplin, RD, LDN, CLC. This means that white rice isn‘t considered a whole grain like brown rice is, and it‘s no secret that whole grains win out over refined carbohydrates in a healthy diet. But there‘s more to the argument than ―white rice is bad, brown rice is good.‖
PIN IT The nutritional low-down on other rice varieties For one, there‘s no shortage of rice varieties around the globe. White rice and brown rice are actually pretty broad categories. In fact, ―there are over 120,000 varieties of rice worldwide and they are categorized by degree of milling, kernel size, starch content, and flavor,‖ says Bannan. Jasmine rice and basmati rice are common grocery store finds with different flavor profiles, and they each come in brown rice and white rice versions. Other popular rice varieties actually have unique (and sometimes superior) health benefits compared to the ―regular‖ stuff. One of the best picks is black rice (it surpasses brown rice in the health benefits department), says Kroplin. ―Commonly called ‗forbidden rice,‘ it is the most nutritious rice in the rice family—it‘s high in fiber, antioxidants, protein, and iron,‖ she says. ―However, it is highest in calories, so portion control should be carefully considered.‖ Red rice is another option. ―It has a unique color due to its anthocyanin content, which also provides a big boost of antioxidants,‖ says Bannan. Other common rice varieties aren‘t actually rice. ―Wild rice is one of the most nutritious [options]—it‘s actually a semi-aquatic grass native to North America,‖ says Bannan. ―It‘s high in protein, low in fat and sodium, a good source of fiber, and provides vitamins and minerals.‖ So while it‘s not technically rice, it looks a whole lot like it, and it has some similar benefits.
19 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
Overall, there‘s a lot to love about most kinds of rice (including white rice, believe it or not). But there are also a few drawbacks to keep in mind—even brown rice isn‘t perfect. Here‘s what you need to know about rice‘s pros and cons.
Benefits of rice 1. Rice is a quick energy source. Unless you‘re a ketogenic diet follower, carbs are a good thing—the Dietary Guidelines for Americans say that the macronutrient should make up about 45 to 65 percent of your daily calories (and they suggest that at least half of that should be whole grains, like brown rice, says Kroplin). Carbs are your body‘s main fuel source, and as rice is broken down into sugar and enters your bloodstream (like all carbs do), the glucose is shuttled to your cells to power up your activities. Brown rice is digested more slowly due to its fiber content, whereas white rice will spike your blood sugar more quickly. While that‘s generally not a great thing, white rice can actually be a better choice for athletes who need an easily digestible fuel source before a race or event. 2. Rice is generally safe for people with food sensitivities. ―Rice is the least allergenic of all grains,‖ says Bannan, which makes it a good choice for people who have food sensitivities or allergies (or even just suspect they might). It‘s naturally gluten free (although those with Celiac disease should read the label to make sure it was processed in a GF-friendly facility), and as of now, any rice you can buy is also GMO-free. 3. Brown rice is a good source of fiber. While the hull is stripped from white rice, brown rice is an excellent source of fiber, which helps to lower inflammation, improve gut health, and boost metabolism. In fact, this fiber content may be to thank (at least in part) for some of the health benefits of brown rice overall. ―Research shows brown rice helps reduce the risk of chronic disease and certain cancers, and it plays a role in weight management,‖ says Bannan. 4. Rice is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Rice has more than 15 vitamins and minerals, says Bannan. ―Some of the nourishing nutrients brown rice contains are key B vitamins, phosphorus, selenium, and magnesium, and just one cup of cooked brown rice can meet a large portion of daily manganese needs,‖ says Kroplin. While brown rice is naturally higher in these nutrients, white rice is often enriched with them along the way (like B vitamins and iron). So, while it‘s been processed, white rice isn‘t necessarily nutritionally void.
Drawbacks of rice 1. Measurable levels of arsenic have been found in rice. ―There is recent research suggesting that rice can contain arsenic levels, primarily in brown rice since it accumulates in the outer layer of the rice,‖ says Kroplin. ―A Consumer Reports study found measurable levels of arsenic in all 60 varieties of rice tested.‖
20 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
Arsenic is a toxic carcinogen, and exposure has been linked to several types of cancer (among other major health issues). Unfortunately, there‘s no FDA regulation on how much arsenic is allowed in food, so it‘s important to be mindful of how much rice you‘re eating and where it‘s from, says Kroplin. ―I would suggest buying brown rice primarily from California, India, or Pakistan, where arsenic levels have been found to be one-third less [than other places],‖ she says. Try to steer clear of rice from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas, which have some of the highest levels of arsenic, she adds. 2. Brown rice may reduce your body’s ability to absorb other nutrients. ―Brown rice contains the ‗antinutrient‘ phytic acid,‖ says Bannan. Phytic acid, or phytate, is an antioxidant compound found in plant foods. It‘s considered an antinutrient because research has found that it can get in the way of your body‘s ability to absorb nutrients like calcium, iron, and zinc (among other vitamins and minerals). Because phytic acid is found in bran, this is only an issue with brown rice—so white rice doesn‘t contain the antinutrient. 3. Rice has a relatively high glycemic index. While the energy your body gets from rice is a good thing, there is a dark side to it. Rice has a high glycemic index, meaning it spikes your blood sugar quickly, which can lead to crashes (cue: fatigue, headaches, and cravings). This is a bigger issue with white rice, since it doesn‘t contain much fiber to slow down this spike. ―[Brown] rice is comprised of complex carbohydrates that are more slowly digested than simple sugars, allowing the body to maintain more consistent long-term energy levels,‖ says Bannan.
So, is rice healthy? Ultimately, rice can absolutely have a place in a well-balanced eating plan. While white rice isn‘t necessarily bad, both Bannan and Kroplin recommend going for brown rice over white rice thanks to its fiber content and better nutrient profile. That said, keep in mind how often you‘re eating brown rice—while it‘s safe in moderate consumption, says Kroplin, arsenic levels should definitely be a consideration. And if you‘re looking for an easily digestible fuel source (or you‘re concerned about antinutrients), don‘t be afraid to choose white rice once in a while. Now that you know where rice stands on the healthy food spectrum, here’s the verdict on if acai bowls are healthy and the 411 on flaxseed, another nutritional powerhouse.
HOW TO REAP THE BENEFITS OF RAW GARLIC WITHOUT CRYING ABOUT IT 21 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
M ER C EY LIV INGS TON , OC TOB ER 6, 2018 Photo: Unsplash On the list of pungent-yet-healthy foods (apple cider vinegar shots, onions, tuna) raw garlic may just top the list. Besides the obvious concerns (can you say garlic breath and B.O.?), it‘s not exactly one you often hear about being good for you. But it turns out, not only is garlic full of benefits, but the best way to reap the rewards is by eating it raw. Ariana Lutzi, ND, naturopath and nutrition consultant for Bubs Naturals says garlic is one of the most accessible healthy foods to eat. ―Garlic is packed full of nutrients and adds intense flavor to any dish. It‘s the most potent when used in its raw form,‖ she says. Besides delivering a nutritional boost, Lutzi says it can also help kick nasty infections, too. ―Garlic fights all types of infections—fungal, bacterial, parasitic, and viral—regulates blood sugar, lowers blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol, to name a few.‖ Who knew all of these benefits could be packed inside such a small (and smelly) herb? Keep reading to find out more on the health benefits of raw garlic, plus tips on how to use it to reap all the benefits. PIN IT Photo: Stocksy/Melanie Riccardi Health benefits of raw garlic Alejandro Junger, MD, founder of the Clean Program, a 30-day cleanse program that celebs like Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow are a fan of, encourages people to eat a clove of raw garlic per day while on the cleanse. Junger writes in his book Clean, that raw garlic ―will help not only to eliminate bad bacteria, yeast, and parasites, but also to regulate blood sugar levels, enhance fat burning, reduce hunger sensations, lower cholesterol, relieve arthritic pain, and reduce bowel gas.‖ Here are some other health benefits of the veggie, amplified when raw as cooking dulls some of its nutrient-density: 1. A nutrient powerhouse: Garlic is fill of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, manganese, selenium, vitamin c, iron, potassium, and copper. 2. It’s anti-inflammatory: Garlic contains allyl sulfides, an anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting compound that studies have shown to slow the growth rate of cancer cells. 3. It’s good for your liver: Studies have shown that it can protect the liver from some toxins, and help lower blood sugar levels.
22 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
Side effects Eating raw garlic is not as easy at it sounds, FYI. For starters, it can be super intense and even cause a burning sensation once you start chewing it. And Lutzi says other potential side effects include ―gastrointestinal burning or irritation, heartburn, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.‖ Um, yikes. ―It can produce changes in intestinal flora,‖ she adds. People taking certain medications should proceed with caution since raw garlic can potentially react with some drugs including anticoagulants, antiplatelet, hypoglycemic, and insulin. If you‘re on other meds it‘s always a good idea to talk with your doctor before incorporating any kind of supplement or herb (like raw garlic) into your diet, FYI. All of this is to say, experiment with your raw garlic intake. Go small and if it seems to agree with your body, awesome. If not: this veggie just isn‘t for you—and that‘s okay. Since the potential side effects of eating raw garlic sound less than ideal, there are (thankfully) lots of different ways you can get all of the benefits of eating raw garlic, without well, having to chew an actual clove of garlic, detailed next. Usage ideas One way to make raw garlic go down a bit easier is to slice the clove into thin slices and sandwich them between apple slices, as Dr. Junger suggests in Clean. The apple will help cover up the pungent flavor, and mixing the garlic with another food will make the whole experience a lot more tolerable. According to Lutzi, you can try cutting the clove into four small pieces and swallowing whole like a pill to avoid the pungent effect from chewing it. Some other ideas for eating raw garlic include:
Mince a garlic clove and toss into your salad or salad dressing Make garlic toast, like this blogger, by mincing the raw garlic, and then mix with some ghee or butter, and spread on toast Make a ACV garlic tonic (see recipe below) Add to soups or juice with other veggies
Dr. Lutzi‘s Healthy Healing Herbal Tonic 1. Roughly chop multiple cloves of garlic and add to small mason jar. 2. Fill at least one-fourth of the jar full of chopped garlic. Next, pour in equal parts honey and apple cider vinegar, enough to cover the garlic. 3. Let this mixture sit in a dark pantry or cupboard for at least a week, shaking daily. 4. After a week, strain out the garlic or leave in for a more robust concoction. Take one tablespoon daily for immune defense throughout cold and flu season.
23 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
These three foods are the worst offenders for your metabolism, according to Jillian Michaels. And find out why this health coach says flaxseed is the OG superfood. https://www.wellandgood.com/good-food/is-rice-healthy/
SRP for rice expected to be in place by late Oct. October 8, 2018 | 10:27 pm
PHILSTAR By Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio GOVERNMENT agencies will implement a suggested retail price (SRP) for all varieties of rice starting the last week of October, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said on Monday. ―By the last week of October, the DA (Department of Agriculture), DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) and the NFA (National Food Authority) will implement an SRP program for rice. The price range will be determined in a meeting to be held on Oct. 18 with stakeholders, millers and farmers,‖ Mr. Piñol told reporters after his meeting with the NFA Council. The agreed SRPs are: P39 per kilogram for regular-milled rice, P42 for well-milled rice, and P44 for long-grain rice. The SRP is subject to seasonal adjustment.
24 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
Mr. Piñol also said all retailers of rice are required to sell four varieties, which must be clearly labeled. ―Last week of October, all rice sold in retail outlets will be properly identified as local rice or imported rice. There will only be four classifications: regular well-milled, well-milled, whole grain head rice, and special rice. Under these classifications, the retailer would classify the rice variety, but we will not anymore do branding of rice, like Sinandomeng, like Dinorado. We believe this will put everything in order in the rice supply chain,‖ Mr. Piñol said. ―There is no such thing as Sinandomeng. On the Dinorado, that will have to be classified as special rice. The imported rice will be classified as imported rice and should not be priced higher than the local rice,‖ he added. Mr. Piñol said that the NFA will not regulate the price of special rice which includes brown rice and organic rice, as this would be determined by the sellers. The Philippine Rice Research Institute also developed RC160, which Mr. Piñol said he hopes to be classified under special rice, and can be sold at P25 per kilo. Mr. Piñol also said that these rice varieties should be sold in sealed packets and not in open boxes by the middle of 2019, with each pack having a label which indicates the classification, date of harvest, date of milling, the producer, and the miller. The label should also bear the logos of DA, NFA and DTI, and indicate that the rice conforms to the quality standards set by the three agencies. ―This is for food safety and traceability,‖ Mr. Piñol said. https://www.bworldonline.com/srp-for-rice-expected-to-be-in-place-by-late-oct/
Traders to import more rice 25 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
NFA okays 350K tons, hikes palay buying price to P20.70/kilo October 08, 2018 at 10:19 pm by Othel V. Campos
The National Food Authority Council on Monday approved the importation of 350,000 metric tons of rice by major retailers to form part of the country‘s rice reserves.
Harvest time. Farmers in Carigara, Leyte, thresh newly harvested palay. Carigara town is considered as rice granary in Region 8. As an incentive to rice farmers, the National Food Authority Council approved an increase in the NFA’s palay buying rate effective Oct. 12, 2018. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the council adopted the proposal of the Department of Trade and Industry provided that ―the DTI and its partners will not sell the rice beyond P38 per kilo.‖ The council also approved a national procurement program that raises the amount that the government will pay farmers for their palay or unhusked rice.
26 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,
―The NFA council will no longer tolerate a messy rice industry. We will have to put things in order, we will have to protect the consumers and at the same time, ensure that the farmers are also given their rewards if they produce good quality rice,‖ he said. The program, which will be launched Friday, Oct. 12, keeps the P17 per kilo buying price for palay, but adds incentives of P3.70 a kilo to bring the maximum buying price to P20.70 a kilo. Farmers who sell palay at 14 percent moisture content are entitled to the incentive, while associations or cooperatives that bring in paddy rice will get machinery and farm equipment like tractors, harvesters, and even solar-powered irrigation systems as incentives, depending on the volume. ―All these will be done in provinces where the buying price for palay is low to ensure that farmers will not be disadvantaged even when the government and private sector embark on a huge importation program to stabilize the price of rice in the market,‖ Piñol said. All palay procured by the government in 2018 harvest season will be used to beef up the government‘s buffer stock for 2019 as part of the program to create well-stocked and stable rice reserves. During the Monday meeting, the NFA Council also approved the proposal of the Trade department to start a rice distribution program in partnership with the private sector. http://www.manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/277502/traders-to-import-more-rice.html
27 | w w w . r i c e p l u s m a g a z i n e . b l o g s p o t . c o m mujahid.riceplus@gmail.com
,